Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for patients with T1D is essential for controlling blood glucose levels. This monitoring reveals glucose patterns essential for optimal glucose control. Continuous Glucose Monitoring is an FDA-approved device that provides real-time glucose readings, throughout the day and night, allowing people with diabetes to see their glucose levels and track how quickly they're increasing or decreasing. Many people living with T1D rely on Medicare as their healthcare provider. To date Medicare has not approved coverage for CGM therapy. They continue to deny claims to provide this essential and life saving technology.
Why is this important?
I started this petition because I was diagnosed with T1D in 1972 at the age of 14 and have lived with this disease for 43 years. From December 2014 to May 2015 I had noticeable improvement in glucose levels when I was given a 6 month opportunity to use CGM. The acute implications associated with T1D lessened. I had constant awareness of my glucose levels and therefore was able to treat the highs and the lows prior to a major medical event that could have put my life in jeopardy. This biotechnology makes a difference because it improves lives and decreases healthcare costs associated with the management of this illness and the medical complications that result from chronic high glucose levels.
