A diabetes working group is being formed to develop a comprehensive diabetes strategy for the province.

The government will work with representatives from across Alberta to shape a go-forward care plan to meet the needs of a growing population of Albertans living with this chronic disease.

Any decision on treatments for diabetes will be informed by the working group. No changes will be made to the Insulin Pump Therapy Program.

The program will continue as it was designed and will add access to the next generation of insulin pumps starting as soon as possible.

Given the growing population of Albertans being diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, a long-term care pathway needs to be determined so Albertans can manage their diabetes and lower the risk of adverse outcomes that increase cost and strain to the healthcare system.

Government costs on diabetes medications, supplies and insulin pumps have increased by about 15 percent annually and have nearly doubled over the last five years to $200 million. Costs are expected to double again in the next five years to $381 million if Alberta’s current system of care is not addressed.

The goal is to identify the gaps in care and provide better overall care for Albertans while developing a sustainable care pathway for the future.

The working group will review the province’s entire diabetes care pathway, including the scope of practice of primary care physicians and the diagnosis and treatment of patients living with diabetes.

The Diabetes Working Group will include patients, diabetes organizations, health professionals, researchers and health insurers. Recommendations will be shared with the Minister of Health before fall of 2023.