Ottawa – Diabetes affects nearly 1 in 10 people in Canada, and more than 200,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Throughout Diabetes Awareness Month, and today on World Diabetes Day, we raise awareness about this disease and what we can do to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes in Canada.
As Canada’s population ages, the number of people living with diabetes is expected to continue rising. While some types of diabetes are not preventable, like type 1 and gestational diabetes, healthy lifestyles can help prevent or delay diabetes complications and lower the risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. There are many different ways to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as being physically active, following Canada’s food guide, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking. To reduce your chances of developing diabetes, it is also important to discuss symptoms with health care providers.
Access to diabetes medications is an essential part of managing the disease and reducing the risk of serious complications. As part of the Pharmacare Act, which received Royal Assent on October 10, 2024, our government is working with provinces and territories to sign bilateral agreements that will provide universal access to a range of contraception and diabetes medications in the first phase of national universal pharmacare. In addition, the Government is establishing a fund to support Canadians’ access to supplies that people with diabetes require to manage and monitor their condition and administer their medication.
The Government of Canada is taking action to improve our understanding of diabetes and to advance the prevention, management and treatment of this disease through various investments, as well as multi-sectoral and community-driven initiatives. The ongoing implementation of the Framework for diabetes in Canada is fundamental in that work. This Framework was developed in consultation with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities, people living with diabetes, academics, researchers, and other stakeholders. Since its release, we have continued to engage people in Canada through a series of dialogues to advance the Framework, including collaborating with key partners and stakeholders on initiatives that address diabetes in Canada. This also includes providing reliable data and identifying changes in trends over time through the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System, that monitors more than 20 chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, and other selected health outcomes.
Together, we are working on improving the health and quality of life of the millions of people living with diabetes in Canada. This year, let’s take action to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and prevent diabetes complications. – Mark Holland, Minister of Health