The Ministry of Health’s (MOH) recent decision to subsidise up to 80% of the cost of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems has been met with relief by Type 1 diabetes patients. Over 2,000 individuals, including children and adults, stand to benefit from this initiative, but many still hope for further assistance in managing this chronic and costly condition.
Lifesaving Tech for Children Like Mason Lee
Three-year-old Mason Lee, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just one year old, relies on a small sensor attached to his arm to continuously track his blood glucose levels. This advanced technology is essential to prevent life-threatening spikes or drops in blood sugar that could result in seizures, comas, or long-term damage to vital organs.
Before Mason began using the CGM, he underwent four to six painful finger-prick tests daily to measure his blood sugar. Though the system has significantly improved his and his parents’ quality of life, it remains costly. A single sensor, which lasts about 10 days, costs between S$80 and S$100.
Despite the subsidy reducing the price of the Dexcom G6 CGM to S$42 per sensor, Mason’s mother, Carmen Lee, notes that managing his diabetes remains expensive. “While we’re grateful for the subsidies, Mason’s diabetes-related expenses still total around S$1,000 every quarter. It’s not just the cost of sensors—there are additional expenses, such as skincare products to address his allergic reactions to the adhesive.”
Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring
The MOH introduced the subsidy after a review of CGM’s effectiveness, finding that the system significantly improves blood sugar control in Type 1 diabetes patients who struggle to maintain stable levels using traditional methods. The real-time monitoring helps patients make rapid adjustments to insulin doses, reducing the risk of severe highs and lows.
“People with Type 1 diabetes require constant insulin management, which makes CGM systems crucial,” said endocrinologist Dr. Kevin Tan. “The continuous data provided allows for more accurate control, preventing dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels that could be life-threatening.”
Additionally, Dr. Tan highlighted that Type 1 diabetes patients face a higher risk of hypoglycemia, particularly during sleep or physical activity. The CGM can alert patients to dangerously low glucose levels, enabling them to take action before a crisis occurs.
While CGM systems offer substantial advantages for Type 1 diabetes patients, Dr. Tan noted that these benefits are less critical for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, who often manage their condition through oral medications or lifestyle adjustments.
A Financial Burden Despite Support
Although the subsidy has brought relief to many, managing Type 1 diabetes remains a considerable financial burden. Carmen Lee, a full-time veterinarian, values the peace of mind the CGM brings, allowing Mason to enjoy a more carefree childhood, but she emphasizes that the cost still adds up.
“The CGM gives Mason the freedom to be more like a normal kid. We don’t have to be as strict with his diet or activities because we can monitor his glucose in real-time,” she explained. “As parents, our priority is for him to live as normal a life as possible, free from stigma or feeling different.”
Calls for Greater Awareness and Support
Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2, with an estimated 6,187 patients in Singapore. This lower prevalence can lead to misconceptions about the condition and a lack of empathy from the public, according to Dr. Tan.
“Public awareness about Type 1 diabetes is limited. Misconceptions can lead to social stigma, and there’s often a lack of understanding of the daily challenges patients face,” he said. “Educational efforts tend to focus more on Type 2 diabetes, which means there’s a gap in awareness and resources for those living with Type 1.”
Carmen Lee echoed this sentiment, noting that parents of Type 1 children face additional struggles in managing the condition. For example, many schools do not allow teachers to administer insulin, forcing parents to either teach their young children to inject themselves or sacrifice their careers to provide necessary care.
“Once Mason starts school, he’ll either have to learn to give himself injections, or one of us will have to go to school to do it. We’re doing everything we can to ensure his future is as easy as possible, but this disease is a burden he will have to bear for life.”
A Tight-Knit Community
Despite the challenges, Ms. Lee takes solace in the small but close-knit community of parents in Singapore managing their children’s Type 1 diabetes. Sharing tips and experiences helps families navigate the difficulties of the disease, but she hopes for more widespread understanding and support.
As more families like the Lees work to manage the high costs and demands of Type 1 diabetes, many in the community continue to advocate for broader subsidies, awareness, and resources to ease the burden on both parents and children living with the condition.
Conclusion
Though the government’s recent subsidies for CGM systems mark a positive step, patients and families of those with Type 1 diabetes continue to seek greater support to ensure that managing the disease does not impose such heavy financial and emotional costs. Public awareness and understanding of Type 1 diabetes, coupled with further assistance, will be key in helping patients lead fuller, healthier lives.
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