Diabetes Canada welcomed news today from the New Brunswick government for extending coverage of the provincial insulin pump program to include young adults up to 25 years old.
“This is an important next step in ensuring people with diabetes have the tools they need to better manage their disease, ultimately improving their health and quality of life," says Jake Reid, senior leader of government relations for Diabetes Canada.
Insulin pumps are an alternative technology to multiple daily insulin injections. About the size of a pager, the portable, programmable insulin pumps deliver fast-acting insulin through plastic tubing connected to an insertion site on the body. People living with diabetes are at high-risk of developing long-term complications such as kidney failure, heart attack and limb amputation. Switching from daily insulin injections to an insulin pump can offer better control of blood glucose levels reducing the likelihood of developing serious complications.
New Brunswick has the highest rates of diabetes prevalence in Canada (12.1 per cent vs 9.3 per cent National rate).
Those looking for more information about this government announcement, including eligibility requirements and applications should visit the Department of Health website.
About Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is the registered national charitable organization that is making the invisible epidemic of diabetes visible and urgent. Diabetes Canada partners with Canadians to End Diabetes through:
- Resources for health care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
- Advocacy to governments, schools and workplaces; and
- Funding world-leading Canadian research to improve treatments and find a cure.
For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).