B.C. is now covering a flash glucose monitor diabetes device.

People living with diabetes, which affects the body鈥檚 ability to regulate blood-glucose levels, will now be able to get PharmaCare coverage of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitor. It allows users to read their blood-sugar levels by swiping a handheld device or smartphone over the sensor, the government announced Tuesday (Aug. 1), the same day coverage began.

A flash glucose monitor system uses an externally worn sensor that is inserted under the skin in the upper arm. When the sensor is scanned with a reader device or smartphone, it transmits the real-time glucose reading and information to the user.

Sensors can be worn continuously for up to 14 days.

The province says the FreeStyle Libre is similar to the Dexcom G6, a continuous glucose monitor, that has been covered by PharmaCare since June 2021.

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鈥淭he FreeStyle Libre helps people living with diabetes better manage their blood-sugar levels without having to prick their finger multiple times a day to test manually. Some people may prefer how the FreeStyle Libre is applied or its reduced frequency of sensor replacement.鈥�

PharmaCare currently covers about 13,000 patients for Dexcom G6, and some of the patients may be able to switch to FreeStyle Libre.

In Canada, diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of blindness, end-stage kidney disease and non-traumatic amputation.

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lauren.collins@blackpress.ca
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