Helping people living with type 1 diabetes access the benefits of hybrid closed loop technology

Medtronic Canada is now offering broader access to integrated hybrid closed loop (HCL) technology via a nationwide program to help people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) without coverage for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in Canada.

For eligible patients, this access program reduces the price for Medtronic Guardian^TM Sensor (3) CGM when paired with a Medtronic HCL insulin pump – the MiniMed^TM 670G or MiniMed 770G.

This was welcome news for Chris Panton who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 35 years. “I have always been an independent contractor paying out of pocket for my T1D care and my daughter was diagnosed ten years ago, so without private insurance, we rack up expenses pretty quickly,” says Chris, from Grande Prairie, AB. “Medtronic CGM access program will be a big help to make sure we can afford the supplies we need.”

CGM technology provides a more complete picture of blood glucose levels by continuously monitoring glucose levels every 5 minutes and alerting wearers to highs (hyperglycemia) and lows (hypoglycemia), rather than only testing through the traditional finger prick method. The information is transmitted to the Medtronic insulin pump which uses a sophisticated algorithm to adjust background insulin delivery. Known as auto mode, this system makes it possible to maximize time in the target glucose range (TIR), giving users better control and more peace of mind.

“We are proud to provide this access program to Canadians living with type 1 diabetes,” said Laura Cameron, senior director of the Endocrinology portfolio at Medtronic Canada. “This means that more people can access life-changing technology proven to lead to better health outcomes.”

The HCL system provides caregivers and health teams remote visibility to glucose trends through connectivity with smart devices. Additionally, the MiniMed 770G is the only system in Canada offering adaptive insulin delivery licensed for children as young as 2 years old.

 “Auto mode helps to alleviate worry for parents of children with diabetes and those living with the added daily stress of T1D,” said Cameron.  “Our CGM access program will now help alleviate some of the financial burden for those who may not otherwise be able to benefit from auto mode.”

Customers can contact Medtronic to learn more about this program and eligibility requirements by calling 1.800.284.4416 or clicking here.  

Learn more about Medtronic’s diabetes products at medtronicdiabetes.ca