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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).
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