I am a parent of a Type 1 diabetic.
Type 1 diabetes is a very serious condition. The afflicted person’s islet cells in the pancreas turn off and therefore no insulin is produced by the body, and we need insulin to convert the carbohydrates in the food we eat.
Therefore, a Type 1 diabetic must inject insulin into the body numerous times a day to break down the carbs. They must also test their blood four to six times a day (or more) to check blood sugar levels to determine the amount of insulin needed after meals, snacks and exercise.
Please just imagine a four-year-old child faced with this every single day of their life, then imagine not having coverage for the supplies your child needs. These include insulin, pen needles, lancets, syringes, test strips and glucose meters, which are very costly. Alberta Health Care does cover insulin, but not the delivery system and we are the only province in the country that does not offer coverage to Type 1 diabetics.
Our family has been fortunate enough to have coverage through a health benefit plan. All my son’s supplies were covered. A few years ago, we heard of the insulin pump, and researching, found that it is by far the best method of managing the disease. We decided to purchase the pump at a cost of $7,000. This was not covered under our plan but it has literally been a life saver for our son. I guess my frustration is that my son should not have better medical care than the child down the street because of economic status. In a province as wealthy as ours, everyone should have equal access to health care. The push is on by the government to promote healthy lifestyles, therefore reducing the cost of health care down the road. That makes perfect sense.
Yet, the province won’t fund Type 1 diabetics who will face numerous health issues if the disease is not controlled properly. Heart disease, stroke, renal failure, amputations and blindness are all caused by uncontrolled diabetes. The phrase “penny wise and pound foolish” certainly comes to mind.
Our newly elected Premier Alison Redford stated during her campaign that she would insure all Type 1 diabetics have access to the best medical care, including free insulin pumps. I am urging all of those in Central Alberta who have family members or know of anyone with Type 1 diabetes to let your voices be heard and hold our premier to her promises.
Please contact Health Minister Fred Horne by email edmonton.rutherford@assembly.ab.ca or the premier at calgary.elbow@assembly.ab.ca or phone 310-0000 and ask for the minister of health.
Patt Churchill
Innisfail