By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 10, 2026.
Dr. Peter Senior, director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute and Charles A. Allard chair of Diabetes Research at the U of A says delivering access to the OP5 device will provide young children and other vulnerable populations with an option that may better suit their needs.–Photo courtesy Insuletnewsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
The Alberta government is expanding publicly funded diabetes care.
Starting in March, Alberta’s Insulin Pump Therapy Program includes the tubeless Omnipod 5, a device that adjusts insulin in real time using data from a continuous glucose monitor to maintain blood sugar in a healthy range. The addition brings cutting-edge technology into the scope of publicly funded diabetes care.
“I’ve heard from so many Albertans who have been waiting for this insulin pump. Living with diabetes is a daily challenge, and this device can make managing insulin simpler, easier and much less stressful,” said Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange.
Eligible Albertans can receive an insulin pump at no cost every five years through the Insulin Pump Therapy Program. Access to the Omnipod 5 will follow this replacement cycle, meaning most users will have the option to transfer to the new device when their current device warranty expires.
Albertans already using an Omnipod system may be eligible to upgrade earlier through the manufacturer’s Omnipod Innovation Pathway Program.
The government says more than 1.3 million Albertans live with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and many rely on insulin to manage their condition. That number is projected to rise to 1.68 million by 2034.
Director of government affairs and advocacy with Diabetes Canada Joan King says expanding access to devices will be life-saving for Albertans living with diabetes.
“Precision insulin delivery systems enhance blood glucose control and lower the risk of complications – enhancing quality of life and reducing the burden on health care systems,” she said.
The provincial drug plan now covers 16 different diabetes drugs and nine insulin products.
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