Diabetes Canada welcomed the Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) government’s recent budget announcement highlighting $1 million in diabetes supports which will enhance the current provincial Diabetes Strategy and include options for glucose monitoring systems.
“We applaud the government’s support and recognition that diabetes is a health-care priority, setting this province up for improved diabetes care and prevention,” says Ashley Bergwerff, Director of Provincial Government Relations with Diabetes Canada. “In this 100th anniversary year of the discovery of insulin, this reinforces the work we need to continue to do together to end diabetes.”
This news follows last fall’s government announcement of increasing the age limit on the current insulin pump program up to 25 years. The latest budget referenced options for glucose monitoring systems which is in line with Diabetes Canada’s recommendation that people with diabetes who would derive clinical benefit from them should have access to glucose monitoring systems to improve glycemic control. These devices give people with diabetes a more complete picture of their blood sugar management than the moment-in-time snapshot that comes from intermittent finger-prick testing and can therefore lead to better short- and long-term treatment decisions and health outcomes.
"For someone living with diabetes and also turning 25 this year, I am happy the government has increased the spending on diabetes care,” says Logan Gallant, P.E.I. resident. “This extended care helps individuals living with diabetes offset the financial burden they may face. This is a step in the right direction to ensure individuals with diabetes have access to the best care possible without it being a struggle financially.”
There are more than 49,000 Islanders living with diabetes or prediabetes and prevalence is predicted to increase to 58,000 in just 10 years. Diabetes also costs the health-care system $18 million, rising to $22 million by 2031. Diabetes is a public health concern that deserves the support and attention of the government.
Diabetes Canada will continue to urge the government to broaden and increase access to blood glucose testing strips for people with diabetes, to conform to Diabetes Canada guidelines on self-management of diabetes. In addition to ensuring improved access to medications, devices, and supplies.
“We look forward to working with the government on the details of the investment and the implementation, as well as aligning the provincial diabetes strategy with a coordinated approach such as Diabetes 3600 to ensure better health outcomes for Islanders living with diabetes,” says Bergwerff.