New Zealanders living with type 1 diabetes had a bit of good news last month when Pharmac announced it was taking the first step towards funding a life-changing device. Continuous glucose monitors are free in Australia, the UK and many other countries. But here, people with the genetic condition have to pay for a monitor, and the cost of about $50 a week is beyond the reach of many.
Type 1 diabetes often occurs in childhood. The pancreas stops producing insulin - the hormone that lowers the amount of glucose in the bloodstream-causing the sugar to build up, which can cause life-threatening complications.
Although there is no way of curing it, type 1 diabetes can be managed. For sufferers, that has meant regular finger-prick tests to check levels of blood glucose and find out whether they need food or medication.
In 1999, the first device for reading blood sugar levels continuously was approved in the US. Today, this wearable technology can be monitored easily via a smartphone or watch, and there is overwhelming evidence that it results in better glucose control and healthier people.
When blood sugar levels fall too low, it triggers hypoglycaemia. The signs of this may come on quickly and be dangerous - they include confusion, blurred vision, weakness, sleepiness and seizures. But if blood sugar levels stay too high, it can, over time, result in permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.
The vast majority of New Zealand's estimated quarter of a million diabetics have type 2 diabetes. They still need to test blood glucose levels frequently but have more scope to manage their condition.
Bu hikaye New Zealand Listener dergisinin March 18 - 24 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Listener dergisinin March 18 - 24 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The rest is history
Rest - both sleep and non-sleep - is essential to help our overstressed bodies and minds repair themselves. But many of us remain in a constant state of 'fight, flight or freeze'.
Right and power
Israel is profiting financially and extending its global technological influence in response to the October 7 massacre, says investigative journalist Antony Loewenstein.
Dolphins be damned
Is SailGP's future in this country really under threat because of an at-risk marine mammal?
Orwellian irony
Our thinking about one of the 20th century's best-known writers is being challenged by the 'smelly little truths' Anna Funder uncovered about George Orwell's marriage.
The alchemist
Talent and a little magic have taken state-house kid Moses Mackay to the heights of Italian opera. He's coming back to sprinkle some of his gold dust around.
Good Lord, he was scandalous
Lord Byron still fascinates 200 years after his death, but more for his bohemian lifestyle than his poetry.
Stars in their eyes
Debut novel a heady mix of grief, astronomy and love.
Dark matter
Ngaio Marsh-style whodunnit set among academia attached to the Mt John Observatory.
Mirren's mirror on Meir
Dame Helen talks about playing Golda Meir, Israel's iron lady, during a pivotal chapter in the controversial politician's long career.
Game, set and match
Love, sex and great tennis take centre court in this highly charged drama.