Starting this fall, all individuals living with Type 1 diabetes who meet the medical and income-testing criteria will be eligible for the Provincial Continuous Glucose Monitoring Program.
The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to discuss the expansion with media today at 11:45 a.m. at the Confederation Building, West Block, Department of Health and Community Services lobby.
Minister Howell will be joined by Dr. Zaina Albalawi, Adult Endocrinologist, NL Health Services.
The Provincial Continuous Glucose Monitoring Program will provide full or partial coverage of continuous glucose monitors for approximately 4,600 individuals with Type 1 diabetes. The program will help:
- Better blood glucose management and improved health outcomes for more patients with Type 1 diabetes.
- Help reduce the financial burden associated with diabetes for individuals and health care systems.
Financial assistance under this program will be determined using the same income-testing as the NL Insulin Pump Program.
A Continuous Glucose Monitor is a wearable device that continuously tracks blood glucose levels through a small sensor and delivers this information to an attached transmitter and other technology, such as a smart phone.
This allows patients, caregivers and/or health care providers to monitor blood sugar more frequently and easily and helps prevent hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic events by sending alerts about blood sugar levels.
This expansion supports Health Accord’s vision of vision of improved health and health outcomes, and also aligns with the National Diabetes Framework which aims to improve access to diabetes prevention, treatment and technologies that impact health outcomes.The Continuous Glucose Monitoring Program was piloted in 2023 for children living with Type 1 diabetes. The program was further expanded in 2024 to include eligible patients up to 24 years and women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant as well as gestational diabetics. To date, over 325 clients have availed of the CGM pilot project.
Quotes
“Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes. This expansion will increase eligibility for individuals of all ages, which will help further ensure an improved quality of life and overall health and well-being for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Health and Community Services
“This initiative represents a significant step forward for health care in Newfoundland and Labrador for adults living with Type 1 diabetes. It embodies a commitment to equitable access to evidence-informed and person-centered care, ensuring that individuals have access to the best innovative technologies for managing their health. NL Health Services fully supports the expansion of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Program, and the improvement this will bring in health outcomes including quality of life for every person living with Type 1 diabetes.”
Zaina Albalawi MD, MSc, FRCPC
Endocrinologist, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services
“Diabetes Canada welcomes the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador expansion of the CGM program. These devices are life-changing for many people with diabetes. This expansion will enable more people living in Newfoundland and Labrador to benefit from a CGM device to enhance their blood glucose management and reduce their risk of short and long-term complications, including severe hypoglycemia.”
Laura O’Driscoll
Senior Manager of Policy, Diabetes Canada.
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Learn more
Provincial Government Launches Pilot Project for Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
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