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By rdnewsNOW Staff

MANAGING DIABETES

Alberta extends continuous glucose monitor coverage to eligible adults

Dec 17, 2024 | 10:58 AM

The Government of Alberta is expanding its coverage of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to eligible adults in an effort to increase their accessibility and help Albertans better manage their health.

Government officials say 1.3 million Albertans currently live with diabetes and pre-diabetes and that is expected to increase to 1.7 million by 2034.

“Managing one’s diabetes can be extremely stressful. Expanding access to these monitors for more Albertans will make their lives easier and relieve the burden on people living with diabetes,” commented Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange.

Following a health technology assessment that determined these devices had the most benefit to patients, CGM coverage began for children under 18 in February 2022.

The government says the expansion fulfills a recommendation from the Diabetes Working Group, who has given it recommendations on how to improve the care pathway for Albertans with diabetes.

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“On behalf of the Diabetes Working Group, we are delighted that the Government of Alberta has expanded access to continuous glucose monitors in response to one of our key recommendations,” said Dr. Julie McKeen and Dr. Peter Sargious, co-chairs, Diabetes Working Group. “This is life changing for tens of thousands of Albertans living with diabetes.”

Eligible recipients would be Albertans who are living with diabetes requiring certain insulin treatments and are enrolled in an Alberta government-sponsored health benefit plan, according to the announcement. Officials say that approximately 23,500 Albertans aged 18 years and older will now be eligible for this coverage.

Using a CGM reduces or eliminates the need for blood glucose test strips. Those who receive funding for a CGM will have their limits for blood glucose test strips adjusted to occasional use. Those who do not receive the funding will continue to have the same test strip limits as they do now.

Funding for the first two years of this initiative is provided through the Canada-Alberta agreement to improve health care.