Individuals with type 1 diabetes who have been unable to achieve good blood sugar control with multiple daily injections may be a suitable candidate for insulin pump therapy. Included in the established eligibility criteria are the requirements to have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to blood glucose monitoring, the safe and appropriate use of the insulin pump, participation in an insulin pump education program and regular diabetes clinic attendance. A Diabetes Education Program registered with the ADP must assess the individual’s readiness for pump therapy and determine eligibility for ADP funding assistance.  Each Program consists of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals including specialist physicians and diabetes educators. There are different medical eligibility criteria for children and adults.

Programs are located throughout Ontario.  A Family Physician or other physician specialists will refer their patients to a Program located in their community.

For the purpose of ADP funding, children and youth are those individuals who have not yet reached their 19th birthday.

Yes, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.  Recipients must confirm annually that they continue to meet eligibility criteria for ADP funding.

The program covers 100% of the price of the insulin pump, paid directly to the supplier on the recipient’s behalf.

An annual grant of $2,400 is paid directly to the recipient in four equal payments on a quarterly basis.

In 2008, a panel of experts consisting of physicians and other health care professionals with expertise in the treatment and management of diabetes was asked to provide recommendations on providing funding assistance for insulin pumps and supplies to all individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes, including individuals with type 2 diabetes. The panel reported that the evidence to support the use of an insulin pump by individuals with type 2 diabetes was unclear and that there was little clinical trial evidence to support this recommendation.  The panel reconvened in February 2010 to relook at this issue. At that time, the panel was still unable to recommend extending funding assistance for insulin pumps and supplies to individuals with type 2 diabetes due to a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of this type of therapy.