Effective December 16, 2024, the government of Alberta has expanded coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGM) for eligible adults with diabetes.
“Diabetes Canada welcomes the Alberta Government's announcement of removing the age restriction and providing coverage to Albertans aged 18 and over who meet eligibility criteria,” says Joan King, Director of Government Affairs for Diabetes Canada. “These devices are life-changing for many people with diabetes. CGMs increase target glucose time in range and prevent hypoglycemia, as well as help with anxiety related to potential hypoglycemia and diabetes distress.”
"This is incredible news for my family and I,” says Moira Cahill, an advocate for Diabetes Canada and Albertan living with type 1 diabetes. “A CGM is a life-saving device for me because I can go to bed knowing that an alarm will wake me if my blood sugar drops too low and I can get up to treat it. My family can get a worry-free night's sleep.”
Managing diabetes can pose a significant financial burden to people and their families. In Alberta, people with type 1 diabetes pay up to $7,000 out of pocket annually, while those managing type 2 pay up to $6,000. These costs can adversely affect the ability of some to manage their diabetes, impacting quality of life and risking short- and long- term health outcomes.
With this decision, Alberta now joins several provinces and territories in removing the age restriction on access.
Today’s announcement was one of the evidence-based priority recommendations presented to the Minister of Health by the Alberta Diabetes Working Group (DWG). Diabetes Canada celebrates the expansion and welcomes the opportunity to work with the government and other stakeholders to further implement the DWG's recommendations, included to improve diabetes prevention, treatment and health outcomes for Albertans.
Fact sheets
“Diabetes Canada welcomes the Alberta Government's announcement of removing the age restriction and providing coverage to Albertans aged 18 and over who meet eligibility criteria,” says Joan King, Director of Government Affairs for Diabetes Canada. “These devices are life-changing for many people with diabetes. CGMs increase target glucose time in range and prevent hypoglycemia, as well as help with anxiety related to potential hypoglycemia and diabetes distress.”
"This is incredible news for my family and I,” says Moira Cahill, an advocate for Diabetes Canada and Albertan living with type 1 diabetes. “A CGM is a life-saving device for me because I can go to bed knowing that an alarm will wake me if my blood sugar drops too low and I can get up to treat it. My family can get a worry-free night's sleep.”
Managing diabetes can pose a significant financial burden to people and their families. In Alberta, people with type 1 diabetes pay up to $7,000 out of pocket annually, while those managing type 2 pay up to $6,000. These costs can adversely affect the ability of some to manage their diabetes, impacting quality of life and risking short- and long- term health outcomes.
With this decision, Alberta now joins several provinces and territories in removing the age restriction on access.
Today’s announcement was one of the evidence-based priority recommendations presented to the Minister of Health by the Alberta Diabetes Working Group (DWG). Diabetes Canada celebrates the expansion and welcomes the opportunity to work with the government and other stakeholders to further implement the DWG's recommendations, included to improve diabetes prevention, treatment and health outcomes for Albertans.
Fact sheets
- Continuous glucose monitor coverage for Albertans Fact Sheet
- Coverage Maximums for Diabetes Supplies Fact Sheet