Marin MacPherson doesn’t let her chronic condition get in the way of an active lifestyle. Captain of her field hockey team, lifeguard and swim instructor, the 18-year-old has been managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) with an insulin pump since the age of 4, shortly after she was first diagnosed. Preparing to attend university in the fall, she and her family feel a sense of reassurance knowing that the government of New Brunswick is removing age caps on the provincial insulin pump program, as announced in last March’s budget.

“Knowing the 25-year-old-age-cap is being lifted for patients with diabetes in New Brunswick makes me feel amazing,” says Marin. “It’s a relief to know that in a couple of years when I'm out of university and starting in the workforce, I’ll be able to count on having access to the technology and the management system I use now.”  

Marin uses the MiniMed™ 780G insulin pump system, which includes an advanced algorithm that can help manage background insulin as well as missed mealtime doses, allowing users to improve their time in target blood glucose range.* The pump is also connected to a smart phone app and the Apple Watch, allowing her convenience and discretion, as well as her caregivers the ability to monitor her glucose levels too.

People aged 25 and under living with Type 1 diabetes have been able to apply to the New Brunswick Insulin Pump Program for income-tested coverage for their pumps and basic operating supplies. As of August 15th, people over 25 are able to apply for this coverage. Other changes to the program include an expansion of the income brackets used for calculating co-pay and a requirement that private insurance coverage also be considered. Changes have also been announced indicating that coverage will soon be available for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for those on intensive insulin therapy, which would help support automated insulin delivery.

For Marin, the sense of security and support from having a pump at her side allows her more freedom to focus on her game. “Living with diabetes and playing a competitive sport is definitely challenging," says Marin, "but with my MiniMed 780G system I find it's easy to manage, and with a little concentration and preplanning you can really do anything you want. The system will always be there to support and help manage my sugars along the way."

Marin's mother Tracy echoes the positive sentiment. "It's a huge relief to know my daughter won't have to worry about funding her insulin pump in the next few years,” she says, while attending her daughter's national field hockey tournament in Ontario. "I'm proud that Marin can still take part in high-level sports and diabetes isn't holding her back - she can still do everything that anyone else can."

The MiniMed 780G is included in the list of applicable insulin pumps under the New Brunswick program. For more information, see the Government NB announcement, or contact Medtronic diabetes.

Disclaimers & References:
Conditions may apply to Government funded programs. Please refer to program guidelines for additional information.

The MiniMed 780G insulin pump is indicated for use by patients age 7-80 years with Type 1 diabetes, whose total daily dose of insulin is 8 units per day or more. Individual results may vary.

* Refers to SmartGuard™ feature. Individual results may vary. Some user interaction required. Taking a bolus 15 – 20 min before a meal provides significant improvement in post meal control. We recommend taking a meal bolus.