“i think there’s a misperception that insulin pumps will take over diabetes care,” nour said. “that’s not true, at least not yet.”
for some patients, pumps are not a matter of choice.
saskatoon resident tristan banyay’s blood sugar rises in the early morning, like many people’s — but because his pancreas can’t produce insulin to counteract that surge, he sometimes wakes up vomiting, sick and needing urgent medical care. the pump prevents that — except for the odd time when banyay has accidentally blocked the tube while sleeping.
saskatoon fairview mla and opposition health critic vicki mowat.
saskatoon starphoenix/kayle neis
opposition health critic vicki mowat is concerned the out-of-pocket cost puts low-income patients at a disadvantage. she believes the long-term costs of hospital visits and potential complications — like organ failure, amputations and blindness — will cost more than providing pumps.
“you look at all the costs down the road, it’s a no brainer,” mowat said. “diabetes leads to so many other complications when it’s not managed.”
banyay, who turned 26 this month, said if nothing changes in five years he plans to move to alberta, which covers the pumps for everyone — along with b.c., ontario and the territories.
“at this point, why would i put myself through all of this if i can just move next door?” banyay said.