For decades, diabetes management devices such as insulin pumps and glucometers have revolutionized the way people living with diabetes manage their own health. So, why are people who are blind or partially sighted excluded from accessing these life-changing health care devices?
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in Canada. With such a strong link between diabetes and sight loss, health care device manufacturers must ensure people who are blind or partially sighted can use their products safely and independently.
Unfortunately, instead of investing in existing technology to make these devices accessible, manufacturers have placed a warning on their products indicating they are unsafe for people who have sight loss or hearing loss. As a result, many healthcare professionals are hesitant to prescribe insulin devices to people who are blind or partially sighted, leaving them with few options to manage their diabetes.
CNIB is working with manufacturers to develop accessible solutions, but the federal government also has a role in ensuring everyone in Canada has equitable access to health care, including diabetes management devices.
CNIB is calling upon the Government of Canada to incorporate accessibility as part of the approval process for new health care devices, and work with manufacturers to remove warnings on insulin pumps that exclude people living with diabetes and sight loss.
Be a part of the solution. Take two minutes to add your name to our petition in support of accessible insulin pumps. If we secure 500 signatures, the petition will be formally presented before the House of Commons and the Government of Canada will be required to respond. Stand alongside the 750,000 people living with diabetic retinopathy in Canada, and the thousands of others who are living with diabetes and sight loss. Thank you for your support.