FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHILDREN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES RECEIVE ACCESS TO INSULIN PUMPS AND INSULIN PUMP SUPPLIES THROUGH GOVERNMENT FUNDING

Partners Remain Committed to Ensuring Children with Type 1 Diabetes Have Access to Current Technology and Treatment.

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO – MARCH 23, 2006

The Government of Ontario’s 2006-07 budget has recognized the needs of children with Type 1 diabetes. The government announced a new program that will provide $12 million in 2006-07, growing to $30 million in 2008-09, to fund the purchase of insulin pumps and related supplies for young people with Type 1 diabetes. This investment will improve the quality of life for Type 1 diabetics and will help prevent the onset of serious illness.


“Members of ODAP would like to acknowledge the combined efforts of everyone who either partnered with us or supported our efforts”, stated Terry Anne Thomson, ODAP Coordinator. “This is an important step forward for children with Type 1 diabetes in Ontario.”

The Ontario Diabetes Action Partnership has been lobbying the government for access to funding for insulin pumps and supplies for children with Type 1 diabetes since April 22, 2004. The partnership formed in response to the cries for help from the many type 1 diabetics, families of diabetics and their health care teams and has also received support for their efforts from many Members of Provincial Parliament. ODAP has given voice and visibility to the impact of diabetes related health complications within Ontario.

ODAP efforts coupled with several private members bills seeking to amend the Health Insurance Act to allow for the provision of insulin pumps and supplies, as insured services in Ontario, also served to keep both the government and the public focused on the benefits of insulin infusion pump use.

“The use of an insulin pump is a tremendous contributor to a child’s ability to live a full and active life while at the same time lessens a parent’s worry”, stated Thomson. “One child with Insulin Dependent Diabetes could cost the Ontario health care system in excess of $200,000 due to complications during their lifetime. Today’s announcement will help reduce the number of children suffering from these severe complications and the related medical costs.”

- 30 -