‘It is an excellent begin’: Diabetes group happy with authorities’s dedication to assist youth with diabetes

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WINNIPEG – The Manitoba 2021 budget has some good news for young adults and children with type 1 diabetes.

“The 2021 budget includes funding a new program to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGM) for eligible children under the age of 25,” said Scott Fielding, Manitoba’s Treasury Secretary.

He added that the government is also increasing the age limit for the insulin pump program from 18 to 25.

Dr. Nick Hajidiacos is a board member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and works at St. Boniface Hospital. He says the organization has been advocating raising the age limit for several years.

“At the moment it’s only up to 18 years, which means that after the age of 18, after the warranty has expired for your pump, you can only pay out of pocket or if you are lucky enough to have it.” Insurance that pays for it, “said Hajidiacos.

He added that as people get older, more people will have access to new technology.

“We’re now looking at hybrid closed-loop pumps that work with CGMs to adjust your blood glucose.”

According to Hajidiacos, this technology works through a catheter under the person’s skin, allowing them to adjust insulin levels throughout the day without the need for multiple injections a day.

He noted that JDRF hoped the program would be open to all adults, but said it was a step in the right direction.

“It’s a very good start and I am very pleased that we can start at least one adult program with this technology.”

When it comes to the continuous glucose monitors, Hajidiacos says this is more good news from the province as the devices can help remove fingerprints and also provide a clearer picture of people’s sugar levels throughout the day.

Dougald Lamont, leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, said the government had been asked for help with diabetes and it did, but he also felt the province had pulled its blows.

He said he didn’t want an age limit for assistance.

“Instead of just saying that this would actually save tens of millions of dollars in healthcare costs, they said we will only spend up to 25, it will only be for young people who are eligible,” Lamont said. have diabetes as soon as they are 26 years old.

Hajidiacos said the JDRF will continue to work to ensure that the government delivers on funding pledges, and he hopes these programs will one day be available to all ages.