On Monday the provincial government announced that they are investing $23 million to expand full coverage for Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors (Advanced Glucose Monitors) for seniors aged 65 and older and for young adults between 18 and 25 years old. The expanded coverage will benefit about 9,000 seniors and 700 young adults who may be eligible in the province.
"Our government remains committed to providing Saskatchewan residents living with diabetes the support they need to live an active lifestyle," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in an official statement.
"We are pleased to expand coverage for these monitors to seniors and young adults with diabetes, helping improve their health and quality of life."
The monitors, which utilize a sensor on the wearers skin to send glucose level readings directly to an electronic device such as a smartphone, allow diabetics to more easily track their glucose levels, reducing the risk of low-blood sugar episodes and potentially life-threatening complications. Advanced Glucose Monitors can also keep record of trends and patterns, which with the consent of the user, can be remotely accessed by physicians to help inform clinical decisions.
"Diabetes Canada welcomes the Saskatchewan government's expansion of the program," Diabetes Canada Director of Government Affairs Joan King said in the announcement.
"These devices are life-changing for many people with diabetes, regardless of age. This expansion will enable more Saskatchewanians to enhance their blood glucose management and reduce their risk of short- and long-term complications, including severe hypoglycemia."
The Government of Saskatchewan noted that, since 2021, the coverage for Advanced Glucose Monitors has been provided at no cost to children and youth under 18 who meet the specific medical criteria.