Parents want Alberta to pay for insulin pump

An Edmonton couple is hoping to convince the Alberta government to cover the costs of an insulin pump for their two-year-old daughter.

Mike and Jenn Benson's daughter, Journey, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in February and now relies on several insulin needles a day to control her blood sugar levels.

Journey's parents and doctors want to put the toddler on an insulin pump thatwould provide her with the right amount of insulin more quickly than the injection method and regulate her blood sugar more effectively.

The pump is attached to a patient's body and monitors and regulates insulin levels while delivering the drug at a steady rate suited to the individual's needs.

The pump costs $7,500 an expense theBensons say they can't afford and Alberta Health Services won't cover.

Four provinces currently fund the pumps: British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan andOntario.

Mike Benson said the Alberta government should follow the other provinces' example and pay for the pump.

"Through this whole experience, we've really just seen the need for this kind of technology in the diabetic community," Benson told CBC News.

"There is definitely a big need for these pumps to be covered, to get out there and get these kids on the program."

Friends and family of the Bensons have raised about $500 toward the cost of a pump.