Alberta government rolls out new insulin pump therapy program
Posted May 30, 2013 11:53 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After about a year of consultation, the province has fulfilled a promise made by Premier Alison Redford to help those suffering from Type 1 Diabetes.
Health Minister Fred Horne says the government has made a commitment to provide insulin pump therapy to all who need it and who are not fully covered for it.
The cost of an insulin pump is roughly $7000 to buy or replace with users spending thousands more for various supplies.
There is also no age limit attached to the program which already has a $5-million budget commitment for the first year.
IPT is one of the best ways of managing diabetes by administering insulin using a pump which is a device that is an alternative to multiple daily injections.
Thousands of people are expected to benefit from the new program which is being applauded by both the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“Pumps are expensive and while covered under some circumstances by employee benefit plans, IPT hasn’t been an option for some people who might benefit from a pump,” said Dr. Alun Edwards, Senior Medical Director for Alberta Health Services’ Obesity, Diabetes and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network and an endocrinologist in Calgary.
“It is important to realize that IPT is a serious commitment which takes a great deal of work and attention from the user and success with pump therapy only comes with effort. Pumps don’t necessarily benefit everyone but might helpful for those who suffer frequent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), planning or proceeding through a pregnancy, or have scheduling demands, like shift work,” he added.
People looking for more information are being asked to contact Alberta Health Services for details.
