The High Cost of Diabetes: Lifetime Medical Spending in the US
A new study published in Diabetes Care has shed light on the profound financial implications of type 2 diabetes for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. The research highlights the significant lifetime medical costs that can be attributed to managing type 2 diabetes, particularly in older adults, further emphasizing the economic burden associated with the […]
Draft Bill Published
A Draft Bill on Health Insurance Scheme is being debated by the Ugandan Parliament. It stipulates that all Ugandans aged 18 and above will have to enrol and pay premium to the proposed national health Insurance Scheme. For those below 18 and are dependents, their parents or guardians will have to pay for them. Premium for […]
News From Around the World
CGM First Step in NZ The New Zealand medicine-funding agency, Pharmac, announced in February it was seeking competitive commercial offers to fund Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) – the “first step” in the process. Many campaigners inside and outside of Parliament are claiming that the process is taking far too long. According to the Ministry of […]
More News From Around the Globe: Celebrating Advocacy Success
CAPTION: Mr Matt Burnell MP, Mike Wilson OAM, The Hon Mark Butler MP, Senator Marielle Smith, Ms Louise Miller-Frost MP, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Mr Steve Georganas and T1D advocates. Over the years there have been many advancements in diabetes technology that have helped of people with the condition, especially those living with type […]
News From Around the Globe: Over a million Self-Rationing Insulin in USA
An estimated 1.3 million adults in the one of the world’s wealthiest nations are having to self-ration their insulin doses due to high costs, increasing their risk of complications including kidney damage, blindness and even death. The average for a standard unit of insulin in the US is nearly $100, compared to $12 in Canada, […]
News from Around the World: South Africa’s Obesity Costs Typical Across Africa
Obesity-related conditions and their complications across the continent of Africa may add up to nearly 10 percent of all health expenditure. The costs of obesity and associated conditions add hugely to healthcare costs and productivity losses. In turn this adds a large burden on individuals, their families and on governments. Research funded through the University […]
DLC Joins Lawsuit
A trio of patient advocacy groups in the US are challenging a rule that allows insurers to prevent financial assistance from drug companies from counting toward a patient’s annual out-of-pocket costs. Insurers argue that drug companies’ co-pay assistance programs allow drug companies to steer patients toward expensive brand-name drugs, driving up health costs for everyone. […]
More News from Around the World: Role of Taxation in Preventing Obesity – Moroccan Summit
PDGN Vice-President and Moroccan MP, Dr Mostafa Brahimi, reports that a summit on the role of taxation in preventing obesity was held in the Moroccan Parliament. The summit involved parliamentarians, agri-food industry representatives, such as biscuits, sugar drinks and dairy products, together with academics and the President of the of the International Diabetes Federation Middle-East […]
Senate Action on Insulin Costs
U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) – Co-Chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus – announced their new bipartisan legislation, the ‘Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act’, to lower the skyrocketing costs of insulin. The new legislation builds on Collins’ and Shaheen’s previous efforts, increasing measures to encourage insulin […]
Maltese Ombudsman Ruling
An Ombudsman ruling found that free glucose monitors should be given to people of all ages. The Health Ombudsman’s ruling stated that limiting the supply of free Continuous Glucose Monitor by age is discriminatory. Advocacy Action: Do you have an Ombudsman system or final arbiter mechanism who could investigate and make findings after other avenues […]
More News From Around the World
Diabetes Election Issues in Australia During the recent Australian election the two main parties vied with one another on polices for people with diabetes. Diabetes has maintained a high profile within Australian politics thanks to the work of elected members in the cross-party diabetes group and by Diabetes Australia. The latter made a statement during […]
More News From Around the World: Online Lobbying
The price of insulin and prescription drugs continue to dominate the issues facing people with diabetes in the USA. As part of their campaign to raise awareness and prompt action, the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), is holding a virtual Hill Day in June. The event involves advocates from different states signing up to lobby […]
Temporary Victory for Alberta Pumpers
Government plans in the Canadian province of Alberta to change funding for insulin pumps have been put on hold following fears expressed by MPs and people with Type 1 diabetes. Alberta’s health minister apologised and said the changes, which were to begin in August are being put off pending consultations to make sure no one […]
The American Diabetes Association continues to support the efforts of people campaigning to cap the cost of Insulin.
ADA members have successfully put the issue on the agenda of numerous State legislators. The ADA says the cost of life-saving insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013. Separately the Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC), who are also campaigning to reduce the cost of insulin, have said that they were excited around both President Biden’s State […]
Diabetes Complication Screening
Two donors made it possible for the Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA) to organize foot screenings by a chiropodist, and retinal eye screening by an ophthalmologist for fifty uninsured people with diabetes. Almost every one screened had uncontrolled hypertension, more than half had elevated HbA1c, and the majority did not see a physician on a regular […]
More News From Around the Globe: New CGM device for Australians with diabetes
Australians with diabetes will now have access to the next-generation Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), ensuring they can use the latest technology to manage their diabetes. From 1 March, 58,000 eligible Australians participating in the CGM Initiative will have the option of using the new Dexcom G6 CGM device, as the current Dexcom G5 […]
Affordable Screening for Children
It only takes a blood test to detect the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes in children at an early stage and, thus, prevent severe metabolic derailments. A research team from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now calculated that introducing screening into standard care would probably cost the health care system […]
More Action Needed on Insulin Access
A World Health Organisation (WHO) report ‘Keeping the 100-year-old Promise – making insulin access universal’ criticises the fact that insulin is still out of reach for many patients. The report lists the main barriers to access being: ● High prices ● Low Availability ● Producers ● Weak Health Systems WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, […]
DLC Diabetes Action Plan
The Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) of America has published a ‘Consensus Paper’ on their Diabetes Action Plan that received input from 10 organisations with an interest in Diabetes. Among many issues the plan highlights affordable insulin as the bedrock of diabetes management for 1 in 3 people with diabetes, but recognises that insulin is only […]
Call on Kenyan Government to Lower Insulin Cost
Key gaps in the affordability and availability of insulin in Kenya have been identified in a study conducted by the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH). PATH is active in around 70 counties, including Kenya, with a mission to advance health equity through innovation and partnerships. They say that the cost of insulin in […]
Amendments to Moroccan Finance Bill
PDGN Vice-President, Senator Dr Mustafa Brahimi, is proposing a number of amendments to the 2022 health budget with ideas to help prevent diabetes and improve treatment for those with the condition. Senator Brahimi is amending the country’s Finance Bill as it makes its way towards a final vote by the Commission this month. Brahimi want’s […]
The Future is Automation
According to Medgadget, a web publication produced by ‘Coherent Market Insights’, the healthcare industry is rapidly adopting new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, medical imaging analytics; and extracting maximum benefits to drive down operational efficiencies, reduce cost of care, and enhance quality of care. Healthcare automation applications are assisting healthcare professionals and hospital […]
More News From Around the Globe: Cross Aisle Support for Action
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about 41 percent of adults aged 60 and over had obesity in the period of 2015 through 2016, representing more than 27 million people, while the National Institutes of Health has reported that obesity and overweight are now the second leading cause of death nationally, […]
NCD’s Hit Kenyan Incomes
According to Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Health, rising cases of cancers, diabetes, epilepsy and sickle cell disease, known as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in young people are contributing to a decrease of a third in Kenyan household incomes. In July this year, the country embarked on a five-year national strategic […]
High Court Rules on Diabetes Drug Patent
The cost for treating diabetes is expected to come down with a Delhi High Court having dismissed an appeal by AstraZeneca, which had sought the restraining of the generic versions of a blockbuster drug. The global pharma firm was also suing a host of domestic companies for the infringement of patents covering the drug. The […]
Sudan – Impending Health Disaster Predicted
Strike action by doctors, that would be unprecedented in many western health care systems, is being carried out in sheer frustration at medicine shortages, lack of funding, insecurity and what has been described as an “impending health disaster”? The number of COVID-19 cases combined with existing challenges on the Sudanese health care system has gone […]
New Zealand – Type 2 Tidal Wave
Type 2 diabetes costs the country NZ$2.1 billion a year and one in four Indigenous New Zealand and Pacific islanders will have the disease in 20 years, a report has indicated. This would be a type 2 tidal wave in the opinion of some commentators, igniting the debate for a national diabetes strategy. The report, […]
Congress Holds Hearings on Prescription Drug Pricing
Two Congressional committees have held hearings on the need for lowering prescription drug costs. Issues facing the people with diabetes who need insulin to stay alive or simply assist their control of the condition were mentioned frequently in discussions. Congressional Diabetes Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Diana DeGette gave members an insight into the issues at a […]
News in Brief
Japanese firm predicting 7 per cent increase among people with diabetes requiring a Kidney transplant. https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Health-Care/Japan-s-Nipro-pumps-1bn-into-doubling-output-of-artificial-kidneys Patient criticism in Nigeria over high cost of treatment and lack of government policies. https://punchng.com/diabetes-patients-lament-lack-of-govt-policy-high-cost-of-treatment How some young type 1 South Africans successfully campaigned for a health insurer to offer a continuous glucose monitor benefit. A great advocacy example. […]
Zimbabwe: Nurses Behind Better NCD Management
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are estimated to account for 31% of total deaths, with diabetes, hypertension and asthma as the main killers in Zimbabwe. The country has been facing a number of challenges most notably in the health sector. Healthcare workers are overwhelmed and doctors, especially in rural areas, are scarce. Millions of Zimbabweans are disconnected […]
Research Corner
Obesity Risks The study suggests there is a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes by at least 6 times. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200415185837.htm Studies into Diabetes Genes In the largest non-European diabetes genetics study to date that involved 433,540 East Asian individuals from China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and USA, an international team of […]
PDGN People: Number three – Sir Michael Hirst
CAPTION: Current International Diabetes Federation (IDF) President Professor Andrew Boulton (left), catching up with PDGN Co-Chair and a former IDF President Sir Michael Hirst PDGN has three Co-Chairs; Chris Delicata, John Bowis OBE and here the third, one of the founders of PDGN, Sir Michael Hirst tells of his interest and involvement. My interest in […]
News From the USA
Ohio State Senator Campaigns to Cap Insulin Prices The continuing issue of high insulin prices in the USA is being raised and tacked by politicians at State and Federal level. In Lakewood, Ohio, the State Senator for the area, Nickie Antonio, has successfully seen parts of her proposal to combat diabetes pass through the Senate […]
News From Around the World
Morocco The Moroccan Diabetes League celebrated World Diabetes Day in the city of LAAYOUN in southern Morocco. Advocacy Action: Start planning now for World Diabetes Day 14th November 2020. Malta Thanks to campaigning MPs, an €800,000 investment will see 2,000 Type 2 diabetes patients on the Island, who previously paid for their insulin, receive it free […]
USA News
Cost of Diabetes American Diabetes Association research estimates the total costs of diagnosed diabetes have risen to $327 billion in 2017 from $245 billion in 2012,. This and much more here: https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/cost-diabetes?language_content_entity=en Amputations on the rise An article in the Philadelphia Enquirer reports on America’s epidemic of obesity and how diabetic amputations are again on […]
High costs of insulin still creating headlines
The rising cost of insulins has been well documented in the US where there are more than 30 million Americans with diabetes, a disease that costs the U.S. more than $327 billion per year. For people living with diabetes, including all individuals with Type 1 diabetes, access to insulin is literally a matter of life […]
News From Around The World
New Zealand – New Type 2 prevention campaign launched. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2019/07/new-campaign-aims-to-curb-new-zealand-s-type-2-diabetes-problem.html How Goa’s digital approach to diabetes can improve universal healthcare https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/10/diabetes-in-india-digital-care USA – Type 2 amputations on the rise, a worrying report from the States. https://www.inquirer.com/health/amputation-increasing-diabetes-surgery-insulin-20190616.html Advocacy Action – what is the trend in your country. Can you ask your Government what the estimated cost […]
Impact of Insulin Cost Rises
The cost of insulin nearly doubled between 2012 and 2016 leading to some US citizens with diabetes rationing their medicine to survive. With a vial of insulin costing around $300 in the United States, people prescribed with insulin for their diabetes have been hit hard with Hispanic, Asian and Black patients appearing to be the […]
Lilly to Bring Rocketing Insulin Costs Down to Earth
US insulin manufacturer Eli Lilly has become the first to respond to the growing pressure from patients to cut the cost of insulin. The company announced in March that it would offer a cheaper version of its top selling insulin Humalog in the USA. The decision follows a decision by Congress to investigate the three […]
INSULIN RATIONING!
PDGN has been tracking the rise in insulin costs and alarming stories appearing in reputable publications about patients rationing their insulin and fears of future shortages. In the USA there is growing anger over the rising cost of insulin leading to some people with diabetes not taking it as directed. According to Reuters a survey […]
News In Brief
Latest statistics show dramatic variations across the UK, and less than half of those with diabetes achieve UK recommended treatment targets – URL: http://diabetestimes.co.uk/latest-national-diabetes-audit-results-published/ Diabetes has become one of America’s most expensive diseases – URL: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article130487694.html As the diabetes burden rises in India, experts call for a pan-India diabetic policy – URL: http://everylifecounts.ndtv.com/as-diabetesburden-rises-in-indiaexperts-call-for-pan-india-diabetic-policy-10579
HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Australian Government announced on the 1st April 2017 that people with type 1 diabetes will have access to free glucose monitoring devices under a federal government program. The $54 million program has been praised as a ‘life-changer’ by Diabetes Australia (DA). “This will benefit around 4,000 Australian families with a child or young person […]
Diabetes and Indigenous communities
The Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation received $500,000 grant to develop an innovative, Indigenous-led social finance model to reduce diabetes. The Vancouver based Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation (RIIF) has announced plans to create a Diabetes Reduction Bond – an innovative model for designing and financing diabetes interventions in Canada and around the world. Using a Can$500,000 […]
New Zealand Glucose Monitoring Campaign
A strong patient led campaign for glucose monitoring reimbursement has gained ground in New Zealand. Diabetes New Zealand asked people with diabetes to post on social media about the burden they carry with the condition. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/128048868/diabetes-nz-campaigns-nationally-for-glucose-monitors Advocacy Action: Do you use social media to enlist public support for your campaigns? Can you join existing networks […]
Patient Pocket Calculator
A great example of partnership working for the benefit of patients that in principle could be replicated across any health care system. The Patient Pocket Protector Coalition (PPPC) works with state legislators to introduce patient-first policies addressing the financial burdens of the 133 million Americans living with chronic illnesses, beginning with pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) […]