Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has estimated more than 271,000 people have type-2 diabetes. Pacific peoples had the highest rates, followed by Indian and Māori populations.
At present, they are not eligible for government funding of continuous glucose-monitoring (CGM) devices, which help healthcare professionals better manage the condition, customise treatment and help prevent high and low-glucose events.
Healthcare company Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd is launching the new CareSens Air CGM system in New Zealand at a more affordable price (up to 75% cheaper), which will increase accessibility for Kiwis with type-2 diabetes.
Over a three-year period, starting in 2021, University of Otago diabetes researcher Professor Ben Wheeler ran a real-world trial of the CareSens Air device which involved 195 New Zealanders with both type-1 and type-2 diabetes.
The CGMs feature a small, discreet sensor worn on the back of the upper arm that transmits real-time glucose readings via Bluetooth to a compatible smartphone using the CareSens Air app.
It automatically tracks glucose levels, providing real-time glucose readings and trend data throughout the day and night.
Prof Wheeler said there was a growing body of evidence that supported the use of CGMs for people with type-2 diabetes, because the device could offer continuous, real-time insights into how lifestyle choices, such as food and exercise, and medications, affected blood sugar through the day and night.
It helped to improve diabetes management by encouraging healthier behaviour, enable personalised care, prevent high and low-glucose events, and minimise the need for finger pricking to test blood sugar levels.
"We are lucky to have teams in New Zealand who are world leaders in the area of diabetes technology research.
"We compared CareSens Air to a gold standard glucose test and to other CGM products, looking at the experience of wearing it, how well users insert it and, most importantly, is it accurate?
"The trials have shown that this sensor has a good profile.
"It’s small, it lasts for 15 days, and it’s accurate and good quality."
He said the price was "extremely exciting".
The cost of CareSens Air started at $96 per month (inclusive of GST), compared with other CGMs which ranged in price from $190 to $379 per month, based on present New Zealand retail prices.
"We’ve got 300,000 Kiwis living with type-2 who we desperately need to improve outcomes for.
"This allows us to get much more equitable access of CGM into the type-2 community," he said.
Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd managing director Chandra Selvadurai said people living with type-2 diabetes in New Zealand had some CGM options, but because they were not subsidised, they were inaccessible for many Kiwis.
"We wanted to change that and bring to market a CGM just as good as other options, but at a price that is more accessible.
"Now the technology is here, my team and I at Pharmaco are delighted to bring this game-changing device to market."
