Determined to fight diabetes

Barb Marche is continuing her fight for diabetes health care.

After helping to successfully convince the provincial government to cover the costs of insulin pump therapy for children with type 1 diabetes, she is now turning her attention to adults living with the disease.

Last week, the Degrau resident sent a letter to all members of the house of assembly, calling for the expansion of the province's insulin pump program, which currently only helps those under the age of 18.

In the letter, she estimated the province would spend approximately $4,000 for each person using the program annually to cover the costs of the insulin pump and related supplies. This money, she wrote, would ultimately be recouped by the benefits of the program.

"In terms of those living with diabetes, the most direct impact would be seen in the reduction of use of kidney dialysis and a direct decrease in the number of haemodialysis units required in the province," she wrote.

"The high cost to the public health system are also very well known, as people with diabetes are more likely to develop kidney disease, have heart problems and suffer from retinopathy."

Ms. Marche believes insulin pump therapy is the best treatment for type 1 diabetes because it reduces complications by allowing for tight control and provides flexibility in lifestyle thus improving the quality of life for the individual.

In an interview with the Georgian, Ms. Marche said she hoped the province would follow in the footsteps of Ontario, the only province currently with an insulin pump program for adults.

"If you look at the big picture, there can only be savings," she said. "In the long run, you're going to more than break even, because they're not on social assistance because they can't work, they're not in the dialysis units putting an extra burden on the health care system."

Ms. Marche said with tight control from insulin pumps, adults living with the disease are much more likely to be productive members of society and be active taxpayers in the province.

The Georgian contacted the Department of Health to inquire about the possibility of a provincial adult insulin pump program.

A department rep said while the current insulin pump therapy program has received a positive response, it has yet to receive a formal evaluation. In addition, the rep said before expanding the program, a formal evaluation would be necessary.

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