![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/041026-diabetes-300x178.jpg\")
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<\/a>\nThe Alberta government is expanding publicly funded diabetes care.<\/p>\n
Starting in March, Alberta\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve 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,\u201d said Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Albertans already using an Omnipod system may be eligible to upgrade earlier through the manufacturer\u2019s Omnipod Innovation Pathway Program.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrecision insulin delivery systems enhance blood glucose control and lower the risk of complications \u2013 enhancing quality of life and reducing the burden on health care systems,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The provincial drug plan now covers 16 different diabetes drugs and nine insulin products.
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