Alberta adds support to children living with diabetes

Feb 3, 2022 | 2:45 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta children and youth living with diabetes are now receiving additional support for monitoring and managing their condition.

Eligible Albertans younger than 18 years who are insulin-dependent can now get coverage for continuous glucose monitors through government-sponsored health benefit plans.

The province has a three-part plan to provide enhanced care and improved access to technology to Albertans living with diabetes:

Phase 1 of the government’s plan, implemented in August 2021, provides expanded coverage for diabetes test strips and other diabetes supplies.
Phase 2 of the plan, which came into effect Feb 1, provides young Albertans with access to continuous glucose monitors.
The third and final phase will be announced in the coming months.

Minister of Health Jason Copping says children with diabetes need these supports in place.

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“Diabetes is a serious health issue and the number of Albertans with this condition is growing. The constant monitoring required can be complex and challenging, especially for young people and their families.”

“By providing these young Albertans with the latest technology to better manage their diabetes, we can help them to maintain or even improve their health and well-being. This expanded coverage is part of the government’s broader plan to provide improved support to Albertans living with diabetes.”

The province says it’s estimated that more than 1,500 children will benefit from this expanded coverage and parents will save $4,200 annually for the cost of the continuous glucose monitoring system.

Through the advanced equipment Alberta has, “these devices give people with diabetes a more complete picture of their glucose management and can therefore better inform short and long-term treatment decisions and contribute to improved health outcomes,” says Laura Syron, president, and CEO, Diabetes Canada.

by Connor Gunn