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Insulin pump cost help coming for young diabetics on P.E.I.

The P.E.I. government says a new program will help cover the costs of insulin pumps for young diabetics.

Kids under the age of 19 with Type 1 diabetes eligible

The Canadian Press ·
Seven-year-old Ellie Clark holds her insulin pump, which also works with an implant to display blood sugar levels, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, in Grandville, Mich. Diabetes care is undergoing a transformation. Thousands of patients are switching from a few finger-pricks a day to track their disease to new sensors that keep guard around the clock. The last six months brought big boosts to the technology, as federal health officials approved the first model for children _ one that works for three days in a row _ and the longest-working version yet, a seven-day model for adults. The ultimate goal is to create an "artificial pancreas," pairing these sensors with insulin pumps that would automatically dispense doses to make a diabetic's blood sugar more like a healthy person's.
Seven-year-old Ellie Clark holds her insulin pump, which also works with an implant to display blood sugar levels, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, in Grandville, Mich. Diabetes care is undergoing a transformation. Thousands of patients are switching from a few finger-pricks a day to track their disease to new sensors that keep guard around the clock. The last six months brought big boosts to the technology, as federal health officials approved the first model for children _ one that works for three days in a row _ and the longest-working version yet, a seven-day model for adults. The ultimate goal is to create an "artificial pancreas," pairing these sensors with insulin pumps that would automatically dispense doses to make a diabetic's blood sugar more like a healthy person's. (Adam Bird/The Associated Press)

The P.E.I. government says a new program will help cover the costs of insulin pumps for young diabetics.

Health Minister Doug Currie has released the diabetes strategy and pump program for people with Type 1 diabetes.

Under the program, parents of kids under the age of 19 with Type 1 diabetes can apply for coverage to help pay for insulin pump therapy.

The Diabetes Association says insulin pumps can help prevent complications from diabetes, but are too costly for some individuals.

Currie says people have to meet certain medical criteria to be eligible.

It's estimated that more than 13,000 people in P.E.I. have diabetes or are pre-diabetic.

The government says the number of Islanders living with diabetes rose 46 per cent over the last decade

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