Pharmac will fund continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and insulin pump consumables for people with type 1 diabetes from October - a lifesaving breakthrough hailed as “monumental” by Diabetes New Zealand. About 12,000 New Zealanders with diabetes are expected to get funded continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in the first year of funding, which will rise to more than 18,000 after five years. There are about 4800 people currently using insulin pumps, and this is expected to increase to almost 10,000 over five years.
Heather Verry, chief executive of Diabetes NZ, said it was a “monumental day for the diabetes community”. “Free access to CGMs and insulin pumps will not only be life-changing for thousands of New Zealanders with type 1 diabetes – it will also be lifesaving. We know that for our type 1 community, this is more than just vital technology, it’s a lifeline for better health and greater freedom.
Quite simply, it’s a game-changer.”.
