Today, nearly 1 in 4 Canadians either have diabetes or prediabetes. More than 20 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour of everyday. By 2020, it is expected that 9.9% of the population will be living with diabetes.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
The Serious Complications:
- Diabetes can shorten life expectancy by 5 to 15 years
- 80% of Canadians with diabetes die from a heart attack or stroke
- 42% of new kidney dialysis patients in 2004 had diabetes
- On average, 30% of people with type 2 diabetes develop retinopathy (disease of the retina) soon after their diabetes is diagnosed - diabetes is the single largest cause of blindness in Canada
- 7 of 10 non-traumatic limb amputations are the result of diabetes complications
- 25% of people with diabetes suffer from depression
The Costs of Diabetes:
Not only is diabetes a personal crisis for people with the disease it is also a tremendous financial burden for the Canadian healthcare system and society as a whole. The Canadian Diabetes Cost Model finds that:
- The economic burden of diabetes in Canada is approximately $12.2 billion in 2010, nearly double its level in 2000
- The cost of diabetes is expected to rise to $16.9 billion by 2020
It is probable that you, a family member, friend or neighbour is affected by this insidious disease. Diabetes has no age barrier and complicates the lives of both children and adults. Awareness and knowledge of diabetes is essential for everyone.
To learn more about diabetes and the Canadian Diabetes Association, please click on the logo.
