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LETTER: Diabetes coverage an election issue

There are many inequities that people with diabetes face daily
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An open letter to those who can vote:

Please connect with those who have put their names on the ballot for the May 9 provincial election and ask them what the plan for the next four years will be.

There are about 450,000 people living with diabetes and pre diabetes in our beautiful B.C., approximately 90 per cent live with type 2 diabetes and pre diabetes, approximately 10 per cent live with type 1 diabetes; both types may also include gestational diabetes.

No doubt one or more of your family members or friends live with this disease. Complications may be avoided or delayed if the patient recognizes the seriousness of this chronic disease.

Remember, too, that people living with diabetes are voters!

Let the politicians be aware, that sadly there are many inequities that people with diabetes face daily as far as treatment, medical devices, such as insulin pumps and medicines are concerned. Insulin, for instance, which is required to sustain life and is used in an insulin pump is not covered 100 per cent. Living with diabetes and working hard to stay out of the ER is very expensive.

Please ask me… I know. I have been living with this chronic disease since 1983.

Nel Peach