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 monitors 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 (ADA) is actively advocating for CGMs to be made available and reimbursed for PwD.

There is currently no national diabetes plan nor register for PwD. However, in recent years, the ADA and the Endocrinology & Metabolic Diseases Department at the University Hospital Centre “Mother Theresa”, in Tirana, conducted two nationwide surveys with approximately 6,500 and 2,000 PwD respectively. Subsequently, the ADA has compiled a database comprising 4,500 PwD from across the country and is initiating a follow-up programme, including the introduction of a “Diabetes Passport” for all PwD.