Diabetes Canada message to P.E.I. Government: step in the right direction but more is needed.
Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson recently announced more support for Islanders living with diabetes, specifically for pregnant women who need more test strip coverage to ensure a healthier outcome for the mother and baby.
“We recognize this important step by the government and are pleased to see P.E.I. enhance the much needed support for Islanders living with diabetes,” says Jake Reid, senior lead, Government Relations with Diabetes Canada. “Unfortunately, this does fall short of our continued recommendation to include more coverage of blood glucose test strips, to ensure all Islanders with diabetes can optimally manage their disease. This province remains behind almost every other province in Canada with test strip coverage.”
Diabetes Canada has been requesting action on a number of key priorities including expanding financial coverage for insulin pumps and supplies to all Islanders with type 1 diabetes, regardless of age; as well as a policy or guidelines to keep children with type 1 diabetes safe in school. “The number of people with diabetes on P.E.I. continues to escalate and more work needs to done to support healthier citizens and communities,” says Reid.
Currently, there are an estimated 50,500 people living with diabetes or prediabetes. That number is expected to grow to 62,300 in the next 10 years.