The Alberta United Conservative Party (UCP) was elected May 29 winning a majority of the 87 seats in the Alberta Legislature. Given the soaring rates of diabetes in Alberta, Diabetes Canada urges the government-elect to prioritize prevention and early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment of all types of diabetes.
“Diabetes Canada congratulates the Alberta UCP on being elected to form government, as well as the newly elected MLAs throughout the province, and we look forward to continue working with all parties,” says Joan King, Director, Government Affairs & Advocacy. "It is important that the government take urgent action to reduce the physical, emotional and economic costs of this growing epidemic and the unsustainable toll it is taking on our health care system."
Diabetes Canada would also like to thank former Minister Jason Copping for his work and collaboration with us during his time as Minister of Health for the province.
It is estimated that diabetes and its complications will cost Alberta $514 million in direct health care costs in 2023, growing to $712 million by 2033. Albertans with diabetes can pay up to 9 per cent of their household income for the medications, devices and supplies needed to manage their disease.
Diabetes contributes to 30 per cent of strokes, 50 percent of kidney failure requiring dialysis, 70% of non-traumatic leg and foot amputations and is the leading cause of blindness.
“Over the next decade, the prevalence rate of diabetes is expected to rise by 41 per cent, increasing the number of people living with diabetes or prediabetes in Alberta to over 1.6 million,” says King. “Diabetes Canada calls on Alberta's government-elect to make diabetes a priority and commit to a comprehensive diabetes strategy to build on the good work already underway in the province. Albertans with diabetes urgently need equitable access to continuous glucose monitoring systems as well as a mandatory standard of care for children and youth living with diabetes at school."