I Live with T1D
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| INSULIN PUMPS | SENSORS |
| ASSISTIVE DEVICES PROGRAM (ADP) |
| OTHER FAQs |
The first step is to book an appointment with one of our diabetes educators by contacting reception. Call 905-620-0360 or email bestdiabetes@charleshbest.com.
For an overview of our pump program, visit https://www.charleshbest.com/pump-program.
TANDEM
• Register for Glooko account
• Charge pump. Select language. Set up date/time (Go to Options, Device Settings). Look through pump menus to familiarize yourself with the pump.
• If you are already on a pump, transfer your current pump settings onto your new pump (refer to videos or pump user manual for instructions). Do not put insulin in your new pump or connect it to your body.
• When you are finished, put into storage mode (connect charger and plug into wall or USB charger/computer. Then press and hold the silver “T” button on the top of the pump for 30 seconds. You will hear it beep to confirm storage mode has started. To take out of storage mode, simply connect charger to pump and connect to power source. Pump will wake up after about a minute).
• Review pump manual. (Sent to you via email.)
• Watch training videos. (List of videos found HERE.)
OMNIPOD
• Register for Glooko account
• Charge PDM device, set up date/time.
• If you are already on a pump, continue to transfer your current pump settings to your new PDM (Refer to videos or pump user manual for instructions). Do not put insulin in your new pump or connect it to your body.
• Review pump manual. (Sent to you via email.)
• Watch training video. (Click HERE.)
MEDTRONIC
• Register for Carelink account
• Put battery in pump, enter date/time.
• If you are already on a pump, transfer your current pump settings onto your new pump (refer to videos or pump user manual for instructions). Do not put insulin in your new pump or connect it to your body.
• Download Medtronic Mini Mobile app onto your phone if compatible.
• Review pump manual. (Sent to you via email.)
• Watch training video. (Click HERE.)
For complete instructions on how to upload your data, visit https://www.charleshbest.com/uploadyourdata.
Tandem
1-833-509-3598
https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/en-ca/support
Omnipod
1-855-763-4636
https://www.omnipod.com/en-ca/contact-us
Medtronic
1-800-284-4416
https://www.medtronic.com/ca-en/diabetes/home/support/services/technical-support.html
See Assistive Devices Program (ADP) information below.
Libre
Call 1-800-461-8481 (Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-2pm), or email customercarefreestylecanada@abbott.com
Dexcom
Call 1-844-832-1809 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). If they determine you are not eligible for a replacement and you are unable to purchase a replacement, call customer service 1-844-832-1810.
Medtronic
Request sensor replacement online: https://www.medtronic.com/caen/diabetes/home/support/product-support/sensor-replacement.html
For complete instructions on how to upload your data, visit https://www.charleshbest.com/uploadyourdata.
https://www.freestyle.abbott/ca-en/home.html
Libre compatibility:
• Librelink (Libre 1) app compatibility:
https://freestyleserver.com/Payloads/IFU/2023/q1/ART39109-002_rev-Q-pub.pdf
• Libre 2 app compatibility:
https://freestyleserver.com/Payloads/IFU/2023/q1/ART39109-002_rev-Q-pub.pdf
Call: 1-800-461-8481 (Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-2pm)
Click: https://www.freestyle.abbott/ca-en/contact-us.html
Email: CustomerCareFreeStyleCanada@Abbott.com
ADP is a government-funded program that helps cover the cost of devices such as insulin pumps and related supplies. This also includes continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.
The Assistive Devices Program covers 100% of the price of the insulin pump, paid directly to the supplier on your behalf. An annual grant of $2,400 is paid directly to the patient in four equal payments on a quarterly basis. Expect to receive the first $600 grant within 8-12 weeks of starting on the pump. Depending on which pump and/or infusion set you choose, the grant money should cover approximately 80% of the cost for the monthly supplies needed. All pump companies will perform an insurance investigation to determine if any extra costs for supplies will be covered by insurance plans. Original receipts for monthly supplies should be kept for up to two years in the event of an ADP audit.
You will need to cover the upfront cost of supplies until you receive your ADP grant.
To maintain eligibility for ongoing funding ($600 quarterly), the Government of Ontario has implemented strict medical criteria which must be met and will be re-assessed on a yearly basis. A renewal letter will be sent directly to you every year. You must send the renewal letter to the Best Centre for our team to review eligibility for the supply grant.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes who regularly attend a Diabetes Education Program and treat their diabetes with multiple daily injections may be eligible for funding for insulin pump therapy.
Eligibility criteria to access ADP program:
Must be living with type 1 diabetes for at least one year.
Must have demonstrated a commitment to blood glucose monitoring (4 times/day) or using Libre and scanning at least 4 times/day or using CGM (Dexcom, Medtronic Guardian sensor).
Must have a good understanding of carbohydrate counting.
Must participate in an insulin pump education program.
Must attend regular appointments with approved ADP Diabetes Education Centre (i.e. Best Centre).
Children and youth (18 years old and younger) will be eligible for continued funding of insulin pump supplies if the following criteria are met:
no more than one episode of DKA within the last 12 months
adequate frequency of blood glucose monitoring to ensure the safe and effective use of the insulin pump – blood glucose monitoring at least 4 times a day or use of CGM
adequate frequency of infusion set changes and site rotation to ensure healthy insertion sites – infusion sets must be changed a minimum of every 2 – 3 days
consistent pattern of effective pump management
carbohydrate counting and delivery of bolus insulin for all meals
minimum of 3 clinic visits in the last 12 months.
Adults 19 years of age and older will be eligible for continued funding for insulin pump supplies if they meet the following medical eligibility criteria at the time of the annual renewal:
continues to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to blood glucose monitoring a minimum of 4 times a day, or use of CGM
continues to demonstrate successful sick day management
has demonstrated that they have benefited from Insulin Pump Therapy which is defined by one of the following:
improved quality of life
improved A1C results
reduction in the number of hypoglycemic events
reduction in the number of DKA episodes
improved management of the “dawn phenomenon”
has demonstrated a commitment to long term diabetes follow-up through regular assessments by the diabetes educators at the Best Centre every 6 months AND regular follow-up as directed by their physician.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP) will provide coverage for real-time continuous glucose monitoring systems (Dexcom, Medtronic Guardian) for Ontario residents with type 1 diabetes who meet eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for ADP coverage for CGM you must meet the following medical eligibility criteria:
Applicant has type 1 diabetes.
Applicant meets one of the following.
Applicant is unable to recognize or communicate symptoms of hypoglycemia, or independently perform fingerstick glucose testing, owing to their developmental stage or a previously diagnosed cognitive or physical impairment.
Applicant had severe hypoglycemia in the past 2 years without an obvious precipitant, despite optimized use of insulin therapy and glucose monitoring (at least 4 times/day) which result in one of the following:
suspension of the applicant’s driving licence;
hospitalization or emergency room or EMS visit; or
glucagon administration, unconsciousness, or seizure.
Applicant demonstrates experience with and commitment to managing blood sugar control and an ability to use a real-time Continuous Glucose Monitor (rtCGM) safely and effectively by ALL of the following:
Applicant demonstrates a commitment to long-term diabetes follow-up through regular assessments by diabetes educators, and prescribers at intervals deemed appropriate by their ADP-registered Diabetes Education Program.
Applicant agrees to wear the rtCGM full-time.
Applicant agrees to share the data components of the Ambulatory Glucose Profile with the diabetes health care providers/team such as:
percent time in target range, percent time above or below target range, percent time in hypoglycemia; and
visual representation of average 24-hour glucose profile for a 2-week period.
ADP COVERAGE FOR CGM - Instructions for Patients
STEP 1: Click HERE to access the fillable form via the RightSignature document sharing platform.
STEP 2: Patient (applicant) must complete page 1; fill in name and health card number at the top of pages 2, 3 and 4; and sign and date on page 3. NOTE: on page 3, you must check the appropriate box to indicate whether you are the applicant or an agent (parent). If you check agent, fill in name and address. Also, please enter your diabetes doctor’s name in section 4 so that we can forward your form to the correct office for signature.
STEP 3: The completed and “submitted” form on RightSignature platform will be emailed to you, and a copy will be sent to The Best Centre.
STEP 4: The Best Centre admin team will complete the clinic information and forward the form to your PHYSICIAN who will complete section 2 to determine IF you are eligible then will sign section 4. NOTE: your physician may charge a fee for this service.
STEP 5: Your PHYSICIAN will either return the completed form to you, or in some cases, send the completed form directly to the CGM provider (DEXCOM/MEDTRONIC) on your behalf.
STEP 6: If you are submitting your own application, will need to submit the fully completed form to DEXCOM or MEDTRONIC. You can send by email, fax or mail.
MEDTRONIC
Cecil Sarin cecil.sarin@medtronic.com
Melanie Lynch melanie.lynch@medtronic.com
Fax: 866-430-0349
99 Hereford Street Brampton, ON L6Y 0R3
DEXCOM
ca.sales.dc@dexcom.com
Fax: 844-348-0784
501-4445 Lougheed Hwy
Burnaby, BC V5C 0E4
Real Time Continuous Glucose Monitor (rtCGM) Renewal
The renewal forms will NOT need to be completed or signed by your physician.
Ongoing eligibility confirmation is self-reported by the patient, and it is the vendor (Dexcom/Medtronic) that is responsible for sending the completed and signed renewal form to ADP.
STEP 1: ADP will inform the vendor (Dexcom/Medtronic) that a renewal form needs to be completed for you (the patient), 13 weeks before the 2-year initial request was completed and signed by the physician.
STEP 2: Dexcom/Medtronic will send the renewal form to the you via email with instructions to complete and sign.
STEP 3: You will complete and sign the form via Docusign and sends back to Dexcom/Medtronic.
STEP 4: Dexcom/Medtronic will validate that information is complete, and forward the renewal form to ADP.
STEP 5: ADP confirms ongoing eligibility and payments to the Vendor (Dexcom/Medtronic).
BAQSIMI is a dry nasal spray treatment that can be administered in a low blood sugar emergency (severe hypoglycemia). https://www.baqsimi.ca/
For instructions on how to administer BAQSIMI, visit: https://www.baqsimi.ca/en/got-yourbaq#instructions_for_use_video
Ask your pharmacy to fax a request to your diabetes physician, or your child’s physician.
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides income support, benefits for health costs and other disability supports for those living with an impairment, medical condition, or other disability and unable to work. Type 1 diabetes is NOT an eligible condition for ODSP. However, those living with type 1 diabetes may have other conditions that confirm eligibility. For more information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program
Those living with type 1 diabetes ARE eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, and the Disability Registered Savings Plan.
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with impairments, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-creditsdeductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html
Those living with type 1 diabetes, or those with a dependent living with type 1 diabetes, are eligible to apply. Click HERE to apply for the Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201)
If applying for a child/dependent under 18:
The parent fills out page 1 and 2. (personal information on page 1 + parent information if filling out for a dependent, and select to apply to previous returns on page 2).
Send form to Best Centre reception (bestdiabetes@charleshbest.com).
A fee may apply if you do not have an active membership.
If applying for yourself (adult):
Fill out page 1 and 2 (personal information on page 1, and select to apply to previous returns on page 2).
Take to your physician’s office (endocrinologist or diabetes specialist).
A fee will be charged to complete, please inquire with your physician’s office about the cost.
If applying for a dependent adult:
Fill out page 1 and 2. (patient information on page 1 + your information if filling out for a dependent, and select to apply to previous returns on page 2).
Take to the patient’s physician’s office (endocrinologist or diabetes specialist).
A fee will be charged to complete, please inquire with physician’s office about the cost.
A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a savings plan intended to help parents and others save for the long-term financial security of a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC).