Pharmac has announced a major funding initiative that will support the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and insulin pump consumables for New Zealanders with type 1 diabetes starting in October. This development has been described as a “monumental” breakthrough by Diabetes New Zealand, promising significant improvements in the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
Impact of the Funding
In the first year, approximately 12,000 New Zealanders with type 1 diabetes are expected to benefit from funded CGMs, with the number rising to over 18,000 within five years. Similarly, the number of individuals using insulin pumps is projected to grow from 4,800 to nearly 10,000 over the same period.
Heather Verry, Chief Executive of Diabetes NZ, hailed the announcement as transformative. “Access to CGMs and insulin pumps will not only change lives but will save them,” she stated. “For the type 1 community, this technology represents a crucial lifeline, offering better health management and increased freedom. It’s truly a game-changer.”
Expert Reactions
Dr. Rosemary Hall, Endocrinologist and President of the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes, described the funding as the most significant development for type 1 diabetes in New Zealand since the introduction of insulin. “We now have the tools to deliver the highest standard of care, which will reduce diabetes-related distress, lower hospital admissions, and improve overall mental wellbeing and quality of life,” she said.
Dr. Jo McClintock, Chair of the National Clinical Network for Children and Young People with Diabetes, emphasized the profound impact of this decision on younger patients. “For children and young people with type 1 diabetes and their families, this is an unprecedented development. The availability of this technology will bring immense relief and joy to many households,” she added.
Technology and Accessibility
Continuous glucose monitors are compact, wearable devices that provide real-time glucose readings every few minutes, accessible via smartphone apps. They significantly reduce the need for frequent finger prick tests and offer comprehensive data on glucose levels, aiding both patients and healthcare providers in managing diabetes more effectively.
Pharmac’s funding will take effect from October 1. Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, acknowledged the lengthy process leading to this decision. Although some individuals had requested funding for Medtronic’s CGMs and insulin pumps, Pharmac opted for other brands to avoid restarting the commercial process. Martin noted that the chosen options will offer a suitable range of choices and flexibility for most patients.
From January 1, 2025, the Medtronic MiniMed 770G insulin pump will no longer be funded for new users, with funding for its consumables ending on October 1, 2026. This shift follows recent allocation of an additional $604 million over four years for new medicines, although this specific funding for type 1 diabetes technology comes from separate budgets.
Conclusion
Pharmac’s new funding initiative marks a significant milestone in the management of type 1 diabetes in New Zealand, providing crucial support for advanced monitoring and treatment technologies. This decision is expected to greatly enhance the lives of those with type 1 diabetes, offering them new opportunities for better health management and improved quality of life.
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