YDA’s Response to the Hong Kong Budget 2025-26 Public Consultation
YDA firmly believes that Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) devices could significantly improve the lives of those living with diabetes. We recently sent our recommendations to Mr Paul CHAN Ma-po, Financial Secretary in response to the public consultation of the 2025-26 Hong Kong Budget.
Our letter
Dear Mr Chan,
RE: Youth Diabetes Action Response to the Hong Kong Budget 2025-26 Public Consultation
Youth Diabetes Action (YDA) is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting children with diabetes and their families. We provide essential resources, including educational, emotional, financial, informational, and peer networking support. Our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential, assist families in becoming self-sufficient, and sponsor those who cannot afford vital medical supplies and advanced diabetes devices.
As diabetes cases continue to rise, the pressure on healthcare resources and support systems will inevitably increase. It is crucial to address the urgent need for improved access to diabetes devices, particularly Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), which can significantly enhance the long-term health of patients with diabetes. Currently, the Hong Kong government only subsidises the costs of insulin, which falls short compared to other developed countries. CGMs can improve blood glucose management, reduce the incidence of diabetes-related complications, and alleviate the financial burden on our public health system. We firmly believe that every young patient with diabetes deserves access to this life-changing technology.
We commend the Hospital Authority’s ‘Paediatrics Diabetes Enhancement Program with CGM support’ programme. This initiative represents a significant step towards providing young Type 1 diabetes patients with a limited number of CGMs each year. However, this provision is insufficient to meet the ongoing needs of these young patients. We urge the government to expand this programme to cover a full year of CGM usage, ensuring that
young patients with diabetes have continuous access to this vital technology. By focusing on early care and support, we can prevent acute complications, reduce hospitalisations, and improve patient outcomes. CGMs not only enhance the quality of life for young patients but also lead to significant long-term cost savings for the healthcare system.
We urge the government to consider funding CGMs for diabetes patients as part of the 2025-26 budget. Together, we can create a healthier future for children and young people with diabetes.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Fina Cheng
Chairperson
2025-2026 Budget Recommendation
The prevalence of diabetes among young people in Hong Kong has been rising. Data from the Hong Kong Childhood Diabetes Registry[i] indicates that the number of children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes increased by nearly 50% between 2008 and 2017 compared to the previous decade (1997-2007). More alarmingly, diagnoses of Type 2 diabetes among children nearly doubled—rising from 198 cases in 1997-2007 to 391 cases in 2008-2017.
This trend is concerning. Diabetes is a chronic disease that results in ‘around 1,500 deaths and health care costs of about $2 billion per year in Hong Kong’[ii]. Managing diabetes in children and young adults poses significant challenges for families and healthcare providers. This chronic condition requires careful daily management, including monitoring blood glucose levels, administering insulin, and making informed dietary choices. The complexities of these tasks can lead to fluctuating blood glucose levels, which, if not properly managed, may result in serious short and long term health complications.
To address this urgent issue, we recommend that the government allocate funds for:
Funding Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for All Young Patients with Diabetes
In recent years, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as transformative tools in diabetes care. They provide real-time glucose data and trend insights, empowering patients to make informed decisions. Unlike traditional finger-prick testing, which offers only intermittent snapshots of glucose levels, CGMs continuously track fluctuations throughout the day and night. This technology not only enhances glucose control but also significantly reduces the occurrence of hypoglycaemia, a common and dangerous risk for individuals with diabetes. By addressing complications at an early stage, CGMs can help mitigate the risk of long term health issues.
Countries like the UK Australia and Singapore provide support for use of CGMs to all individuals living with Type 1 diabetes and some insulin-using patients with Type 2 diabetes. A study[iii] from 2022 found that the overall usage of CGMs among paediatric patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Hong Kong was ‘relatively low when compared to other parts of the world’ and that ‘regular CGMs use was associated with better glycaemic control with lower HbA1c.’
By facilitating a proactive approach to diabetes management and funding CGMs for young patients, the government can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families while also achieving substantial long-term cost savings for the healthcare system.
[i] Tung JY, et al. Increasing incidence of type 1 diabetes among Hong Kong children and adolescents: The Hong Kong Childhood Diabetes Registry 2008 to 2017. Pediatr Diabetes. 2020 Aug;21(5):713-719.
[ii] McGhee, S. M., Thomas, G. N., Schooling, C. M., Chau, J., & Wong, L. C. (2014). Economic burden of diabetes related to excess body weight in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Medical Journal, 20(3), S5-7. https://www.hkmj.org/system/files/hkm1403sp3p5_0.pdf
[iii] Lam, H. Y., Wong, et al. (2022). Usage of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in Paediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics (New Series), 27(2), 145-151. https://www.hkjpaed.org/details.asp?id=1391&show=1234