By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) is calling on the government to expand its proposed initiative for the provision of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to include persons who are blind or visually impaired.

TTBWA Executive Officer Kenneth Surratt in a media release on Wednesday commended Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe who confirmed that consideration was being given in the 2025/2026 national budget to make CGMs available to children with Type 1 diabetes.

But he asked for the scope to be widened.

Surratt said, “CGMs are not just a luxury for blind persons, they are a lifeline. These devices allow real-time blood glucose monitoring through accessible smartphone apps that are compatible with screen readers, giving blind users full independence in managing their health.”

 Traditional blood glucose monitors require visual interpretation, which poses significant challenges for persons who are blind and often forces them to depend on others.

CGMs, on the other hand, provide audio alerts when glucose levels are dangerously high or low, allowing users to respond promptly and reduce the risk of complications or hospitalisation.

Surratt said the high cost estimated at $15,000 annually for replacement sensors places this essential technology out of reach for many blind individuals, most of whom rely solely on the disability grant for income.

 “We believe that including CGMs in the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP) or as a dedicated support under the Ministry’s accessibility and disability services framework is a matter of health equity and human dignity,” he said.

Suratt said, “The TTBWA stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, including the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago, to ensure equitable access to health technology that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all.”