Dexcom celebrates funded access to life-changing diabetes technology for all New Zealanders with Type 1 diabetes

DexCom, Inc. (Nasdaq: DXCM), the global leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, commends Pharmac’s decision to fund continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and compatible insulin pumps and consumables for all New Zealanders living with Type 1 diabetes.

Kirstin Brown, New Zealand Country Manager at Dexcom said Pharmac’s decision to fund CGMs is a significant milestone that reflects the government’s commitment to address the serious health challenges faced by people living with diabetes. Access to funded CGMs will not only change the lives of Kiwis living with Type 1 diabetes, but it will also lead to significant hospital and healthcare cost savings for New Zealand^[1].

“Diabetes advocacy groups have long encouraged equity and greater access to CGM technology for more effective diabetes management regardless of age or socioeconomic status, so it’s wonderful that this life-changing technology will now be accessed by clinical need, rather than ability to pay,” she says.

Dexcom CGM systems consist of a small, wearable sensor that continually measures and sends glucose data wirelessly to a smart device* or receiver, giving users real-time glucose data without the need to scan or prick their finger^. Dexcom CGMs provide personalised, actionable insights and allow people living with diabetes to better manage their glucose levels and reduce their risk of long-term complications from HbA1c and hypoglycaemia.^2-3

Around 5-10% of the New Zealand population with diabetes has Type 1 diabetes⁴. Those living with the condition are at greater risk of developing eye disease, cardiac disease, diabetic nephropathy, and ultimately end-stage renal disease⁵.

Heather Verry, CEO Diabetes New Zealand said, “Alongside the benefits of better glucose control for individuals, the use of CGMs plays a significant role in helping to reduce the associated health complications and the social and economic burden that diabetes places on individuals, whānau, the government and the health system”

Pharmac’s funding includes coverage for Dexcom ONE+, Dexcom G7, Dexcom G6 and the Tandem t:slim X2™ insulin pump and consumables.

Dexcom ONE+ is funded as a standalone solution. Dexcom G7 and Dexcom G6 are funded for people who, in the opinion of the treating practitioner, would benefit from an automated insulin delivery system. Both Dexcom G7 and Dexcom G6 offer predictive Urgent Low Soon alerts, which lets users take action sooner and can help avoid low glucose events and rebound high glucose events.⁶

To access funding, individuals should speak to their General Practitioner (GP) or Diabetes Specialist team to discuss the eligibility criteria and determine if a Dexcom CGM or insulin pump is suitable for them. GPs or Diabetes Specialist teams will need to apply for a Special Authority. Once approved, a funded prescription will be issued. Prescriptions can be dispensed by local pharmacies.