Funded CGMs and Pumps
The Government now funds a range of CGMs and insulin pumps. More detail is provided below, but for all of these devices you will need a prescription. Your prescriber will need to apply for a Special Authority, but in most cases this will be a formality and be obtained the same day. The Special Authority lasts for two years and then needs to be renewed.
Repeat prescriptions are obtained in the same way that you normally get scripts for insulin and test strips.
CGMs for standalone use
Two brands of CGM are available for people who do not wish to use an insulin pump:
- Dexcomn One+ (10-day lifespan)
- Decxom G7 (10-day lifespan)
- Freestyle Libre 2 (14-day lifespan)
Which CGM you are prescribed is between you and your prescriber and depends largely on your preference. We recommend that you do your own research into the experience of others with these devices and check the suppliers' websites for information on their respective characteristics. The decision will need to take into account the factors that are important to you. For example, if you participate in water sports then the degree of water resistance/proofing will likely be a factor. Another consideration may be the compatibility of your mobile phone with the CGM and its app (for example, the app for the Libre 2 needs a phone that has an NFC chip). If you don't have a compatible smartphone you will need to contact the supplier for a standalone reader. We understand that both Dexcom and Abbot/MediRay will provide a reader at no charge if your CGM is funded.
Note that you are not tied to the CGM that you initially select, you can change brands.
Your pharmacy should be able to provide advice and assistance with initial application of the CGM. But the manufacturers have documents and videos available on their websites and they have freephone numbers for technical support and assistance.
The table below provides a brief comparison of two CGMs. However the Dexcom G7 has more features than the One+, including the ability to predict, and alert you to, a forthcoming low.
|
Features |
Freestyle Libre 2 |
Dexcom One+ |
|
Expected sensor life |
Up to 14 days |
Up to 10 days |
|
Attach to |
Back of upper arm (use on other locations requires a doctor’s letter so as not to void the warranty) |
Back of upper arm or abdomen (or upper buttocks for ages 2-6) |
|
List of compatible smartphones |
||
|
Access to a reader/receiver if user doesn’t have a compatible smartphone |
Call the technical help line 0800 106 100 and you should be eligible to have a reader delivered free of charge |
We understand that people without a compatible smartphone should be eligible for a free receiver. |
|
Reading frequency |
Every minute |
Every five minutes |
|
App(s) |
LibreLink – connects to the sensor, displays & stores your data in the cloud LibreView – share your data with your healthcare professional LibreLinkup – share your data with family or friends |
Dexcom One+ – displays & stores your data in the cloud Dexcom Follow – to share your data with friends and family Clarity – More sophisticated analysis and reporting and allows you to share that data with your healthcare professional. |
|
Number of sensors per prescription |
7 (limit of 29 funded devices per year) |
9 (limit of 40 funded devices per year) |
|
Waterproofing |
Water resistant to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes |
Waterproof and may be submerged up to 2.4 meters of water for up to 24 hours |
|
Support for sensors that fail early? |
Do not throw out the failed sensor. Call the technical hotline (0800 106 100), supply the information requested, and you should receive a replacement. |
Call their tech help line (0508 634 103) supply the requested details and you should receive a replacement |
Insulin pumps
Two insulin pumps have been approved for funding: the Tandem t-slim X2 and the Ypso, together with their respective consumables and compatible CGMs. Both pumps operate in closed-loop hybrid mode with their own algorithms for making intelligent control decisions, in conjunction with instructions from the user.
|
Property |
Tandem t:slim |
mylife Ypso |
|
Control algorithm |
Algorithm incorporated in pump (Basal IQ or Control IQ) |
Algorithm in mobile phone (CamAPS FX) |
|
Interface |
Touch screen |
Touch screen |
|
Compatible CGM |
Dexcom G6 or G7 (Freestyle Libre 3+ from mid-2025) |
Dexcom G6
Freestylew Libre 3+ |
|
Battery type |
Rechargeable |
Alkaline AAA |
|
Battery life |
~4 days between charges |
~30 days |
| Water resistance |
IPX7 (1m/30 mins) |
IPX8 (1m/60 mins) |
| Reservoir capacity | 300 iu | 160 iu |
| Insulin types | NovoRapid & Humalog | NovoRapid, Humalog, Fiasp, Apidra & Lyumjev |
Getting started with an insulin pump
The Pharmac website explains the process of learning to use an insulin pump. In short, you will need to work with a "diabetes specialist team" to traverse this process and, ultimately, receive a prescription for the insulin pump to take to your pharmacy. Funded insulin pumps are available to those who have:
- type 1 diabetes
- permanent neonatal diabetes (diabetes since you were born)
- some types of “monogenic diabetes” with insulin deficiency
- type 3c diabetes (includes insulin deficiency caused by pancreatectomy, insulin cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis)
- some atypical inherited forms of diabetes,
provided that your diabetes specialist team considers that:
- an insulin pump is right for you; and
- you will benefit from an automated insulin delivery (AID) system.
If you are not already working with a diabetes specialist team, your GP can refer you to the team at your nearest hospital. Unsurprisingly, those teams are busy and there may be a considerable waiting period. Alternatively, there are private providers who are well-experienced and can provide this service on a commercial basis:
- BeTa ONE offers specialist type 1 diabetes and insulin pump support (pump starts and pump transitions) see www.betaone.co.nz;
- Aotearoa Diabetes Collective offers specialist diabetes services including pump starts and transitions.