The Government of Alberta achieved an important milestone yesterday by announcing the expansion of public coverage of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to all ages, removing the existing age cap. Prior to this announcement, public coverage of CGMs in Alberta did not extend beyond age 18.
It is estimated that over 30,000 people live with T1D in Alberta and by removing the age restriction, approximately 23,000 more Albertans will now be eligible for these devices.
Constant monitoring of blood glucose is a necessary part of managing this disease, requiring careful balance with externally administered insulin, either through injections or an insulin pump. Despite meticulous management, individuals living with T1D remain at risk of severe diabetes-related complications, including kidney disease, blindness, amputation, and even death.
Real-time blood glucose monitoring greatly enhances self-management, reducing hospitalizations and the risk of long-term complications. It also alleviates some of the anxiety associated with the disease, allowing individuals to better manage activities such as exercise, meals, and rest.
“Breakthrough T1D Canada is delighted by this announcement from the Government of Alberta, which will significantly enhance the lives of so many more people in Alberta living with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes does not stop at age 18; it is a relentless, lifelong disease that demands ongoing self-management to survive. We commend the Government of Alberta for acknowledging this reality and expanding on the coverage announced in 2022. Helping to provide access for this essential technology will empower those living with type 1 diabetes to lead healthier, safer, and more manageable lives”, says Jessica Diniz, President and CEO, Breakthrough T1D Canada
Through the Access for All campaign, Breakthrough T1D Canada is working alongside dedicated T1D advocates nationwide to support those who must pay out-of-pocket for life-saving diabetes technology due to insufficient coverage in their provinces. Since its launch in 2019, the campaign has sparked meaningful progress in numerous provinces and territories. However, until a cure is discovered, Breakthrough T1D Canada remains committed to advocating for universal access to, and patient choice in, diabetes technologies for everyone who needs them.
Read the government news release here.
About Breakthrough T1D Canada
Breakthrough T1D Canada is the leading charitable organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research in Canada. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Since our founding in 1974, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $80 million CDN in research funding. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our shared vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.
For more information:
Monica Kocsmaros
Chief External Relations Officer
T. 647.354.5598
E. mkocsmaros@breakthrought1d.ca
235 Yorkland Blvd., Suite 600, Toronto, ON M2J 4Y8
breakthrought1d.ca
