Totally unfair

Dear editor:
I would appreciate the opportunity to state my opinion.
It seems to me that more and more frequently we are hearing that there is a diabetes epidemic in North America. In fact, there were news reports this past week on this very subject.
If this is so (and I know it is), why is there no help for a large group of people who are diabetic that fall into one of the following categories: being elderly, without a drug plan, or non-native?
Some things are covered for seniors, people who belong to Trillium, First Nation people, and those fortunate enough to have a drug plan. Namely insulin and test strips.
However, the needles and/or syringes used to give that same insulin are not covered for those who don’t happen to be native or have a drug plan.
It may seem like a small thing but to those who are affected, it is a very big, expensive, and perplexing thing.
Is there something wrong with this picture? I should say there most definitely is. How are they to administer the insulin? They can’t swallow it nor apply it to the skin.
Is it any wonder people are reusing—and reusing—the same needle, risking infection or worse? People with diabetes are more prone to infection and once infected, are very slow to heal.
Drug addicts have a syringe exchange program! Are individuals with diabetes any less important?
The cost of the needles or syringes is very high, especially for those who require multiple injections each day and/or are on a fixed income.
In Thunder Bay, a box of needles ranges from $25.96-$30, which lasts someone like me 20 days if I do not reuse the needles. I know in smaller communities like Rainy River, the cost is as high as $49.
I ask “Where is the fairness?”
Another area of unfairness is the non-coverage of costs for the use of the newer type of insulin. It is only for those able to pay for it. This type of insulin is not covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
The beauty of this newer insulin is that its potency does not peak, eliminating a potentially-dangerous situation of a suddenly drop in the blood sugar level (especially dangerous if it occurs during the night).
It usually is given once daily and provides an even supply of insulin to the body all day long.
Isn’t it about time that our government saw its way clear to cover the cost of these new drugs and the means to administer all types of insulin? The injustice has gone on long enough.
Please, please, make a call to our minister of health and/or your member of Parliament asking for action now, not someday in the future.
Sincerely,
Jean St. Germain
Thunder Bay, Ont.