Manitoba investing $6M in diabetes supports for young people
The Manitoba government is investing $6 million in programs to help improve the quality of life for young people with Type 1 diabetes.
“The challenge of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, in Manitoba and Canada has been one of the most significant health challenges that our country and our province has been facing,” said Premier Kelvin Goertzen.
“Measures to help manage diabetes are challenging at all ages and particularly for children and for youth.”
The province announced the funding at a news conference on Tuesday morning, noting that it is creating programs to pay for advanced glucose monitors and insulin pumps for those aged 25 years and younger.
The province estimates with these programs, more than 1,000 residents can seek coverage for advanced glucose monitors and up to 200 more Manitobans will be able to use insulin pumps with no upfront costs.
“These investments will greatly improve the quality of life for young Manitobans with diabetes,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon.
Advanced glucose monitors improve blood sugar management for those with Type 1 diabetes. Residents who are 25 and younger who meet the eligibility criteria, including a referral from specialist, will have the choice of continuous or flash glucose monitors.
The province notes that eligible Manitobans will still need to pay out-of-pocket for advanced glucose monitors until their pharmacare deductible has been met for the year. Those receiving employment and income assistance will receive them at no cost.
Currently, insulin pumps are provided at no cost to eligible Manitobans under the age of 18 under by the Manitoba Pediatric Insulin Pump Program (MPIP)
According to the Manitoba government, the eligibility for insulin pumps for those aged 18 to 25 will be similar to the MPIP Program, and include those with Type 1 diabetes who have an endocrinologist’s recommendation for an insulin pump.
Manitobans do not need to meet their pharmacare deductible before they can receive an insulin pump.
“We welcome this expansion as these devices are absolutely critical in preventing life-threatening complications and improving health outcomes,” said Dr. Nick Hajidiacos, a JDRF board member.
“Managing Type 1 [diabetes] is a daily struggle, and self-management is made tremendously better through technology, such as insulin pumps, CGMs, and flash glucose monitors, which improve overall blood glucose, and time and target range.”
The new supports for advanced glucose monitors take effect on Sept. 18 and in November 2021 for insulin pumps.
“Many Manitobans will benefit from this coverage and this announcement demonstrates the evolution of coverage options,” Hajidiacos said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.