VANCOUVER — The Canadian Press Published on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 2:43PM EST Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2009 9:12PM EDT
The B.C. government says it will begin paying for insulin pumps for diabetics under the age of 18, as well as pump supplies for all diabetics.
The pumps deliver measured doses of insulin in place of injections, allowing diabetics to maintain better control of their blood sugar levels, helping reduce the chance of long-term complications from the disease.
They cost about $6,500 each and the program is expected to cover 200 patients each year at a cost of about $1.5 million annually.
In addition, all diabetics who use pumps will now have costs covered for insulin reservoirs, which are disposable and must be changed about every three days.
The government says this will save patients up to $700 annually.
Health Minister George Abbott, who made the announcement on World Diabetes Day, says by covering the costs the government is hoping to reduce the financial and emotional toll caused by diabetes.
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