The Maltese Diabetes Association welcomed the government’s announcement that Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices (CGMs) will be introduced for persons aged 17 to 21 years living with type 1 diabetes after the success of the pilot project for children and adolescents aged 16 years and under.
"This is a positive step in the right direction that will definitely ease the financial burden for persons living with type 1 diabetes in this age group. It will also assist such persons in managing their condition more effectively ensuring 24/7 monitoring which is key and vital in controlling one’s diabetes. For this, the government’s efforts in this regard are highly commended”, the association said.
However, until such time that such CGMs are rolled out to all persons living with type 1 diabetes over the age of 21 years, there are around 1,300 persons who are still struggling to finance a CGM from their own pockets, usually even spending a staggering €3,600 per annum.
Others are being deprived of this important device simply because they cannot afford it. Whilst appreciating that this project may have financial implications for any government, we appeal once again to the government that the CGM device is extended further as soon as possible from the age of 21 years up to at least age 40 years in 2022 and extended for all persons living with type 1 diabetes in 2023.
By using a CGM, persons living with diabetes will reduce drastically the number of blood samples from finger pricks taken on a daily basis. Furthermore, better diabetes management will result in fewer complications and hospitalization costs for the government. The implementation of such a measure should therefore be seen as a holistic investment to improve the lives and wellbeing of such persons.
“Whilst noting this positive commitment from the government in favour of persons living with diabetes, we strongly urge the authorities to immediately reach out to a wider age bracket, until such time that all persons living with type 1 diabetes start to benefit from this device. People are struggling to self-finance such a device and others are being deprived of it simply because they cannot afford it. We need to show empathy with such persons and act accordingly” the Association stated.
“Diabetes can affect anyone – age should therefore never be the determining factor whether one should be eligible or not for such a device. Whilst noting with appreciation the government’s commitment to introduce this device for all persons living with type 1 diabetes in 2023, the Association appeals to the government to fast track this process to ensure that such persons start benefitting from this important and highly effective monitoring device as soon as possible. The CGM can be a life saver - the sooner the CGM is rolled out, the better,” the association concluded.