The Diabetes Working Group is making efforts to improve diabetes care in Alberta.
About 403,000 Albertans have been diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The number is expected to increase to 573,000 by 2032. The group is working to identify gaps and how to provide better overall care for diabetics while ensuring programs and services are sustainable.
“Each year the number of Albertans diagnosed with diabetes increases and this trend is concerning. Finding ways to more effectively prevent, screen for and treat this serious, chronic condition is critical,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping.
“With this group’s expertise and experience, and the insights gathered through this review, we can establish a way forward that better meets the needs of Albertans at risk for and living with diabetes.”
Minister Copping attended the meeting virtually, and recommendations from the group for improving diabetes care and informing a provincial diabetes strategy will be shared with the Minister of Health in Fall 2023.
The working group is comprised of 16 individuals, including co-chairs Dr. Julie McKeen and Dr. Peter Sargious.
“As a diabetes care provider and administrator, I have seen the impact of diabetes and its challenges, and I am excited to be part of the Diabetes Working Group,” said McKeen.
“This is a unique opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of diabetes prevention and management in Alberta and provide recommendations that can positively influence the care of Albertans at risk for, affected by and living with diabetes.”
Other working group members include:
- Diabetes Canada representative
- JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) representative
- Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association representative
- Métis Nation of Alberta representative
- First Nations community representative
- Primary care physician, researcher with a focus on Indigenous health
- Physician representative from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Council
- Pharmacist representative from Alberta College of Pharmacy (regulated member)
- Nurse representative from the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
- Dietitian representative from the College of Dietitians of Alberta (regulated member)
- Physician representative from the Alberta Medical Association
- Albertan with Type 1 diabetes
- Albertan with Type 2 diabetes
- Albertan who uses an insulin pump
The working group will also receive input from a variety of other representatives from the diabetes community, such as manufacturers and community advocacy groups, to ensure that all perspectives and experiences are considered while developing recommendations for the future of Alberta’s diabetes care pathway.
Albertans can email their suggestions to the Diabetes Working Group at diabetes@gov.ab.ca.
Red Deer-North Constituents with questions, comments, concerns or ideas can also reach out to their MLA through the local constituency office or using the contact form.