Diabetes Canada congratulates the Saskatchewan Party on forming government after the 2024 Provincial General Election and all the newly elected MLAs throughout the province.
Diabetes Canada looks forward to working with the Saskatchewan Party on their election platform commitment which included extending coverage of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices as a part of its Affordability Plan. The government-elect will extend access to CGMs to eligible young adults age 25 and younger and seniors age 65 and older. Saskatchewan has covered CGMs for children up to age 18 since June 2021.
"There are over 162,000 people living with diabetes in Saskatchewan and some pay up to $7,700 in out-of-pocket costs to manage their condition,” says Joan King, director of government affairs and advocacy at Diabetes Canada. “We will work with the SaskParty and all elected officials to ensure improved policies and supports benefit people living with this complex condition, regardless of age.”
Diabetes Canada’s policy statement on reimbursement of intermittently-scanned and real-time continuous glucose monitoring systems provides context on monitoring devices and reimbursement recommendations to payers.
CGM systems have been shown to help keep blood glucose levels within an individual's target range, reduce life-threatening hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia events, and reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.
By investing in measures to support individuals living with diabetes, including better access to medications, supplies and devices, people with diabetes may reduce the risk of costly complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and blindness.
Diabetes Canada calls on Saskatchewan's government-elect to promptly extend access to CGMs and commit to the following:
- Implement the Framework for Diabetes in Canada: Take action to improve diabetes prevention, screening, treatment, and health outcomes for the residents of Saskatchewan.
- Provide equitable access to diabetes, medications, devices and supplies: Reduce barriers to access, including age restrictions and high deductibles and co-pays.
- Protect students with diabetes and implement a mandatory standard of care that aligns with Diabetes Canada's Guidelines for the Care of Students Living with Diabetes.
It is estimated that diabetes and its complications will cost Saskatchewan $114 million in direct health-care costs in 2024.