Your DNZ
CGM TIMELINE 2019 November 2019: Diabetes NZ presented a petition to Parliament, asking: ‘That the House of Representatives urge Pharmac to fund Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), GLP1 agonists including Bydureon, Byetta, Lyxumia, and Victoza, SGLT2 inhibitors including Forxiga and Jardiance, and DPP-4 inhibitors including Januvia, Onglyza, and Trajenta.’ The petition had gained close to 28,000 signatures. Diabetes NZ also produced a template letter for people to write directly to their local MP.
2020 December 2020: In response to feedback from Diabetes NZ and others, Te Pātaka Whaioranga – Pharmac made the decision to fund two new medicines for New Zealanders who are at high risk of heart and kidney complications from type 2 diabetes. The first of these medicines became available, fully funded, from 1 February 2021.
2021 January 2021: Diabetes NZ submitted background information to the Health Select Committee on the matters outlined in the 2019 petition. June 2021: Diabetes NZ argued the case for funded CGMs in front of the Health Committee. Te Pataka Whaioranga – Pharmac responded a week later. August 2021: The Health Committee presented its report on the Petition to the House. (A copy of the report is available on the Parliament website.)
In 2022 and 2023, Diabetes NZ asked people to share their diabetes stories using the hashtag #CGMFORALL
August 2021: Musicians Vince Harder and Abby Lee released the song ‘Overwhelmed’ after their daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The song helped to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes, and how life-changing continuous glucose monitors can be for those living with type 1 and their families, and how unfair it is that many can’t afford them.
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Summer 2024
