Albania

In Albania, all types of insulin are fully reimbursed for people living with diabetes (PwD). While insulin pens are always reimbursed for all PwD, blood glucose meters and test strips are reimbursed for some PwD in limited quantities depending on their age group and treatment. Newer technologies such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are not available. The Albanian Diabetes Association is actively advocating for CGMs to be made available and reimbursed for PwD.

Despite all PwD being entitled to eye screening, only 30-40% of them undergo regular examinations due to a shortage of ophthalmologists in certain regions. Screening for chronic kidney disease is also available but lacks clear guidelines and effectiveness. Diabetes foot is one of the most significant diabetes-related complications in Albania due to the absence of prevention programmes and of a strategy to identify and monitor PwD at risk.