Subscribe:
News
Alberta PC party promises to deliver on an insulin pump program for the province
Party joins New Democratic Party with commitment to people living with type 1 diabetes
ALBERTA (April 13, 2012) –Alberta is currently one of three provinces in Canada that does not offer a publicly-funded insulin pump program. The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds the Progressive Conservative’s recent announcement to ensure that all Albertans living with type 1 diabetes receive free insulin pumps as part of a publicly-funded program if re-elected to government. This announcement is aligned with the Alberta New Democratic Party who also recently announced support for an insulin pump program if elected to ensure Albertans living with type 1 diabetes are better able to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
“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. It is very encouraging to see both the Alberta PC and NDP parties respond to the needs of people living with diabetes,” says Laura Kemp, Regional Director Alberta & NWT, Canadian Diabetes Association. “Switching from daily insulin injections to an insulin pump can reduce complications and increase the quality of life for thousands of Albertans living with type 1 diabetes.”
According to a report released by the Canadian Diabetes Association in September 2011, the out-of-pocket expenses (for diabetes medications, devices and supplies) for an Albertan living with type 1 diabetes is approximately $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 very few can afford.
“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,” adds Kemp.
When contacted by the Association, the Wildrose Alliance Party commented that they recognize the importance of having affordable access to insulin pumps. The party is committed to implementing meaningful reforms to Alberta’s healthcare system, so that Albertans get the care they need, when they need it. A Wildrose government will always listen and respond to the concerns of Albertans. If an insulin pump program is a priority for Albertans, then it is certainly something that a Wildrose government would be open to implementing. However, they will not be committing to any new spending proposals mid-campaign.
Latest statistics from the Association’s 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 rates increase in Alberta is the highest (67 per cent) in Canada.
-30-
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. 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
National Manager, Media Relations & External Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (416) 408-7071
 |
Support the Canadian Diabetes Association! |