More syringes and needles available for people with diabetes

Diabetics should have less need to reuse insulin syringes following a change from the Government drug agency Pharmac today.

From tomorrow, the number of insulin syringes and needles available on prescription to about 32,000 people with diabetes rises to 100, Pharmac said in a statement today.

Until today people with diabetes could only obtain 50 syringes per prescription and 30 pen needles per prescription.

"Increasing the number of needles and syringes available on prescription will mean people will have to reuse needles less often," Pharmac medical director Dr Peter Moodie said.

"The changes will mean people will have at least one needle and syringe per day."

Pharmac has also approved funding from tomorrow for a 6mm pen needle for children with diabetes.

This needle, which gives children needing regular insulin injections another option to the 5mm needle currently available, could help reduce the discomfort for about 1000 children under 18, Pharmac said.

- NZPA