Starting this month, Ontario will pay for insulin pumps for adults with diabetes.

A key part of the province’s diabetes strategy, the new pump program will have the government covering the $6,300 cost of an insulin pump, along with an annual $2,400 grant to help pay for supplies.

“Covering the cost of insulin pumps for adult Ontarians with type 1 diabetes is a crucial component of our diabetes strategy,” said Health and Long-term Care Minister David Caplan.

“By improving the way we prevent, treat and manage diabetes, thousands of Ontarians will benefit from a better quality of life.”

The Adult Insulin Pump Program is part of Ontario’s $741-million strategy to prevent, manage and treat diabetes that was announced in July. As many as 90,000 Ontarians live with type 1 diabetes – and the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has risen 69 per cent over the past 10 years.

Eligible adults will be able to apply for the pump through the province’s assistive devices program. The $6,300 cost is paid directly to the vendor on behalf of the application and the province also provides four $600 cheques to the pump user, who can purchase supplies.

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in Ontario and Canada. As well as the human costs of illness, the disease and its complications cost Ontario more than $5 billion a year. Ontario’s strategy also includes increasing access to team-based care, as well as an education program to prevent diabetes.

“Expanding the insulin pump program to include eligible adults ensures continuity of therapy to those living with type 1 diabetes beyond the age of 19, and guarantees these patients the necessary options for effective diabetes care,” said Dr. Bruce Perkins, the chairperson of the insulin pump and supplies for adults expert panel.