Giving Kiwis their best shot to manage Type 1 diabetes

SECTOR UPDATE - NZMS Diabetes

New Zealand Medical and Scientific Ltd (NZMS) Diabetes, dedicated to helping New Zealanders living with diabetes and the exclusive distributor of Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices, says the future of diabetes management is moving fast, and like seen in Australia, there needs to be more equitable access in New Zealand to the most innovative technology to better manage this condition.

The Australian National Diabetes Subsidy Scheme (NDSS) recently began offering subsidised access to most CGM technology, like the Dexcom G6 CGM system. This took effect as of July 1 2022, after years of advocating and campaigning for greater access.

As wearable sensors, CGM devices can replace traditional ‘fingerstick’2 monitoring, by providing dynamic, real-time glucose information that shows where a person’s glucose is, where it’s going and how fast. They track glucose levels at regular intervals, of 5 minutes, 24/7 and send dynamic data wirelessly to a smart device display like a compatible smartphone3, through a transmitter via Bluetooth. Importantly, CGM devices alert users if their levels go too high or low and provide more accurate insights on how to best manage glycaemic levels4.

NZMS Diabetes would like to see equitable CGM access benefits for New Zealanders and is in discussions with Pharmac, the New Zealand Crown entity that decides, on behalf of District Health Boards, which medicines and pharmaceutical products are subsidised for use in the community and public hospitals.

“Diabetes doesn’t have to be a daily rollercoaster” says Kirstin Brown, Country Manager for NZMS Diabetes. “CGM gives insulin dependent Kiwis living with diabetes the tools they need to confidently manage their health and improve their quality of life.

“With more and more countries introducing government reimbursement for this technology, New Zealand is left waiting, and this comes at a price to Kiwis and their whanau. The economic impact of poor diabetes management and the downstream costs to the public health system are significant.”

Continues Brown, “NZMS Diabetes is committed to supporting all Kiwis living with diabetes with their healthcare needs. We look forward to a time where New Zealand will follow Australia’s lead in introducing a nationwide subsidy scheme, when CGM access is a reality for everyone in the diabetes community.

“The Dexcom G6 offers advanced CGM features which align with the new standard of care; measuring glucose levels continuously and automatically, provides people with peace of mind. They know, in advance, if their readings are heading out of optimal range, and they have time to act and do something about it."

Brown notes the share feature5, where users share their glucose data, alerts and alarms remotely with family and friends, is especially important for children. When a child is at school or with their friends, their parents and caregivers can receive real-time readings on their phones. Up to 10 followers can share data. "It means kids can have sleepovers, participate in active sports or go on school trips, all without their whanau left wondering where their glucose levels are at any given moment.”

In Australia prior to 1 July 2022 those already eligible for 100% subsided CGM include:

• People under 21 years with Type 1 diabetes
• People 21 years or older with Type 1 diabetes who have valid concessional status
• People under 21 years with conditions very similar to Type 1 Diabetes who require insulin
• Women with Type 1 diabetes who are actively planning pregnancy, pregnant or immediately post-pregnancy

The Australian government through the NDSS has now expanded the subsidy initiative to also include all individuals living with Type 1 diabetes who do not fit into the above categories. These individuals can access Dexcom G6 now via a co-payment of AU$32.10 a month, down from over AU$300 per month nonsubsidised.

Dr Martin de Bock, paediatric endocrinologist states "New Zealand can no longer afford to be left behind, where life changing technology, that is cost effective for New Zealand health, is only accessed by those who can afford it. Our most vulnerable will continue to suffer from the preventable complications of Type 1 diabetes until there is national access."

Diabetes rise in New Zealand
Diabetes New Zealand defines Type 1 diabetes as an ‘auto-immune’ condition where the body attacks the cells that make insulin. These cells are called beta cells and are isolated in the pancreas. The result is that the body is not creating enough insulin to keep glucose (sugar) levels in the desired range.

In December 2019 Diabetes New Zealand launched a campaign #CGMFORALL with a petition to Parliament for equitable access to the most advanced CGM technology for all kiwis living with Type 1 diabetes.

More about CGM
For many people, their journey after diagnosis starts with finger pricking. This is where a sample of blood is taken to measure glucose levels at a single point in time. This need to measure is constant, before and after meals and snacks, exercise and often through the night. Testing may be required up to ten times a day. But if undetected, glucose levels can get too low or high.

Dexcom CGM use is clinically proven to lower A1C, reduce hyper- and hypoglycaemia, and increase time in target glucose range 6 7. More about the Dexcom G6 features and benefits at https://nzmsdiabetes.co.nz/products/dexcom-g6-system/

Source: NZMS Diabetes media release

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