Newfoundland and Labrador have highest rate of diabetes prevalence in Canada: Report

Today, the Canadian Diabetes Association released the findings from its Newfoundland and Labrador Diabetes Cost Model, stating that Newfoundland and Labrador currently has the highest rate of diabetes prevalence in Canada, with future forecasts continuing to grow at an alarming rate.

"The economic burden of diabetes in Newfoundland and Labrador is staggering and threatens the health of tens of thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the sustainability of the healthcare system and the future economic prosperity of the province," said Michael Cloutier, president and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. "It's estimated the direct and indirect financial impact of diabetes in Newfoundland and Labrador currently costs the province $254 million per year. By 2020, these costs will increase to over $322 million per year if we don't take action."

The economic burden of diabetes represents only a part of the province's challenge. The human cost of the disease is also reaching epidemic proportions in the province. The Newfoundland and Labrador Diabetes Cost Model estimates that there are currently 47,000 people, or over 9 per cent of the population, diagnosed with diabetes in Newfoundland and Labrador - increasing to more than 73,000, or 14.4 per cent of the population, by 2020. These prevalence rates, which are the highest in the country do not include people undiagnosed with diabetes, gestational diabetes or people living with prediabetes, where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for an individual to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

"By 2020, 32 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be living either with diabetes or prediabetes," said Cloutier. "Addressing this public health issue will require a dramatic shift in government approach, private sector involvement and broad-based personal and societal change."

In order to offset the burden caused by diabetes, the Canadian Diabetes Association recommends the government of Newfoundland and Labrador move towards establishing a provincial Diabetes Program with the specific responsibility and accountability for addressing diabetes issues in the province.

Provincial diabetes cost model reports have also been released for New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. This week, the Association also released the Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia Diabetes Cost Model reports. Prevalence rates of diabetes throughout Atlantic Canada are the highest in the country.