Sweet relief

The tools to better manage type 1 diabetes could soon be within reach of more New Zealanders.

- Nicky Pellegrino

New Zealanders living with type 1 diabetes had a bit of good news last month when Pharmac announced it was taking the first step towards funding a life-changing device. Continuous glucose monitors are free in Australia, the UK and many other countries. But here, people with the genetic condition have to pay for a monitor, and the cost of about $50 a week is beyond the reach of many.

Type 1 diabetes often occurs in childhood. The pancreas stops producing insulin - the hormone that lowers the amount of glucose in the bloodstream-causing the sugar to build up, which can cause life-threatening complications.

Although there is no way of curing it, type 1 diabetes can be managed. For sufferers, that has meant regular finger-prick tests to check levels of blood glucose and find out whether they need food or medication.

 In 1999, the first device for reading blood sugar levels continuously was approved in the US. Today, this wearable technology can be monitored easily via a smartphone or watch, and there is overwhelming evidence that it results in better glucose control and healthier people.

When blood sugar levels fall too low, it triggers hypoglycaemia. The signs of this may come on quickly and be dangerous - they include confusion, blurred vision, weakness, sleepiness and seizures. But if blood sugar levels stay too high, it can, over time, result in permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.

The vast majority of New Zealand's estimated quarter of a million diabetics have type 2 diabetes. They still need to test blood glucose levels frequently but have more scope to manage their condition.