Canadian Diabetes Association Applauds Government Support for Albertans with Diabetes
Alberta Health and Wellness enhances access to diabetes supplies for Albertans using insulin
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (February 16, 2012) –The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds Alberta Health and Wellness for enhancing support for Albertans with diabetes using insulin following an announcement made today by the Honourable Fred Horne, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness.
The changes include expanded Blue Cross coverage for diabetes supplies, such as blood glucose test strips, lancets, syringes, needles, cartridges and urine test strips for Albertans with diabetes using insulin. As of July 1, 2012, coverage will also be expanded for clients of the Alberta Monitoring for Health program, which is a program administered by the Canadian Diabetes Association. Coverage for diabetes supplies will also be extended to women with gestational diabetes – a condition that occurs during pregnancy.
Previous Association research revealed that Alberta has among the highest out-of-pocket expenses for people with diabetes if they do not qualify for low-income supports.
“The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds the Alberta government for enhancing supports for people with diabetes who use insulin to manage their disease,” said Laura Kemp, Regional Director, Alberta & NWT, Canadian Diabetes Association. “More Albertans now have access to the necessary supplies to effectively self-manage their diabetes and live healthier, longer lives. This is important not only for people living with diabetes, but also for Alberta’s healthcare system since complications from diabetes such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and depression account for more than 80 per cent of diabetes costs.”
The Canadian Diabetes Association’s Alberta Diabetes Cost Model estimates that 217,000 people (5.8 per cent of the population) in Alberta were diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes in 2010. By 2020, that number is expected to increase to more than 363,000 (8.6 per cent of the population). This represents a 67 per cent increase in diabetes diagnoses in Alberta – the highest rate increase in Canada. It’s also estimated the direct and indirect financial impact of diabetes in Alberta cost the province $1.1 billion per year in 2010. By 2020, these costs are projected to increase to $1.6 billion per year. These projections mean that Alberta will incur the highest increase in both the prevalence and cost of diabetes in Canada from 2010 to 2020.
“We look forward to working together with the government to better serve the needs of Albertans living with diabetes,” added Kemp.
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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our community-based network of supporters help us provide education and services to people living with diabetes, advocate for our cause, break ground towards a cure and translate research into practical applications. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Randi Garcha
Manager, National Media Relations & External Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (416) 408-7071
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