Today, Manitoba Finance Minister Cliff Cullen tabled the provincial budget, which included an expansion of coverage for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors for eligible adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
“Diabetes Canada welcomes the Manitoba Government’s announcement removing age restrictions and extending coverage for these essential devices for eligible Manitobans. These devices are life-changing for many people with diabetes, and this decision will have a significant impact on the lives of eligible Manitobans managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes” says Joan King, Director of Government Relations for Diabetes Canada. “While this commitment is an important step, we look forward to the release of the Government of Manitoba’s Diabetes Action Plan and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for diabetes in the province, which they committed to in last year’s budget.”
“It’s exciting to see the tireless efforts of advocates coming to fruition,” says Nikki Webb, advocate and Manitoban living with type 1 diabetes. “This announcement extending insulin pumps for Manitobans living with diabetes is a momentous strife in the right direction. I am cautiously optimistic for the funding roll-out and hopefully the eligibility criteria ends with a diagnosis of diabetes and nothing more.”
This expanded coverage comes at a critical time, when Manitobans living with diabetes are bearing a significant financial burden. In Manitoba, individuals with type 1 diabetes pay out-of-pocket up to $9,4753 annually (among the highest in the country) and those managing type 2 diabetes pay up to $6,7024 . These costs can adversely affect the ability of some to manage their disease, impacting their quality of life and risking their short- and long-term health. Diabetes Canada estimates that in 2023 diabetes and its complications will cost the Manitoba health-care system $157 million with 80 per cent of this cost attributed to treating diabetes-related complications in acute care settings.
Diabetes Canada will continue to work closely with the government and other stakeholders towards achieving optimal health outcomes for people with diabetes and those at risk of diabetes.