Health Ministry working to expand glucose sensor coverage for people with type 1 diabetes

The Ministry of Health says it is working to widen access to continuous glucose monitoring sensors for people with type 1 diabetes, within available budgetary limits.

Procurement timeline and current coverage

The ministry notes that the latest public procurement was signed in 2026 and is valid through 2028. Under existing arrangements, sensors have already been provided to people with type 1 diabetes up to the age of 25, pregnant women, blind persons and those with the most severe complications and comorbidities.

Earlier government efforts included the provision of sensors to 650 children three years ago, and officials say the 2026 procurement increased quantities so that sensors were secured for 800 people. The ministry also reports that in 2025, insulin pumps without catheters were supplied for the first time to 15 children with type 1 diabetes, and about 400 users currently use insulin pumps, with priority given to children.

In addition, the ministry says that in 2025 high‑quality glucometers were purchased for all 45,000 persons with diabetes mellitus who are on insulin therapy. Public officials stated the ministry remains open to dialogue with patient organisations and will continue efforts to improve care for people with diabetes.

Representatives of diabetes associations have urged the state to make sensors available to all people with type 1 diabetes. Zoran Stojkovski, a member of diabetes associations, reminded health authorities of earlier promises and directly appealed to the current minister, Sasho Klekovski. He said: "We are talking about a right. We are not talking about a luxury. We are talking about something that the Ministry of Health — especially this minister, because we believe in him — you know how before every election representatives come from here and there where important people from the party in power promised that if they came to power they would immediately provide sensors — this is not about what they promised, they simply must have a duty to their citizens."

According to statistics, there are about 4,000 people with type 1 diabetes in North Macedonia. Advocates note that modern sensors significantly improve everyday life by enabling better glucose control and providing timely alarms about changes in health status.

Photo: press material from the event