March 21, 2024 – Newfoundland and Labrador – Through Budget 2024, the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador is expanding its continuous glucose monitoring program to include patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) up to the age of 25 who are enrolled in the NL Insulin Pump Program and those who are pregnant with gestational diabetes.
In October 2023, the province launched a one-year pilot project to determine the feasibility of a continuous glucose monitoring program. Under this previous program, only patients under the age of 18 living with T1D and followed by the Pediatric Diabetes Program at the Janeway Hospital was eligible. With an investment of almost $1.8 million from the government in Budget 2024, the province’s glucose monitoring program will be made permanent and JDRF Canada joins Newfoundland & Labrador’s T1D community in welcoming this expansion of access.
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin, or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short or long-term complications, including highs and lows in blood glucose levels; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. There is currently no cure for T1D, and it must be managed by the administration of external insulin, either via pump, pen or multiple daily injections and continuous monitor of blood glucose levels.
Diabetes technologies like continuous glucose monitors make this management easier and may help to prevent life-threatening complications and improve health outcomes in people living with T1D. JDRF Canada commends the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for recognizing this potential to help those with type 1 diabetes lead healthier, safer, and easier lives.
Under our Access for All campaign, JDRF will continue to advocate to make advanced glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps accessible and affordable for all Canadians living with T1D. To learn more about JDRF’s #AccessForAll campaign check out jdrf.ca/accessforall.
