QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Indigenous Services—Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Diabetes Prevention and Treatment
November 24, 2022
Welcome to the Senate, minister.
As I’m sure you know, diabetes has a significant and disproportionate impact on Indigenous and Inuit communities. Currently, access to continuous glucose monitoring systems is limited under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit in Canada.
Given the current drug benefit list, when will you be able to change your policy to make sure Indigenous children get the care and services they need to effectively treat and prevent diabetes?
Thank you, senator. That is a very important question.
It is actually related to the previous question, which is about flipping from treatment — often very expensive treatment — to prevention. I see those glucose monitors you’re speaking of as an important prevention tool to help people control their diabetes and get better outcomes that reduce the need for more extreme interventions.
I had an Indigenous pharmacist actually teach me about this type of glucose monitor. So I’m working now with the department to understand how we can add that type of glucose monitor to the formulary so that more Indigenous people can have access to that particular tool. That will, indeed, eventually alleviate costs on the treatment of severe diabetes and diabetes‑related complications.
