Currently Manitobans living with Type 1 Diabetes have limited access to advanced health management aides such as Insulin pumps. After the age of 18 you are no longer covered, while items such as continuous blood glucose monitors (or CGMs) are not covered at all.

The financial burden, which can cost upwards of $7000 just for the devices and does not include insulin, sensors or any other supplemental supplies falls on many individuals to cover out of pocket where insurance won't pay.

Significant advancements in technology have led to great leaps in care and reduction of complications but, for many the benefits are out of reach due to the financial strain of on going care. Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) is an incurable disease. The average cost associated per month, to cover pump supplies and sensors is $400 and above.

Beta Bionics in Boston is projecting a bionic pancreas by 2018 but if Type 1 Diabetics in Manitoba cannot get coverage from Pharmacare for an insulin pump, where is the hope that they will ever get access to a bridge for a cure?

Manitoba needs to get with the times.

The Canadian Diabetes Association cites significant economic benefits for funding insulin pumps for all in Manitoba. See link. Economic Benefits of Funding Insulin Pumps In Manitoba.

"In October 2012, the Government of Alberta announced that a publicly-funded insulin pump program would be available by spring 2013 for all Albertans living with type 1 diabetes who are clinically eligible. On March 7, 2013, during the Alberta budget announcement, a $5 million investment and commitment was made." - See more at: https://www.diabetes.ca/newsroom/search-news/alberta-government-officially-launches-insulin-pum#sthash.MaGB8Gkg.dpuf

Ontario also covers pumps 100% for all Type 1 Diabetics.

Why won't Manitoba follow suit? Covering pediatric pumps was a good start but more needs to be done.

By covering Diabetic equipment and supplies, the end burden on the healthcare system would be dramatically reduced as it is the poor in our community that cannot afford the latest advancements and are left to treat themselves with out-dated and less effective means.

I have been a type 1 Diabetic for nearly 35 years, I was diagnosed at the age of 7. Control of this disease is a multifaceted dance that involves exercise, diet, crossing your fingers, praying you did things right, forgiving yourself when you get it wrong and then trying again all over in the morning. For some, the night is fought with peril and they never see that morning because a low blood sugar claims them in their sleep.

Diabetes never stops, it never sleeps, it never takes a day off and it wears on your body and your organs till the damage kills you. To have so many amazing tools just out of reach that could help protect from these damages is cruel. It is wrong. We can do better. We should do better.

I am married, we have a house and for the most part consider ourselves lucky, secure and happy. But I work part time because of multiple, ongoing surgeries I have had to have on my hands over the last two years. We pay out of pocket for insurance for my needs but neither of us have insurance that will covering the costs of a CGM and/or an insulin pump.

So I am the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) I check upwards of 10 times a day and 2 times a night. I have not had perfect control all of my adult life, and things have been especially difficult in the last 5 years. Suddenly I am struggling a lot harder to get my blood sugar into the safe zone. I try, but I fail a lot. I have suffered damages to my eyes, my digestive system and I try my best to make good choices but even that doesn't guarantee a good blood sugar.

So here is the crux of the problem. An insulin pump and a CGM would improve my quality of life. It most definitely would extend my life - but I can't afford it.

The assistance I need is beyond my financial reach.

The devices I need are there, right in front of me.

This is the most frustrating part, and because of a policy (a bad, short sighted one) I am treading water and hoping that I can somehow slide into the safe blood glucose range that will protect my body from destruction by doing the best I can on my own.

I urge you to join me in petitioning Manitoba's Minister of Health and Premier Brian Pallister to be the catalyst for change for all T1 Diabetic in Manitoba. We who are getting by with dated, antiquated therapies and who require assistance to improve the quality of our lives, thank you.

Please, don't leave us on our own.

Christine Leader