Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) for BC
A smoother ride for people living with diabetes.
About Our AID Campaign
Living with type 1 diabetes can feel like a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Health Canada approved Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems use predictive technology to help smooth out that ride.
British Columbia is the only province in the country that does not yet cover Health Canada approved AID systems. Contact your MLA as part of this campaign to share why we need choice in the systems we wear 24/7 to stay alive – let’s get AID4BC!
Who?
If you or a loved one lives with type 1 diabetes in BC, please join in Young and T1’s advocacy efforts to ensure that Health Canada approved Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems (an approximately $7000 out of pocket cost at present) are covered in British Columbia for those living with type 1 diabetes.
We are going to do our part by contacting the newly appointed Minister of Health, but by you contacting your local MLA, we will increase awareness in caucus and communication to the Health Minister on this topic from their peers across BC to bolster our advocacy efforts.
Why?
We need you to help us convey to your government official that the real time communication between an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor lead to a lower incidence of extreme high and low blood sugars in the short term and reduces risk for diabetes related complications (such as blindness, amputation and kidney failure) in the long term. BC remains the only province in Canada that does not cover Health Canada approved AID systems.
Also known as a hybrid, closed-loop system, Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems are unique when compared to traditional insulin delivery systems, in that the AID system uses an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) which communicate with each other! This means that the AID system can detect changes in a person’s sugar levels in real time and automatically adjust insulin doses in response (such as when an individual is sleeping, driving or otherwise unable to check their own blood sugar and make adjustment).
There are three Health Canada approved AID Systems, with two currently on the market and the third to be released in early 2025.
What?
When?
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we aim to leverage the awareness surrounding this time to bring this issue front and centre to our newly elected Provincial Government in consideration for the next financial budget in 2025.
How?
Connect with your local MLA in less than five minutes by using our email template below to let them know that AID needs to be covered in BC.
You can also email youngandtype1@gmail.com for hard-copy postcards with pre-paid postage you can mail to your local MLA.
Young and T1 Stories
What ‘AID’ Means to Our Community
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Meet Kara, whose life took a turn for the better with the use of AID!
Diagnosed at 21, she’s found incredible freedom with AID, allowing her to cross-country ski, travel, and enjoy life with improved control.
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Meet Maureen! Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 8, she’s been using insulin pumps since she was 12. Now, nearly 26 years later, her Tandem pump and AID system are a dream come true.
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I was diagnosed 25 years ago. If you don’t live with Type 1, you cannot fathom the number of additional decisions required every single day to simply live your life and manage the disease. It’s unrelenting. My AID frees up my energy for EVERYTHING else in my life: family, friends, work, play and myself.
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Meet Alexa Kwan, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 3 years old. Thanks to Automated Insulin Delivery, she’s now experiencing newfound freedom and confidence—pictured here after completing her first half marathon!
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Meet Zahida, whose life has been transformed by Automated Insulin Delivery!
After struggling with Type 1 Diabetes, her A1C levels improved dramatically, bringing her peace of mind and a huge relief.
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Because automated insulin delivery systems such as the Tandem T-slim x2 are not covered in British Columbia, I will lose access to this technology when I age out of my parents extended medical benefits. At that time, we will both need to switch to different insulin pump systems that we are not familiar with, and that will not support automated insulin delivery.
The loss of this technology will be a drastic change in our lives. It is something I think about nearly every day. I am fortunate to have had access to this technology very shortly after my diagnosis, and I have not lived with diabetes long without the technology. Not having had to manage without automated insulin delivery before, there will be a steep learning curve for me.
I urge you to consider initiating coverage for automated insulin delivery systems in British Columbia. This technology is incredible and type 1 diabetics deserve to have access to it.
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At work I don’t always have time to eat on schedule, or the ability to leave a critical situation. Using an AID system has made it much easier to do my job because my insulin dose is adjusted for me based on the Dexcom readings. It’s like having an assistant looking after your health while you live your life.
Did You Know?
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Approximately 300,000 Canadians live with type 1 diabetes.
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Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age.
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Every 24 hours, more than 20 Canadians die of diabetes-related complications. Proper glucose control now prevents complications down the road.
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British Columbia is the only province in Canada without coverage for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID).
Contact Your MLA Now
Contact your local MLA by submitting the template below to let them know that AID needs to be covered in BC.
This email will let your local MLA know that you are a constituent in their riding with lived experience asking for action on this issue.
