CGMs for all type 1 diabetics - Chris Delicata
A few months ago, the government embarked on a much-needed project that provided children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes with a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device. This project was a huge success and the government deserves credit for it. The Maltese Diabetes Association has always insisted that CGMs should be available for all persons living with type 1 diabetes, irrespective of age. Many ask why such a device is so important for persons living with diabetes. There are a number of reasons. As persons living with this condition grow older, they start to experience common long-term diabetes-related health problems such as damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain and legs and damage to the small blood vessels, causing problems in the eyes, kidneys and feet. Their stress levels start to increase due to occupational and personal issues, besides the financial challenges they would have to face particularly at the start of their adult lives and/or careers. Many employees, especially non-white collar workers, would not be in a position to test their blood glucose levels using a meter (since one would need to have clean hands etc.) . The financial...