This was initially relief for my conscience, because I was no longer having to vote against technology that I stand behind as having such a positive impact on my life. I did worry that voting against CGM would make it seem like it was not a needed technology, when I feel strongly that it is needed.
The announcement was more than just good for my political agenda though. The announcement by ALP included not only children up to 21 years old, but adults over 21 who had severe hypoglycemia or hypo unawareness, as well as pregnant women.
As far as I have inquired so far, the submissions that were made by Diabetes Australia, JDRF and other relevant groups including ADEA were to include all people with type one diabetes, and never limited their recommendations to children only. To see this recommendation for all Australians living with Type 1 Diabetes being acknowledged makes me happier than I can put into words. After all, my diabetes has never decided to toe the line and model itself as an A-Grade student just because I happen to be above the legal drinking age and know how to do my own taxes.
Everyone should have access to life-saving technology. Adults who have severe hypos and hypo unawareness may live by themselves. I have night-time hypo unawareness, where I do not wake up at all to nypos, and the only way I can see that I have even had one is because I can look at my CGM trace the next day and see where my pump has kicked into action to suspend my blood glucose. With my 640G, it even does one better and suspends before low so I never even reach that low level. At home with my husband, I have someone who can help me, but when I go away for work (which is several times a year) I rely heavily on my CGM.
So today I am very relieved, that we as adults have had a victory too.
I was 17 when diagnosed and I do think that we sometimes forget that you ng type 1's grow up to older type 1's.
ReplyDeleteI referred your blog to the TUDiabetes.org blog page for the week of June 13, 2016.
I'm happy to see a commitment from both sides, and I'm happy for the individuals who might benefit if the election promises are honoured. It is a good start.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm being selfish and saying I'm disappointed I'll miss out. I don't like the idea of having to prove my need for one. What's to stop me inflicting hypos on myself, or badly managing my diabetes to get one? Then there's the issue of losing it when you turn 21. Sometimes I think it looks better when the politicians are photographed helping kids or visibly sick people rather than ordinary ones...