Health committee  I think that a coordinated national approach is really important, because we're starting to see that the international research consensus shows that CGM usage is tied very successfully to better health outcomes. I think the research in Canada shows the same thing. When it comes to the federal government coming in and being a partner in supplying CGM technology to Canadians, I think it's a very strong step forward, especially given not only its effectiveness for type 1 diabetes, but also in monitoring blood glucose levels in type 2.

Health committee  No, pretty much any change as a result of high blood sugar.... There are acute symptoms, and then there are long-term symptoms. The long-term symptoms are completely irreversible, which eventually leads to fatalities, especially when it comes to ketoacidosis, which is the most acute form of high blood sugar.

Health committee  If I had to stop taking insulin, I would probably be in the hospital within a day or less. It can be that fast.

Health committee  If we're talking about the hypothetical of cutting down my insulin, either by rationing it or stopping it entirely, it means things like becoming blind due to diabetes-related macular problems, or diabetic retinopathy. It means neuropathy, which starts with a tingling and numbness in your legs that end up turning into excruciating pain.

Health committee  Absolutely. This is something I have been asking for and advocating since I was in grade 7. One of the very first things I did as a type 1 diabetic was attend an all-candidates debate in 2006 and ask how I could make my life more affordable. I know that there are so many different diabetics out there who want to be able to say, “I have access to the life-sustaining therapy that I need.”

Health committee  In my case, I have very little of a safety net left, so it would mean dipping into my line of credit. That's basically what it comes down to, because, once again, I'm part of the Ontario drug benefit. That is basically what is offered to all Ontarians who are low-income, and that low-income assistance for prescriptions covers only the insulin itself.

Health committee  Okay, then I'll do without. In terms of the individual aspects that I have to order, I have to order CGM on a subscription model directly from the company, Dexcom. That is $200 per month, and then they ship it every three months. That is basically a three-month contract that I have to renew all the time.

Health committee  In my case, I know that at one point when I had finished a work contract, I did have private insurance. When it came time to finish that work contract, I was told by the private insurance provider that because of my pre-existing condition, I was not able to go on to the bridging insurance that would normally be offered to an employee.

Health committee  Through you, Mr. Chair, I thank you for the opportunity to be here. My name is Mike Bleskie, and I have been a type 1 diabetic for 19 years. I'm also a gig worker in my 30s. As such, like many, I don't have private health insurance, and I either cannot qualify or cannot afford to pay for a plan myself.