Public funding for insulin pumps could save Alberta millions of dollars
Out-of-pocket expenses for Albertans living with type 1 diabetes amongst the highest in the country
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (September 12, 2011) – The Canadian Diabetes Association released a new report that shows government investment into publicly funded insulin pump programs will not only improve health outcomes for Albertans living with diabetes, but will save the province up to 10.8 million by 2032.
The Economic Benefit of Public Funding for Insulin Pumps in Alberta report projects a cost savings resulting from improved health outcomes in the province.
“People living with type 1 diabetes are at high-risk of developing serious long-term complications, such as kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and limb amputation,” said Michael Cloutier, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. “Switching from daily insulin injections to an insulin pump can reduce complications and increase the quality of life for people living with type 1 diabetes while, at the same time, saving Alberta’s health system millions of dollars over the next 20 years.”
The need for these types of initiatives are particularly significant in Alberta, as Albertans living with diabetes face some of the highest levels of personal expenses that can prevent them from being able to effectively manage their disease. According to another new report commissioned by the Association, The Burden of Out-of-Pocket Costs for Canadians with Diabetes, the average out-of-pocket expenses (for diabetes medications, devices and supplies) for an Albertan living with type 2 diabetes is approximately $2,500 per year. For people with type 1 diabetes, this amount rises to nearly $3,000 per year—amongst the highest levels in the country. Without a publicly funded insulin pump program, insulin pump users see personal expenses rising to more than $6,800 a year–an amount few can afford.
Alberta is currently one of the few provinces in Canada that does not offer any funding for diabetes insulin pumps. To help Canadians with diabetes effectively manage their disease, the Canadian Diabetes Association urges governments to address out-of-pocket expenses by enhancing financial assistance for people living with diabetes—in order to ensure access and affordability to diabetes medications, devices and supplies.
“Working together, we can make a difference,” said Cloutier. “Investing into a publicly funded insulin pump programs make sense both for the health of Albertans and the sustainability of the province’s healthcare system.”
Latest statistics from the Alberta Diabetes Cost Model estimates that 217,000 people in Alberta were diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes in 2010 – representing approximately 5.8 per cent of the population. By 2020, that number is expected to reach 363,000 or 8.6 per cent of the population. The prevalence rate increase in Alberta is the highest (67 per cent) in Canada.
The Economic Benefit of Public Funding for Insulin Pumps in Alberta
The Burden of Out-of-Pocket Costs for Canadians with Diabetes
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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
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. We are supported in our efforts by a community-based network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers and partners. By providing education and services, advocating on behalf of people with diabetes, supporting research, and translating research into practical applications - we are delivering on our mission. For more information, please visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Katie Ostler
Canadian Diabetes Association, AB & NWT
Office:780-423-5722 ext. 240
Cell: 780-504-4981
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