Re: Pump announcement

[Guest guest]

Great news . I'm sure America will never provide pumps for free,

although most insurances companies will pay for them as will MediCare after

filling out tons of paperwork. (Medicare made " prove I was diabetic after

the doc ordered me anew pump-this is after 61 years of diabetes at the

time.).

Pump announcement

I'm very happy about the announcement in Ontario for the provincial plan to

cover insulin pumps for adults with Type 1. I don't know if anyone else in

here is from Ontario, but even if from other provinces, it's good news -

there may be pressure for others to follow. Also interesting is that there

appears to be real money to be spent on education and other initiatives

related to the disease. It even appears to be proactive - what a concept! I

know generally speaking that pumps don't speak, but I do know there are some

blind users of pumps, and even with some challenges, they have been using

them successfully. I'm very excited though - this means that my next pump

will be covered by Ontario's provincial health plan, and I won't have to

shell out the money for what amounts to buying a car every few years - maybe

I can use that money to buy a car instead *grin* . Until now Ontario has

only covered Type 1 kids, but cut them off the plan when they got to age 18.

That meant that if their pump went south, they went back on injections,

which really wasn't very nice! Here's the article from the Toronto Star

Experts say the strategy will help to curb the mounting epidemic sweeping

the province

Relief plan includes free insulin devices

Jul 23, 2008 04:30 AM

Ogilvie

ph Hall

Health Reporters

Diabetes experts and advocates were " dancing for joy " yesterday after the

announcement of a strategy they say will improve the lives of some 900,000

Ontarians living with the disease.

The four-year, $741 million plan will provide free insulin pumps for adults

with type 1 diabetes, fund surgery for the morbidly obese and create an

electronic diabetes registry to help patients manage their disease.

It also includes education campaigns to prevent people from getting diabetes

in the first place.

Experts say the three-pronged approach - encompassing prevention, management

and treatment - will go a long way to curb the epidemic sweeping the

province.

Kagedan, 21, has been living with an insulin pump for five and a half

years. The full-time student, who starts medical school at the University of

Toronto in September, said the pump has changed his life. It allowed him to

live out the full spectrum of teenage life, including playing on sports

teams, pulling an all-nighter and eating the occasional ice cream cone.

Right now, the pump is covered by his parents' health insurance.

" But this will not last forever, " he said. " When I'm no longer covered and

I'm a poor medical resident having to stay up all night and make ends meet,

I won't have to worry about having to go off the insulin pump because I

can't afford it and losing this thing that has made so much of my life

possible. "

It's estimated 1.2 million Ontarians will be diagnosed with diabetes by

2010, a surge that will swamp a health system that already spends $5 billion

a year to treat diabetes and its related conditions.

In a Star series on the disease last year, experts called for a

comprehensive diabetes strategy that closely resembled the one the province

unveiled yesterday.

The funding announcement was especially welcomed by people with type 1

diabetes, said Philp, vice-president of public policy and government

relations at the Canadian Diabetes Association. The province - the first in

Canada - has pledged to provide free insulin pumps for 1,300 adults with

type 1 diabetes, ramping up distribution over the next four years with the

goal of getting pumps to 12,000 eligible Ontarians by 2012, she said.

The province currently offers pumps to children younger than 18.

Until now, the only adults who could benefit from insulin pumps were

patients whose health insurance plans covered the device or those who could

afford to purchase one. The device costs roughly $5,000 and requires about

$250 worth of supplies each month.

" I've been working with all of our diabetes advocacy groups in Ontario for

three-and-a-half years, and they've been pushing for this, " said Philp.

" We're celebrating today. This is a significant step forward for people with

type 1 diabetes in the province ... so many are going to benefit from this. "

Dr. Irene Hramiak, chair of endocrinology and metabolism at the University

of Western Ontario, said the insulin pump initiative has the potential to

improve the health and lives of thousands of Ontarians.

The pager-sized pumps are attached to patients via 30 centimetres of plastic

tubing and a needle, which is inserted under the skin and changed every

three days. They deliver hourly doses of insulin, especially important at

night, as well as doses programmed by the patients themselves at mealtimes.

" Rather than taking a whole large amount of insulin at bedtime they get a

little bit every hour, " said Hramiak, who has helped lead the fight to have

pumps made available for all type 1 diabetics in the province.

Health Minister Caplan, who helped unveil the strategy yesterday in

Toronto, said the province has asked an expert panel to review whether the

pump program should be expanded to patients living with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes experts said the multi-million-dollar strategy is positioned to

tackle the epidemic.

" This is a substantial amount of money. It's an amount of money that will

make a difference, " said Dr. , the Canadian Diabetes

Association chair in diabetes management at the University of Western

Ontario.

One of the plan's key components is an electronic registry to help patients

better manage their disease, which some experts say could be a precursor to

a full electronic health system for Ontarians. A report by the Ontario

Health Quality Council released earlier this year called for such a system

after finding fewer than half of diabetics can keep their blood sugar under

control.

Caplan said the $150 million investment will allow physicians to keep track

of patients by monitoring patient records, accessing diagnostic information

and sending alerts to patients.

" The end result will be faster diagnosis and faster treatment for Ontarians

living with diabetes, " he said. " I believe it will dramatically change

health care in Ontario and help reduce the incidence of diabetes in the

province. "

Such tools that allow patients to actively participate in their care are

critical for managing the disease, said O'Connor, executive director of

the Ontario branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

" Diabetes under control causes nothing, " he said. " Diabetes out of control

causes heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, limb amputation and

tremendous loss of life. "

Other elements of the province's diabetes strategy include:

a.. Education campaigns targeted to at-risk populations, such as the

aboriginal community and South Asians, to raise awareness of factors that

contribute to type 2 diabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure and

high cholesterol levels.

b.. A $75 million investment to improve access to bariatric surgery, a

procedure to treat obesity, one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

c.. Expanded services for people with chronic kidney disease, a complication

of diabetes affecting roughly 40 per cent of Ontarians with diabetes.

d.. $290 million to increase access to team-based diabetes care for

underserviced regions in the province.

[Guest guest]

Keep in mind Pat, the population of the US is approaching 400 million, where the

population in Canada is, well, I'm not exactly sure, but it's something less

than 50 million I believe. bottom line, it's not easy keeping track of so many

people, and that includes those on Medicare whose number of clients are

increasing rapidly.

Dave

Victim of a crime? Know someone who was?

http://victimsheart.blogspot.com

Pump announcement

I'm very happy about the announcement in Ontario for the provincial plan to

cover insulin pumps for adults with Type 1. I don't know if anyone else in

here is from Ontario, but even if from other provinces, it's good news -

there may be pressure for others to follow. Also interesting is that there

appears to be real money to be spent on education and other initiatives

related to the disease. It even appears to be proactive - what a concept! I

know generally speaking that pumps don't speak, but I do know there are some

blind users of pumps, and even with some challenges, they have been using

them successfully. I'm very excited though - this means that my next pump

will be covered by Ontario's provincial health plan, and I won't have to

shell out the money for what amounts to buying a car every few years - maybe

I can use that money to buy a car instead *grin* . Until now Ontario has

only covered Type 1 kids, but cut them off the plan when they got to age 18.

That meant that if their pump went south, they went back on injections,

which really wasn't very nice! Here's the article from the Toronto Star

Experts say the strategy will help to curb the mounting epidemic sweeping

the province

Relief plan includes free insulin devices

Jul 23, 2008 04:30 AM

Ogilvie

ph Hall

Health Reporters

Diabetes experts and advocates were " dancing for joy " yesterday after the

announcement of a strategy they say will improve the lives of some 900,000

Ontarians living with the disease.

The four-year, $741 million plan will provide free insulin pumps for adults

with type 1 diabetes, fund surgery for the morbidly obese and create an

electronic diabetes registry to help patients manage their disease.

It also includes education campaigns to prevent people from getting diabetes

in the first place.

Experts say the three-pronged approach - encompassing prevention, management

and treatment - will go a long way to curb the epidemic sweeping the

province.

Kagedan, 21, has been living with an insulin pump for five and a half

years. The full-time student, who starts medical school at the University of

Toronto in September, said the pump has changed his life. It allowed him to

live out the full spectrum of teenage life, including playing on sports

teams, pulling an all-nighter and eating the occasional ice cream cone.

Right now, the pump is covered by his parents' health insurance.

" But this will not last forever, " he said. " When I'm no longer covered and

I'm a poor medical resident having to stay up all night and make ends meet,

I won't have to worry about having to go off the insulin pump because I

can't afford it and losing this thing that has made so much of my life

possible. "

It's estimated 1.2 million Ontarians will be diagnosed with diabetes by

2010, a surge that will swamp a health system that already spends $5 billion

a year to treat diabetes and its related conditions.

In a Star series on the disease last year, experts called for a

comprehensive diabetes strategy that closely resembled the one the province

unveiled yesterday.

The funding announcement was especially welcomed by people with type 1

diabetes, said Philp, vice-president of public policy and government

relations at the Canadian Diabetes Association. The province - the first in

Canada - has pledged to provide free insulin pumps for 1,300 adults with

type 1 diabetes, ramping up distribution over the next four years with the

goal of getting pumps to 12,000 eligible Ontarians by 2012, she said.

The province currently offers pumps to children younger than 18.

Until now, the only adults who could benefit from insulin pumps were

patients whose health insurance plans covered the device or those who could

afford to purchase one. The device costs roughly $5,000 and requires about

$250 worth of supplies each month.

" I've been working with all of our diabetes advocacy groups in Ontario for

three-and-a-half years, and they've been pushing for this, " said Philp.

" We're celebrating today. This is a significant step forward for people with

type 1 diabetes in the province ... so many are going to benefit from this. "

Dr. Irene Hramiak, chair of endocrinology and metabolism at the University

of Western Ontario, said the insulin pump initiative has the potential to

improve the health and lives of thousands of Ontarians.

The pager-sized pumps are attached to patients via 30 centimetres of plastic

tubing and a needle, which is inserted under the skin and changed every

three days. They deliver hourly doses of insulin, especially important at

night, as well as doses programmed by the patients themselves at mealtimes.

" Rather than taking a whole large amount of insulin at bedtime they get a

little bit every hour, " said Hramiak, who has helped lead the fight to have

pumps made available for all type 1 diabetics in the province.

Health Minister Caplan, who helped unveil the strategy yesterday in

Toronto, said the province has asked an expert panel to review whether the

pump program should be expanded to patients living with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes experts said the multi-million-dollar strategy is positioned to

tackle the epidemic.

" This is a substantial amount of money. It's an amount of money that will

make a difference, " said Dr. , the Canadian Diabetes

Association chair in diabetes management at the University of Western

Ontario.

One of the plan's key components is an electronic registry to help patients

better manage their disease, which some experts say could be a precursor to

a full electronic health system for Ontarians. A report by the Ontario

Health Quality Council released earlier this year called for such a system

after finding fewer than half of diabetics can keep their blood sugar under

control.

Caplan said the $150 million investment will allow physicians to keep track

of patients by monitoring patient records, accessing diagnostic information

and sending alerts to patients.

" The end result will be faster diagnosis and faster treatment for Ontarians

living with diabetes, " he said. " I believe it will dramatically change

health care in Ontario and help reduce the incidence of diabetes in the

province. "

Such tools that allow patients to actively participate in their care are

critical for managing the disease, said O'Connor, executive director of

the Ontario branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

" Diabetes under control causes nothing, " he said. " Diabetes out of control

causes heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, limb amputation and

tremendous loss of life. "

Other elements of the province's diabetes strategy include:

a.. Education campaigns targeted to at-risk populations, such as the

aboriginal community and South Asians, to raise awareness of factors that

contribute to type 2 diabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure and

high cholesterol levels.

b.. A $75 million investment to improve access to bariatric surgery, a

procedure to treat obesity, one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

c.. Expanded services for people with chronic kidney disease, a complication

of diabetes affecting roughly 40 per cent of Ontarians with diabetes.

d.. $290 million to increase access to team-based diabetes care for

underserviced regions in the province.

[Guest guest]

you're most likely right about the population stats, but I wonder how many type

1 diabetics there are in the US, and how many type 2s would benefit from a pump.

There was some article i read recently stating that more type 2s are going on

pumps because lack of control on oral meds and excersize.

Pump announcement

I'm very happy about the announcement in Ontario for the provincial plan to

cover insulin pumps for adults with Type 1. I don't know if anyone else in

here is from Ontario, but even if from other provinces, it's good news -

there may be pressure for others to follow. Also interesting is that there

appears to be real money to be spent on education and other initiatives

related to the disease. It even appears to be proactive - what a concept! I

know generally speaking that pumps don't speak, but I do know there are some

blind users of pumps, and even with some challenges, they have been using

them successfully. I'm very excited though - this means that my next pump

will be covered by Ontario's provincial health plan, and I won't have to

shell out the money for what amounts to buying a car every few years - maybe

I can use that money to buy a car instead *grin* . Until now Ontario has

only covered Type 1 kids, but cut them off the plan when they got to age 18.

That meant that if their pump went south, they went back on injections,

which really wasn't very nice! Here's the article from the Toronto Star

Experts say the strategy will help to curb the mounting epidemic sweeping

the province

Relief plan includes free insulin devices

Jul 23, 2008 04:30 AM

Ogilvie

ph Hall

Health Reporters

Diabetes experts and advocates were " dancing for joy " yesterday after the

announcement of a strategy they say will improve the lives of some 900,000

Ontarians living with the disease.

The four-year, $741 million plan will provide free insulin pumps for adults

with type 1 diabetes, fund surgery for the morbidly obese and create an

electronic diabetes registry to help patients manage their disease.

It also includes education campaigns to prevent people from getting diabetes

in the first place.

Experts say the three-pronged approach - encompassing prevention, management

and treatment - will go a long way to curb the epidemic sweeping the

province.

Kagedan, 21, has been living with an insulin pump for five and a half

years. The full-time student, who starts medical school at the University of

Toronto in September, said the pump has changed his life. It allowed him to

live out the full spectrum of teenage life, including playing on sports

teams, pulling an all-nighter and eating the occasional ice cream cone.

Right now, the pump is covered by his parents' health insurance.

" But this will not last forever, " he said. " When I'm no longer covered and

I'm a poor medical resident having to stay up all night and make ends meet,

I won't have to worry about having to go off the insulin pump because I

can't afford it and losing this thing that has made so much of my life

possible. "

It's estimated 1.2 million Ontarians will be diagnosed with diabetes by

2010, a surge that will swamp a health system that already spends $5 billion

a year to treat diabetes and its related conditions.

In a Star series on the disease last year, experts called for a

comprehensive diabetes strategy that closely resembled the one the province

unveiled yesterday.

The funding announcement was especially welcomed by people with type 1

diabetes, said Philp, vice-president of public policy and government

relations at the Canadian Diabetes Association. The province - the first in

Canada - has pledged to provide free insulin pumps for 1,300 adults with

type 1 diabetes, ramping up distribution over the next four years with the

goal of getting pumps to 12,000 eligible Ontarians by 2012, she said.

The province currently offers pumps to children younger than 18.

Until now, the only adults who could benefit from insulin pumps were

patients whose health insurance plans covered the device or those who could

afford to purchase one. The device costs roughly $5,000 and requires about

$250 worth of supplies each month.

" I've been working with all of our diabetes advocacy groups in Ontario for

three-and-a-half years, and they've been pushing for this, " said Philp.

" We're celebrating today. This is a significant step forward for people with

type 1 diabetes in the province ... so many are going to benefit from this. "

Dr. Irene Hramiak, chair of endocrinology and metabolism at the University

of Western Ontario, said the insulin pump initiative has the potential to

improve the health and lives of thousands of Ontarians.

The pager-sized pumps are attached to patients via 30 centimetres of plastic

tubing and a needle, which is inserted under the skin and changed every

three days. They deliver hourly doses of insulin, especially important at

night, as well as doses programmed by the patients themselves at mealtimes.

" Rather than taking a whole large amount of insulin at bedtime they get a

little bit every hour, " said Hramiak, who has helped lead the fight to have

pumps made available for all type 1 diabetics in the province.

Health Minister Caplan, who helped unveil the strategy yesterday in

Toronto, said the province has asked an expert panel to review whether the

pump program should be expanded to patients living with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes experts said the multi-million-dollar strategy is positioned to

tackle the epidemic.

" This is a substantial amount of money. It's an amount of money that will

make a difference, " said Dr. , the Canadian Diabetes

Association chair in diabetes management at the University of Western

Ontario.

One of the plan's key components is an electronic registry to help patients

better manage their disease, which some experts say could be a precursor to

a full electronic health system for Ontarians. A report by the Ontario

Health Quality Council released earlier this year called for such a system

after finding fewer than half of diabetics can keep their blood sugar under

control.

Caplan said the $150 million investment will allow physicians to keep track

of patients by monitoring patient records, accessing diagnostic information

and sending alerts to patients.

" The end result will be faster diagnosis and faster treatment for Ontarians

living with diabetes, " he said. " I believe it will dramatically change

health care in Ontario and help reduce the incidence of diabetes in the

province. "

Such tools that allow patients to actively participate in their care are

critical for managing the disease, said O'Connor, executive director of

the Ontario branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

" Diabetes under control causes nothing, " he said. " Diabetes out of control

causes heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, limb amputation and

tremendous loss of life. "

Other elements of the province's diabetes strategy include:

a.. Education campaigns targeted to at-risk populations, such as the

aboriginal community and South Asians, to raise awareness of factors that

contribute to type 2 diabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure and

high cholesterol levels.

b.. A $75 million investment to improve access to bariatric surgery, a

procedure to treat obesity, one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

c.. Expanded services for people with chronic kidney disease, a complication

of diabetes affecting roughly 40 per cent of Ontarians with diabetes.

d.. $290 million to increase access to team-based diabetes care for

underserviced regions in the province.

[Guest guest]

, that must have been really annoying to have to prove you had diabetes

after 60 years! Did they just think you were buying insulin for the heck of it?

I don't think that those of us in Ontario should delude ourselves to think that

these things come for free. Our taxes are extremely high to pay for these

programs. And in part, it's the system that has caused us to lose a lot of our

doctors to the States.

It's just nice to see our health insurance, which seems to be delisting things

almost daily, is now investing in something that will actually be a tremendous

value to those of us who are Type 1, and for all those who struggle with all

forms of the disease now, and laying a foundation for those facing it in the

future through the education and other programs.

[Guest guest]

You're right, Dave, the population of Canada is miniscule compared to the States

with less than 34 million. In Ontario it is only 12 million, and of that there

are only 1,300 adult Type 1s (according to another article that I read). So

we're talking very small numbers for impact on our health insurance plan. But

the big question here is whether it is sustainable, and it seems that services

are delisted every day. Which was nice to see something being added in for a

change.

Health care is not federally run, it is run by the individual provinces, and

each receives federal funding for health care, but establishes and runs its own

programs, so each is very different. Generally speaking, in Ontario, for the

average person, doctor visits, diagnosis and hospital treatments are covered,

but little else (save and except for some special programs and further social

assistance under certain conditions).

Some special equipment is covered under a special division of the plan, the

assistive devices program, like scleral shells (LOL), and our newest addition

being an insulin pump. But a talking blood glucose meter is not covered... yet.

But hopefully one day those will be covered as well.

For the most part though, with so few people here, there's nothing in it for

manufacturers to go through the hassel and bureaucracy of getting stuff here, so

often we just do without, or order from the States, out of our own pockets.

[Guest guest]

Yes, it great for you to now have this insurance coverage.

Yes, MediCare even demanded that my doctor doa GAD antiobody test, which is

usually done on type 2 diabvetics onl. But, oh, weel, I did it and they now

pay for my pump supplies and they did pay for the new pump. Although I find

it interesting that if I quit using the pump within 2 years of receipt, they

consisder it a " rental " and I have to return it to the company or pay for

the whole thing.

Re: Pump announcement

, that must have been really annoying to have to prove you had

diabetes after 60 years! Did they just think you were buying insulin for the

heck of it?

I don't think that those of us in Ontario should delude ourselves to think

that these things come for free. Our taxes are extremely high to pay for

these programs. And in part, it's the system that has caused us to lose a

lot of our doctors to the States.

It's just nice to see our health insurance, which seems to be delisting

things almost daily, is now investing in something that will actually be a

tremendous value to those of us who are Type 1, and for all those who

struggle with all forms of the disease now, and laying a foundation for

those facing it in the future through the education and other programs.

[Guest guest]

This is fantastic news and almost makes me want to move to Ontario! Hopefully it

will encourage BC (where I am) and other provinces to cover pumps. In BC we only

recently managed to get Lantus covered by the government after years of

advocating, though, so somehow I think it might be a few years before we see

something like pump coverage ...

Jen

[Guest guest]

Hiya.

All I can say is I am glad we have the national Health Service.

Even if it means I have to wait sometimes.

But it's good news for you in Ontario.

.

From: Naessens

Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 10:43 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Pump announcement

You're right, Dave, the population of Canada is miniscule compared to the States

with less than 34 million. In Ontario it is only 12 million, and of that there

are only 1,300 adult Type 1s (according to another article that I read). So

we're talking very small numbers for impact on our health insurance plan. But

the big question here is whether it is sustainable, and it seems that services

are delisted every day. Which was nice to see something being added in for a

change.

Health care is not federally run, it is run by the individual provinces, and

each receives federal funding for health care, but establishes and runs its own

programs, so each is very different. Generally speaking, in Ontario, for the

average person, doctor visits, diagnosis and hospital treatments are covered,

but little else (save and except for some special programs and further social

assistance under certain conditions).

Some special equipment is covered under a special division of the plan, the

assistive devices program, like scleral shells (LOL), and our newest addition

being an insulin pump. But a talking blood glucose meter is not covered... yet.

But hopefully one day those will be covered as well.

For the most part though, with so few people here, there's nothing in it for

manufacturers to go through the hassel and bureaucracy of getting stuff here, so

often we just do without, or order from the States, out of our own pockets.

[Guest guest]

Hi , wait times are quite a problem here too. Larry was first diagnosed in

April as part of some routine bloodwork for a physical, however, he has yet to

see his endo for a first visit, which happens to be scheduled for this Wednesday

coming up.

Where so often I've seen comments in various lists suggesting to " just make an

appointment to see the doctor " or " just call up the doctor to discuss a problem "

or " fire the idiot and just get a new doctor' " that is not always practical or

even a possibility for us. So we just do the best we can, with some occasional

rumblings from us *grin*

Re: Pump announcement

You're right, Dave, the population of Canada is miniscule compared to the

States with less than 34 million. In Ontario it is only 12 million, and of that

there are only 1,300 adult Type 1s (according to another article that I read).

So we're talking very small numbers for impact on our health insurance plan. But

the big question here is whether it is sustainable, and it seems that services

are delisted every day. Which was nice to see something being added in for a

change.

Health care is not federally run, it is run by the individual provinces, and

each receives federal funding for health care, but establishes and runs its own

programs, so each is very different. Generally speaking, in Ontario, for the

average person, doctor visits, diagnosis and hospital treatments are covered,

but little else (save and except for some special programs and further social

assistance under certain conditions).

Some special equipment is covered under a special division of the plan, the

assistive devices program, like scleral shells (LOL), and our newest addition

being an insulin pump. But a talking blood glucose meter is not covered... yet.

But hopefully one day those will be covered as well.

For the most part though, with so few people here, there's nothing in it for

manufacturers to go through the hassel and bureaucracy of getting stuff here, so

often we just do without, or order from the States, out of our own pockets.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Part is the government takes a long time to process the application, but the

big problem is the French our country requires on the products. A lot of

companies do not want to spend the cash or time to get things translated.

Not only that, our country is more picky as to what they let in. This

happened after the thalydimide problem back in the 50s or 60s. It is for

our safety.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Naessens

Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:57 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Pump announcement

Hi Ruth, that is true, however, look how long it has taken the Prodigy to

come to Canada. As you well know, it's still not here, and the wheels grind

slowly. The fact is that manufacturers must jump through the proverbial

hoops to get one accepted into this country.

The Canadian market is just so small by comparison. How many blind people in

Canada have diabetes? Well I admit, that number is growing every day, and as

that number grows, other products will become available, as will the Prodigy

(I hope anyway!!)

Take for example talking meters in the States, which have been available

there for years. As I'm sure you know here, if a blind diabetic wants to use

a talking meter and have strips covered by insurance without any special

permission, he has one choice - the One Touch Profile, a 15 year old meter

which has been out of production for the last 7 years. The strips are still

made, but no guarantee from the manufacturer for how long that will be. The

downside is that a big whack of blood is needed, and really big pockets to

carry around the meter, strips, the talking box and the wire. Not exactly

user friendly.

I do think that bureaucracy and annoyance factor is part of why

manufacturers don't apply to sell things here. They can take the same money,

invest the approval money into marketing, and have a more direct impact on

their bottom line. - it's a lot easier. That's what I think in part is

happening anyway.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Part is the government takes a long time to process the application, but the

big problem is the French our country requires on the products. A lot of

companies do not want to spend the cash or time to get things translated.

Not only that, our country is more picky as to what they let in. This

happened after the thalydimide problem back in the 50s or 60s. It is for

our safety.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Naessens

Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:57 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Pump announcement

Hi Ruth, that is true, however, look how long it has taken the Prodigy to

come to Canada. As you well know, it's still not here, and the wheels grind

slowly. The fact is that manufacturers must jump through the proverbial

hoops to get one accepted into this country.

The Canadian market is just so small by comparison. How many blind people in

Canada have diabetes? Well I admit, that number is growing every day, and as

that number grows, other products will become available, as will the Prodigy

(I hope anyway!!)

Take for example talking meters in the States, which have been available

there for years. As I'm sure you know here, if a blind diabetic wants to use

a talking meter and have strips covered by insurance without any special

permission, he has one choice - the One Touch Profile, a 15 year old meter

which has been out of production for the last 7 years. The strips are still

made, but no guarantee from the manufacturer for how long that will be. The

downside is that a big whack of blood is needed, and really big pockets to

carry around the meter, strips, the talking box and the wire. Not exactly

user friendly.

I do think that bureaucracy and annoyance factor is part of why

manufacturers don't apply to sell things here. They can take the same money,

invest the approval money into marketing, and have a more direct impact on

their bottom line. - it's a lot easier. That's what I think in part is

happening anyway.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Part is the government takes a long time to process the application, but the

big problem is the French our country requires on the products. A lot of

companies do not want to spend the cash or time to get things translated.

Not only that, our country is more picky as to what they let in. This

happened after the thalydimide problem back in the 50s or 60s. It is for

our safety.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Naessens

Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:57 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Pump announcement

Hi Ruth, that is true, however, look how long it has taken the Prodigy to

come to Canada. As you well know, it's still not here, and the wheels grind

slowly. The fact is that manufacturers must jump through the proverbial

hoops to get one accepted into this country.

The Canadian market is just so small by comparison. How many blind people in

Canada have diabetes? Well I admit, that number is growing every day, and as

that number grows, other products will become available, as will the Prodigy

(I hope anyway!!)

Take for example talking meters in the States, which have been available

there for years. As I'm sure you know here, if a blind diabetic wants to use

a talking meter and have strips covered by insurance without any special

permission, he has one choice - the One Touch Profile, a 15 year old meter

which has been out of production for the last 7 years. The strips are still

made, but no guarantee from the manufacturer for how long that will be. The

downside is that a big whack of blood is needed, and really big pockets to

carry around the meter, strips, the talking box and the wire. Not exactly

user friendly.

I do think that bureaucracy and annoyance factor is part of why

manufacturers don't apply to sell things here. They can take the same money,

invest the approval money into marketing, and have a more direct impact on

their bottom line. - it's a lot easier. That's what I think in part is

happening anyway.

[Guest guest]

Ruth, I do understand the safety aspect - i.e. the thalidimide issue of the past

- but I don't buy that argement for medical devices such as glucometers that

have been available for years in the States. I agree, the French aspect is

definitely a problem for getting things here.

[Guest guest]

Ruth, I do understand the safety aspect - i.e. the thalidimide issue of the past

- but I don't buy that argement for medical devices such as glucometers that

have been available for years in the States. I agree, the French aspect is

definitely a problem for getting things here.

[Guest guest]

Ruth, I do understand the safety aspect - i.e. the thalidimide issue of the past

- but I don't buy that argement for medical devices such as glucometers that

have been available for years in the States. I agree, the French aspect is

definitely a problem for getting things here.

[Guest guest]

Here in Nova Scotia, like Ontario, wait times can be a problem. However, I

have found that finding a G.P. or family doctor that has some understanding

of diabetes and its intricacies is extremely helpful in dealing with this

disease.

It took me some time and effort to find the doctor I now have and I am

comfortable how she handles my treatment. She never has any problems with

the questions I have and we seem to work as a team to keep my diabetes in

control. If there is something she needs assistance with, she is quick to

get me in to see an endocrinologist.

When I needed to find a new endocrinologist, I was also told that it would

take three months to get an appointment. Of course, this is way too long. I

went back to my family doctor and expressed my concern about the wait time

and she was able to get me an appointment in less than two weeks. I am not

saying this will always work or it will be the same in every province in

Canada, but it helps to have a doctor that will also be an advocate for you.

I realize how fortunate I am to have a doctor that will do this for me. I am

also fortunate to have an endocrinologist where I can make an appointment to

see him in a week.

I still believe that we all have to take control of our own care. I realize

that may be easier said than done in some places. I hope that you make out

well with your appointment to your endocrinologist and that future

appointments will not take as long.

Re: Pump announcement

Hi , wait times are quite a problem here too. Larry was first diagnosed

in April as part of some routine bloodwork for a physical, however, he has

yet to see his endo for a first visit, which happens to be scheduled for

this Wednesday coming up.

Where so often I've seen comments in various lists suggesting to " just make

an appointment to see the doctor " or " just call up the doctor to discuss a

problem " or " fire the idiot and just get a new doctor' " that is not always

practical or even a possibility for us. So we just do the best we can, with

some occasional rumblings from us *grin*

Re: Pump announcement

You're right, Dave, the population of Canada is miniscule compared to the

States with less than 34 million. In Ontario it is only 12 million, and of

that there are only 1,300 adult Type 1s (according to another article that I

read). So we're talking very small numbers for impact on our health

insurance plan. But the big question here is whether it is sustainable, and

it seems that services are delisted every day. Which was nice to see

something being added in for a change.

Health care is not federally run, it is run by the individual provinces,

and each receives federal funding for health care, but establishes and runs

its own programs, so each is very different. Generally speaking, in Ontario,

for the average person, doctor visits, diagnosis and hospital treatments are

covered, but little else (save and except for some special programs and

further social assistance under certain conditions).

Some special equipment is covered under a special division of the plan,

the assistive devices program, like scleral shells (LOL), and our newest

addition being an insulin pump. But a talking blood glucose meter is not

covered... yet. But hopefully one day those will be covered as well.

For the most part though, with so few people here, there's nothing in it

for manufacturers to go through the hassel and bureaucracy of getting stuff

here, so often we just do without, or order from the States, out of our own

pockets.

[Guest guest]

Here in Nova Scotia, like Ontario, wait times can be a problem. However, I

have found that finding a G.P. or family doctor that has some understanding

of diabetes and its intricacies is extremely helpful in dealing with this

disease.

It took me some time and effort to find the doctor I now have and I am

comfortable how she handles my treatment. She never has any problems with

the questions I have and we seem to work as a team to keep my diabetes in

control. If there is something she needs assistance with, she is quick to

get me in to see an endocrinologist.

When I needed to find a new endocrinologist, I was also told that it would

take three months to get an appointment. Of course, this is way too long. I

went back to my family doctor and expressed my concern about the wait time

and she was able to get me an appointment in less than two weeks. I am not

saying this will always work or it will be the same in every province in

Canada, but it helps to have a doctor that will also be an advocate for you.

I realize how fortunate I am to have a doctor that will do this for me. I am

also fortunate to have an endocrinologist where I can make an appointment to

see him in a week.

I still believe that we all have to take control of our own care. I realize

that may be easier said than done in some places. I hope that you make out

well with your appointment to your endocrinologist and that future

appointments will not take as long.

Re: Pump announcement

Hi , wait times are quite a problem here too. Larry was first diagnosed

in April as part of some routine bloodwork for a physical, however, he has

yet to see his endo for a first visit, which happens to be scheduled for

this Wednesday coming up.

Where so often I've seen comments in various lists suggesting to " just make

an appointment to see the doctor " or " just call up the doctor to discuss a

problem " or " fire the idiot and just get a new doctor' " that is not always

practical or even a possibility for us. So we just do the best we can, with

some occasional rumblings from us *grin*

Re: Pump announcement

You're right, Dave, the population of Canada is miniscule compared to the

States with less than 34 million. In Ontario it is only 12 million, and of

that there are only 1,300 adult Type 1s (according to another article that I

read). So we're talking very small numbers for impact on our health

insurance plan. But the big question here is whether it is sustainable, and

it seems that services are delisted every day. Which was nice to see

something being added in for a change.

Health care is not federally run, it is run by the individual provinces,

and each receives federal funding for health care, but establishes and runs

its own programs, so each is very different. Generally speaking, in Ontario,

for the average person, doctor visits, diagnosis and hospital treatments are

covered, but little else (save and except for some special programs and

further social assistance under certain conditions).

Some special equipment is covered under a special division of the plan,

the assistive devices program, like scleral shells (LOL), and our newest

addition being an insulin pump. But a talking blood glucose meter is not

covered... yet. But hopefully one day those will be covered as well.

For the most part though, with so few people here, there's nothing in it

for manufacturers to go through the hassel and bureaucracy of getting stuff

here, so often we just do without, or order from the States, out of our own

pockets.

[Guest guest]

Here in Nova Scotia, like Ontario, wait times can be a problem. However, I

have found that finding a G.P. or family doctor that has some understanding

of diabetes and its intricacies is extremely helpful in dealing with this

disease.

It took me some time and effort to find the doctor I now have and I am

comfortable how she handles my treatment. She never has any problems with

the questions I have and we seem to work as a team to keep my diabetes in

control. If there is something she needs assistance with, she is quick to

get me in to see an endocrinologist.

When I needed to find a new endocrinologist, I was also told that it would

take three months to get an appointment. Of course, this is way too long. I

went back to my family doctor and expressed my concern about the wait time

and she was able to get me an appointment in less than two weeks. I am not

saying this will always work or it will be the same in every province in

Canada, but it helps to have a doctor that will also be an advocate for you.

I realize how fortunate I am to have a doctor that will do this for me. I am

also fortunate to have an endocrinologist where I can make an appointment to

see him in a week.

I still believe that we all have to take control of our own care. I realize

that may be easier said than done in some places. I hope that you make out

well with your appointment to your endocrinologist and that future

appointments will not take as long.

Re: Pump announcement

Hi , wait times are quite a problem here too. Larry was first diagnosed

in April as part of some routine bloodwork for a physical, however, he has

yet to see his endo for a first visit, which happens to be scheduled for

this Wednesday coming up.

Where so often I've seen comments in various lists suggesting to " just make

an appointment to see the doctor " or " just call up the doctor to discuss a

problem " or " fire the idiot and just get a new doctor' " that is not always

practical or even a possibility for us. So we just do the best we can, with

some occasional rumblings from us *grin*

Re: Pump announcement

You're right, Dave, the population of Canada is miniscule compared to the

States with less than 34 million. In Ontario it is only 12 million, and of

that there are only 1,300 adult Type 1s (according to another article that I

read). So we're talking very small numbers for impact on our health

insurance plan. But the big question here is whether it is sustainable, and

it seems that services are delisted every day. Which was nice to see

something being added in for a change.

Health care is not federally run, it is run by the individual provinces,

and each receives federal funding for health care, but establishes and runs

its own programs, so each is very different. Generally speaking, in Ontario,

for the average person, doctor visits, diagnosis and hospital treatments are

covered, but little else (save and except for some special programs and

further social assistance under certain conditions).

Some special equipment is covered under a special division of the plan,

the assistive devices program, like scleral shells (LOL), and our newest

addition being an insulin pump. But a talking blood glucose meter is not

covered... yet. But hopefully one day those will be covered as well.

For the most part though, with so few people here, there's nothing in it

for manufacturers to go through the hassel and bureaucracy of getting stuff

here, so often we just do without, or order from the States, out of our own

pockets.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Wait times for specialists, especially first appointments, are very long. Even

cancer consults can take weeks to get in, depending on the cancer - and one

always has to worry about being told, after waiting for weeks, to be told you

should have come in earlier when we could have still done something, always

lurks in the back of your mind. Luckily this has never happened to me, but these

long waits do happen.

There is a critical doctor shortage in our area for general physicians, despite

so-called initiatives by regional governments to attract doctors into any given

area. As we all know, knowledge among these practitioners range from knowing

very little, to being quite competent. My experience so far has been in the

lower end of the range. Seems that the advice " patient heal thyself " is called

for - at least, " patient educate thyself " . That is always a good thing, I think.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Wait times for specialists, especially first appointments, are very long. Even

cancer consults can take weeks to get in, depending on the cancer - and one

always has to worry about being told, after waiting for weeks, to be told you

should have come in earlier when we could have still done something, always

lurks in the back of your mind. Luckily this has never happened to me, but these

long waits do happen.

There is a critical doctor shortage in our area for general physicians, despite

so-called initiatives by regional governments to attract doctors into any given

area. As we all know, knowledge among these practitioners range from knowing

very little, to being quite competent. My experience so far has been in the

lower end of the range. Seems that the advice " patient heal thyself " is called

for - at least, " patient educate thyself " . That is always a good thing, I think.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Wait times for specialists, especially first appointments, are very long. Even

cancer consults can take weeks to get in, depending on the cancer - and one

always has to worry about being told, after waiting for weeks, to be told you

should have come in earlier when we could have still done something, always

lurks in the back of your mind. Luckily this has never happened to me, but these

long waits do happen.

There is a critical doctor shortage in our area for general physicians, despite

so-called initiatives by regional governments to attract doctors into any given

area. As we all know, knowledge among these practitioners range from knowing

very little, to being quite competent. My experience so far has been in the

lower end of the range. Seems that the advice " patient heal thyself " is called

for - at least, " patient educate thyself " . That is always a good thing, I think.

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth. This is an interesting discussion and I'd like to chime in with a

thought or 2 if I may. I wonder if part of the problem is that here in Canada,

virtually no organization lobbies the government for quicker action when it

comes to subsidizing, encouraging or even allowing the sale of new products that

promote accessibility. I understand the inconvenience caused by the need to

include French labeling for all products. Indeed such a law does discourage

companies from marketing their products to Canada. But what about the

bureaucracy faced by those who do attempt to bring certain products to the

Canadian consumer.

Our government is, in my not so humble opinion, too slow to endorse many such

advances. The Prodigy meter presents one such glaring example. The audible GPS

is another. It offers an incrredible oportunity for blind people to enhance

mobility. Whether one uses a cane or relies on a guide dog, such a device opens

a world of possibilities. If someone who who would like to take advantage of

such a system happens to have the $1500 necessary to by the device, they are

good to go. Yet it is not a part of our Assistive devices program. Why not? I

can't think of a good reason.

For those outside Canada, the assistive devices program helps to defray the cost

of devices that help people to cope with various conditions including both

blindness and diabetes.

At any rate, my point here is that though I am compelled to live with our

government's slow acceptance of devices that would make life easier, I can't

excuse it. If we are to have a program that partners with blind people,

diabetics and others to help defray the cost of devices that will lead to

greater independence, let's include products that are relevant. Further, I would

like to see our government respond in a more timely matter when it comes to the

approval of medically related products that pose no health risk to the user.

As usual, just my 2 cents on the subject. I am, I must confess, a bit of an

idealist.

Larry

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Medical devices are included for the same reasons of safety. For example,

the Accuchek Voice Mate was not allowed to be sold in Canada because there

was a way the device was supposed to tell you how much insulin was left in

your bottles. Unsafe if the device doesn't work. Before the thalydimide

thing, Canada practically allowed everything the States did. Canada chose

after that to be picky and protect their citizens. Even our Prodigy Voice

will need to be slightly modified to bring it into Canada. DDI will have to

make the meters read mmo/l only. Presently the Voice meters in the States

can read both mg/dl and mmo/l. This is because in past Canada did allow

both measurements and people made mistakes in their insulin if they did not

have the right measurement. Not everybody is on the ball about things. So,

as you can see, devices can be a problem too and again it is money that must

be spent in order to bring up a device along with all changes, license

requirements, etc.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Naessens

Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 1:25 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Pump announcement

Ruth, I do understand the safety aspect - i.e. the thalidimide issue of the

past - but I don't buy that argement for medical devices such as glucometers

that have been available for years in the States. I agree, the French aspect

is definitely a problem for getting things here.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Medical devices are included for the same reasons of safety. For example,

the Accuchek Voice Mate was not allowed to be sold in Canada because there

was a way the device was supposed to tell you how much insulin was left in

your bottles. Unsafe if the device doesn't work. Before the thalydimide

thing, Canada practically allowed everything the States did. Canada chose

after that to be picky and protect their citizens. Even our Prodigy Voice

will need to be slightly modified to bring it into Canada. DDI will have to

make the meters read mmo/l only. Presently the Voice meters in the States

can read both mg/dl and mmo/l. This is because in past Canada did allow

both measurements and people made mistakes in their insulin if they did not

have the right measurement. Not everybody is on the ball about things. So,

as you can see, devices can be a problem too and again it is money that must

be spent in order to bring up a device along with all changes, license

requirements, etc.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Naessens

Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 1:25 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Pump announcement

Ruth, I do understand the safety aspect - i.e. the thalidimide issue of the

past - but I don't buy that argement for medical devices such as glucometers

that have been available for years in the States. I agree, the French aspect

is definitely a problem for getting things here.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Medical devices are included for the same reasons of safety. For example,

the Accuchek Voice Mate was not allowed to be sold in Canada because there

was a way the device was supposed to tell you how much insulin was left in

your bottles. Unsafe if the device doesn't work. Before the thalydimide

thing, Canada practically allowed everything the States did. Canada chose

after that to be picky and protect their citizens. Even our Prodigy Voice

will need to be slightly modified to bring it into Canada. DDI will have to

make the meters read mmo/l only. Presently the Voice meters in the States

can read both mg/dl and mmo/l. This is because in past Canada did allow

both measurements and people made mistakes in their insulin if they did not

have the right measurement. Not everybody is on the ball about things. So,

as you can see, devices can be a problem too and again it is money that must

be spent in order to bring up a device along with all changes, license

requirements, etc.

Ruth

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Naessens

Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 1:25 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: Pump announcement

Ruth, I do understand the safety aspect - i.e. the thalidimide issue of the

past - but I don't buy that argement for medical devices such as glucometers

that have been available for years in the States. I agree, the French aspect

is definitely a problem for getting things here.