The harsh reality of diabetes on the streets and the ADF’s commitment to providing equitable care
Calgary Diabetes Mobile Clinic (DMC)
For Calgary’s most vulnerable, managing diabetes isn't just difficult—it’s nearly impossible.
In partnership with The Alex and the University of Calgary, we are helping to change that by providing funding to move the clinic to the curb.
Diabetes does not discriminate and the statistics are devastating. Those experiencing homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of avoidable, life-altering complications, including a 15x higher rate of amputations.
In 2025, the Alberta Diabetes Foundation doubled down on our commitment to health equity. We recognized that to truly serve our community, we have to meet them exactly where they are—at shelters, community centers, and on the street.
Endocrinologist Dr. David Campbell, right, talks to patient Jeremy Auger about his blood sugar levels in the diabetes mobile clinic in Calgary.
Auger, left, discusses his foot ulcer with Dartnell. (Brian Goldman/CBC News)
Following a successful pilot that proved the model works, ADF fuelled the expansion of the Calgary Diabetes Mobile Clinic (DMC). Led by the vision of Dr. David Campbell, this isn't just a van, it’s a sophisticated, "one-stop" medical hub.
From left to right, Lindsay Huard, the mobile resource specialist who drives the bus to its location each week, Campbell and Dartnell.
Every Wednesday, the four staff members working on the diabetes bus that day could see on average 5 to 10 patients.
Instead of navigating a maze of appointments, patients step onto the DMC and receive a full suite of services such as:
On-the-spot A1C testing (immediate results).
Retinal screening to prevent blindness.
Specialized foot care to stop infections before they lead to amputations.
Peer support and education that respects the reality of living in poverty.
Registered nurse Erin Dartnell uses the retinal scanner on Auger's eyes to test for any eye issues that can stem from his diabetes. (Brian Goldman/CBC News)
Support the Calgary Diabetes Mobile Clinic
“The whole point of the mobile program is meeting clients where they’re at just because of the barriers they may face”
The mobile diabetes clinic in Calgary is in the second year of a two-year pilot project funded through grants and donations. Your donation today ensures that tomorrow a father or son in Calgary will not lose his sight—or even his life—to a treatable disease.