Canadian Diabetes Association applauds government support for Albertans with diabetes

The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds Alberta Health and Wellness for enhancing support for Albertans with diabetes using insulin following an announcement made by the Honourable Fred Horne, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness. The changes include expanded Blue Cross coverage for diabetes supplies, such as blood glucose test strips, lancets, syringes, needles, cartridges and urine test strips for Albertans with diabetes using insulin. As of July 1, 2012, coverage will also be expanded for clients of the Alberta Monitoring for Health program, which is a program administered by the Canadian Diabetes Association. Coverage for diabetes supplies will also be extended to women with gestational diabetes - a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Previous Association research revealed that Alberta has among the highest out-of-pocket expenses for people with diabetes if they do not qualify for low-income supports