Self-referred pump program · Alberta-wide
Start an insulin pump — no referral, no cost
Through our self-referred pump program, certain patients with Type 1 diabetes can book a pump consult directly — from anywhere in Alberta. For eligible Albertans, your pump and supplies are 100% covered. Most patients are on a pump within two months.
from consult to pump start
Certain patients with Type 1 diabetes can book themselves in.
Pump and monthly supplies through the AHS program.
An official Insulin Pump Therapy Program site.
Why it's different
A new way to start an insulin pump
Starting a pump usually begins with a referral and a wait. Our self-referred pump program lets eligible patients skip straight to booking.
For certain patients with Type 1 diabetes. We'll confirm your eligibility at your consult.
How it works
From first call to your own pump, in four steps
Book online
Choose a time that works for you.
Prepare
A short pump guide, the Alberta pump therapy videos with their knowledge check, and two documents. See what to prepare
Phone consult
Our nurse practitioner and pump trainer calls you to review your diabetes, help you choose a pump, and start your funding application. If a pump is right for you, one of our specialist physicians then calls for a brief phone consult.
Pump start
Hands-on training at our clinic, then follow-up as you settle in.
Technology
Modern pumps, connected to your CGM
Your pump and continuous glucose monitor work together to adjust insulin through the day and night. We start patients on all current systems.
Answer 13 short questions and see which pump matches your needs and preferences. Try the pump selector
Coverage
What's covered — and what isn't
We'll confirm your eligibility at your consult and walk you through your options.
Type 1 and Type 3c diabetes
Eligible Albertans have their pump and supplies 100% covered through the provincial Insulin Pump Therapy Program. Certain patients with Type 1 can book with us directly — Type 3c needs a referral.
What the program covers
A pump every five years, plus pods or infusion sets, reservoirs, and blood glucose and ketone strips, up to the program's limits.
What it doesn't cover
Insulin and CGM sensors aren't part of the pump program. They're covered through your drug plan — private insurance or a government plan such as Alberta Blue Cross seniors' or non-group coverage.
Staying covered
The program requires a yearly review at an approved pump clinic. As an AHS designated pump site, we do this for our patients.
Upgrades
Received a program pump in the last five years? We'll help you navigate private insurance for a new one.
Other types of diabetes
A referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is required. Download the referral form
Full supply limits are listed by the University of Calgary's Diabetes Centre.
Your team
Certified pump trainers, backed by specialists
A nurse practitioner, a dietitian, and specialist physicians — all under one roof.
NP, CDE, CPT — nurse practitioner and pump trainer
Dietitian, CDE, CPT — dietitian and pump trainer
MD FRCPC — endocrinology
MD FRCPC — internal medicine
Questions
Common questions
Do I need a referral?
Not always. Through our self-referred pump program, certain patients with Type 1 diabetes can book a consult directly. Everyone else needs a referral from their physician or nurse practitioner — use our referral form.
How long until I'm on a pump?
Most patients start on a pump within two months of their first appointment. Completing your prep before your consult keeps things moving.
Do I have to come in person?
Your first consult is by phone, so you can start from anywhere in Alberta. Your pump start is in person at our clinic in Edmonton. If travel is a challenge, contact us to discuss options.
I already have a pump. Can you help?
Yes — we can help with upgrading your pump or switching to a different system.
How do I choose a pump?
Our pump trainer helps you choose at your consult. To get a head start, try our pump selector — it suggests a pump based on your needs and preferences and lists questions to ask the pump representatives.
Does Alberta cover insulin pumps?
Yes. Albertans with Type 1 or Type 3c diabetes who qualify for the provincial Insulin Pump Therapy Program have their pump and pump supplies 100% covered. A new pump is covered every five years, as long as you have a yearly review at an approved pump clinic like ours.
Are CGM sensors covered with my pump?
Not by the pump program. CGM sensors and insulin are covered through your drug plan — private insurance or a government plan such as Alberta Blue Cross seniors' or non-group coverage. We'll help you sort out what applies to you at your consult.
Ready to talk about a pump?
Book a consult in a few minutes.