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News - Nova Scotia
Review of Islet Cell Transplant Drug Coverage
Halifax, Nova Scotia (July 23, 2012) – The Canadian Diabetes Association is urging the Government of Nova Scotia to evaluate its policy for coverage of immunosuppressant drugs related to pancreatic islet cell transplantation. The Association is encouraged by the ongoing research regarding islet cells transplants, which has shown promising results, particularly in the last ten years.
“Islet cell transplant procedures are determined on a case-by-case basis by a team of heathcare experts,” states Lisa Matte, Regional Director, Canadian Diabetes Association, Nova Scotia Region. “People living with diabetes who are candidates for this procedure, such as local resident Blaine MacDonald, should have the right to access this treatment without immunosuppressant drug costs being a barrier.”
Islet cell transplantation is an exciting advancement; however it is not a suitable treatment for all people living with diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association’s 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada recommends that for individuals with type 1 diabetes and preserved renal function, but with persistent metabolic instability characterized by severe glycemic lability and/or severe hypoglycemia unawareness despite best efforts to optimize glycemic control, pancreas transplant or islet transplant may be considered.
Islet cell transplantation can result in long-term insulin independence and enhanced quality of life, but it is not a cure for diabetes. Additionally, transplant recipients must continue to take immunosuppressant drugs to ensure that their bodies do not reject the transplanted cells.
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About the Canadian Diabetes Association The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Sherry Calder
Manager, Marketing & Communications (Atlantic Canada)
Canadian Diabetes Association
T: (902) 453-3529
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