March 21, 2023 – New Brunswick – The Government of New Brunswick achieved an important milestone today by announcing an investment of $2.1 million to improve access to diabetes devices. The province will be expanding the insulin pump program by removing the existing age cap, updating the family contribution calculation, and including coverage for continuous glucose monitoring. Prior to this announcement, insulin pump coverage in New Brunswick did not extend beyond age 25 and there was no public coverage for advanced glucose monitors. Further details of this expanded coverage, including eligibility, will be known at a later date.
JDRF Canada’s #AccessForAll campaign works to improve life for all Canadians living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) by making diabetes technology affordable and accessible. By encouraging greater public coverage, JDRF works with the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for life-sustaining technology. These devices help ease the financial, physical, and mental health burdens associated with the disease.
It is estimated that 7,900 people live with T1D in New Brunswick and daily management of blood glucose is essential to their survival. Constant monitoring of blood glucose is a reality of this disease and must be balanced with external insulin administered through injections or use of an insulin pump. Even with the most careful management, those living with T1D are at risk of serious diabetes-related complications such as kidney disease, blindness, amputation, and even death.
“JDRF Canada is thrilled with this announcement out of New Brunswick, which is improving the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes. As we all know, type 1 diabetes does not end at age 25 and it is a relentless, lifelong disease that requires continual self-management to survive. We applaud the Government of New Brunswick for recognizing this and the value of innovation in diabetes technology by removing age caps on access to insulin pumps and now providing coverage for advanced glucose monitors. Coverage of this critical technology will enable everyone living with type 1 diabetes, to live healthier, safer and easier lives,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada.
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Devices like insulin pumps and advanced glucose monitors not only make T1D self-management easier but has led to better health outcomes for its users. Insulin pumps provide greater control in the administration of insulin and continuous glucose monitors can display real-time readings of blood glucose levels including time in target range (TIR). Integrated technology allows them to be used together to form a hybrid-closed loop (HCL) system and acts as an artificial pancreas to allow automatic infusions of insulin based on real-time glucose trends.
Being able to monitor blood glucose in real-time significantly improves self-management and reduces hospitalizations and the risk of long-term complications. Users are also given relief from some of the anxiety associated with the disease as they can better control activities like exercise, meals, and rest.
A JDRF-commissioned cost effectiveness study in 2022 examined population level impact of glucose monitoring techniques on diabetes-related complications, mortality, and cost-effectiveness. It was proven that while introducing these devices under public coverage represents a high short-term investment, it pales in comparison to the significant long-term cost savings from reduced complications, hospitalizations, and medical interventions.
Through the Access for All campaign, JDRF is engaging with passionate T1D advocates across the country to advocate for those who pay out-of-pocket for life-saving technology due to lack of coverage in their provinces. Since its launch in 2019, the campaign has driven significant change in many provinces and territories but until a cure can be found, JDRF will continue to advocate for universal access to and patient choice for diabetes technologies for all those who need it.
“A CGM makes our daughter Mariah’s life with type 1 diabetes be as close to that of someone without T1D. Sleepovers, basketball, and just being with her friends are now possible without worrying about a serious life-threatening event”, say Robert and Louise Inglis, whose daughter Mariah lives with T1D.
“CGMs keep children with T1D safer every day and improve their long-term health. The added bonus is more sleep and less worry for these two working parents. CGM’s are good for kids, families, and our health care system”, they continue.
Read the government release here.
About JDRF Canada
JDRF Canada is the leading charitable organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research in Canada. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Since our founding in 1974, JDRF has invested more than $80 million CDN in research funding. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our shared vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.
For more information:
Monica Kocsmaros
Chief External Relations Officer
T. 647.354.5598
E. mkocsmaros@jdrf.ca
235 Yorkland Blvd., Suite 600, Toronto, ON M2J 4Y8
breakthrought1d.ca
