Armed For Diabetes Created to Help Veterans With Resources For Better Diabetes Management
Beyond Type 1 announced today the launch of Armed For Diabetes, a campaign helping veterans with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The new microsite is designed to raise awareness of treatment options and provide resources, stories, and community to veterans impacted by diabetes. Armed For Diabetes was created in partnership with Abbott and is supported by a coalition of nonprofit partners including AACE, ADCES, Diabetes Daily, DiabetesSisters, Diabetes What to Know, JDRF and NDVLC.
One in four veterans in the United States lives with diabetes[1]—much higher than the national average[2]. This is due in part to lifestyle changes after transitioning out of active duty, the presence of other conditions, and potential exposure to Agent Orange.[3] Veterans also face unique barriers to accessing diabetes care and care options, but improvements are being made.
In January 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the United States issued new prescribing guidance[4] to make continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology more broadly available to veterans. Yet, many may not yet be aware of the option and might be surprised to learn that they’re covered through the VA. Armed For Diabetes hopes to educate and raise awareness of CGM among veterans with diabetes who access care via the VA, by providing resources, stories and community specific to veterans.
“We know that information and access to continuous glucose monitoring can have immediate benefits for individuals in the diabetes community. Beyond Type 1 is thrilled to announce this new effort in partnership with Abbott and a coalition of fellow nonprofit organizations to support veterans in the United States through CGM technology awareness, education and connection to the diabetes community,” said Beyond Type 1 CEO Thom Scher.
“Using a CGM has greatly improved my quality of life and has freed me from constantly worrying about my diabetes,” said Martin Geil, former Gunner’s mate chief, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. “My hope is that more veterans are empowered to talk to their doctors about accessing CGM.”
Under the new VA guidance, veterans with any type of diabetes who are taking insulin, testing their blood glucose levels more than four times per day, and who agree to see a care provider every six months, could qualify for CGM coverage.4
Learn more about the benefits of CGM and what Armed For Diabetes is doing for veterans at armedfordiabetes.org.
Media Contact
Dana Howe – director of communications, Beyond Type 1
