The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD)
is delighted with the Pharmac announcement today that
continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps would be fully
funded for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) from July this
year.
Dr Rosemary Hall, Endocrinologist and President
of the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes, says
“this is arguably the biggest day for people with diabetes
ever in Aotearoa since the arrival of insulin. There will be
great excitement amongst the diabetes community. The
technology is life-changing for people with T1D and their
whānau, reducing diabetes distress and medical
complications”.
When CGMs and insulin pumps are used
in combination they function as an artificial pancreas.
Glucose levels are easier to manage and the lives of people
with T1D and their whānau are transformed. The high cost of
this technology means it has been out of reach for many,
increasing the gap between those who can afford it and those
who cannot.
“New Zealand conducted research shows
that when all people have access to these devices outcomes
become equal. After years of campaigning, and seeing
increasing inequity for people with T1D, we now have the
devices to provide the bast standard of care for all those
with T1D in Aotearoa New Zealand” says Dr Hall. With
anticipated demand for CGM and insulin pumps to be high,
diabetes services will be working hard to build our
workforce to maximise the potential of this
technology
The proposed funding options will be open
for public consultation for one month. The NZSSD encourages
all people with an interest in these technologies to
participate in this consultation.
About the New
Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
(NZSSD):
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The NZSSD is an incorporated society that is
open to those involved in the care of people with diabetes.
Its members include diabetes specialist physicians, nurse
practitioners, diabetes specialist nurses, podiatrists,
dietitians, scientists, ophthalmologists, general
practitioners, community health workers and
researchers.
The NZSSD is the national advisory body
and leading diabetes clinical network on clinical and
scientific matters. The NZSSD’s objectives are to promote
the study of diabetes and the best, equitable, standards of
care for diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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