Advocacy Campaigns
Alberta government expands insulin coverage
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (February 3, 2012) The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds the Government of Alberta for increasing access to long acting insulin known as Lantus (insulin glargine) and Levemir (insulin detemir) for Albertans living with diabetes. This week both drugs were added to the provincial drug formulary, providing more options for diabetes patients when other insulin treatments do not effectively control blood glucose levels. Lantus and Levemir may provide up to 24 hours of blood glucose control and can help reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients.
“This is a positive step in ensuring those with diabetes in Alberta have access to medication that helps them manage their condition,” said Laura Kemp, Regional Director for the Canadian Diabetes Association, Alberta and NWT. “We applaud the Government of Alberta for providing coverage for alternative insulin therapy options.”
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. In people who have diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any or enough insulin, or is unable to effectively use the insulin it does produce. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, potentially leading to serious health problems such as blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, amputation, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction.
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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
Today, more than nine million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes. 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. 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 x 240
Cell: 780-504-498
Alberta PC leadership candidate makes promise of insulin pump funding
Canadian Diabetes Association acknowledges support
On September 25, 2011, PC leadership candidate, Gary Mar, announced that upon election, his government would implement a program that would ensure coverage of insulin pumps for all Albertans living with type 1 diabetes.
“Access to medical devices such as insulin pumps is fundamental for effective diabetes management, and can delay or prevent costly, life-threatening complications,” says Michael Cloutier, President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association, “We applaud Gary Mar for recognizing the importance of a publicly funded insulin pump program in Alberta.”
This news comes two weeks following the release of two reports from the Canadian Diabetes Association, The Economic Benefit of Public Funding of Insulin Pumps in Alberta and Burden of Out-of-Pocket Costs for Canadians with Diabetes.
Findings of the reports show that Albertans living with diabetes face some of the highest out-of-pocket medical costs in the country. Implementing a publicly funded insulin pump program will not only improve health outcomes for Albertans living with diabetes, but will save the province up to $10.8 million by 2032.
Currently 217,000 Albertans have been diagnosed with diabetes and that number is expected to rise to 363,000 by 2020 – the highest rate increase in Canada. Without action, the prevalence rate will continue to rise, threatening both the health and economic prosperity of Alberta.
When contacted by the Association, the two other leadership Candidates, Alison Redford and Doug Horner both expressed support for improving access to better diabetes treatment in Alberta.
For more information on how you can help, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
Help protect students with diabetes in Ontario!
It shouldn’t matter where you go to school if you have diabetes – but it does.
Diabetes can be life threatening if not adequately managed and requires ongoing care and attention. The Canadian Diabetes Association is asking the Government of Ontario to work towards ensuring that all students are adequately supported and protected while attending school.
Please, stand up for children in Ontario that need your help. Ask your MPP to request that Bill 5, the Bill of Rights for Pupils with Diabetes, be reviewed by Ontario’s Standing Committee on Social Policy.
Click here to send a letter to your MPP
Aidez-nous à protéger les élèves diabétiques en Ontario!
L’école que vous fréquentez ne devrait avoir aucune importance, et pourtant ce n’est pas le cas pour les enfants diabétiques.
Le diabète peut entraîner un danger de mort s’il n’est pas réellement pris en charge, et les malades ont besoin d’attention et de soins constants. L’Association canadienne du diabète demande au gouvernement de l’Ontario de garantir un soutien et une protection adéquats aux enfants diabétiques à l’école.
Merci de soutenir les enfants en Ontario qui ont besoin de votre aide. Demandez à votre député(e) d’agir pour que le projet de loi 5, Charte des droits des élèves diabétiques, soit révisé par le Comité permanent de la politique sociale de l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario.