Diabetes in Canada
(2,576 KB) in PDF Format (Revised August 27, 1999

National Statistics and Opportunities for Improved Surveillance,
Prevention, and Control

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements
List of Figures
List of Tables
Evaluation and Order Form

Introduction
Highlights
National Statistics

Prevalence

Current Overall Prevalence Estimates - 1996/97
Diabetes Prevalence Rates: Comparison of National Survey Estimates

Canadian Heart Health Survey (1986-1992) and National Population Health Survey 1996/97
Comparable National Surveys: Increasing Trends in Diabetes Prevalence
National Surveys of Diabetes Prevalence: 1978-1996/97

Diabetes Prevalence by Race/Ethnic Group - 1996/97
Diabetes Prevalence by Age - 1996/97
Diabetes Prevalence by Sex - 1996/97
Prevalence by Province - 1996/97
Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes - 1994-1995
Incidence
Type 1 Diabetes

Age of Onset of Diabetes
Morbidity
Disability
General Health Perception
Health Care Utilization

Outpatient Visits
Medication Use
Hospitalizations
Mortality

Number of Deaths
Age-Standardized Rates by Sex
Age-Standardized Rates by Province
Age-Standardized Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL)
Trends and Projections

Economic Burden
Modifiable Risk Factors for Diabetes

Obesity

Obesity in the General Population
Obesity by Diabetes Status

Physical Inactivity

Physical Inactivity in the General Population
Physical Inactivity by Diabetes Status

Income Inadequacy

Risk Factors for Diabetes Complications

Smoking
High Blood Pressure

Long-Term Complications of Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
Vision Problems
Kidney Failure

Diabetes and Aboriginal Peoples
Prevalence of Diabetes

Diabetes Rates are Very High Among Aboriginal Peoples
Most Aboriginal Peoples with Diabetes are Women
Diabetes Rates Vary Substantially Across the Country
The Prevalence of Diabetes is Increasing

Complications of Diabetes

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease)
Higher Prevalence of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Increased Risk of Stroke
More Lower Limb Amputations
Higher Rates of Kidney Disease and Dialysis - Especially for Aboriginal People with Diabetes
Higher Rates of Eye Disease
Frequent Instances of Peripheral Neuropathy

Groups Needing Special Focus in Diabetes Initiatives

Children - Instances of Aboriginal Children with a Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
Women - Higher Prevalence, Risk of Complications of Pregnancy, and Future Risk for the Child

Main Data Sources
National Population Health Survey (NPHS), 1994-1995

Health File
Institution File

National Population Health Survey (NPHS), 1996-1997

Health Share File
Longitudinal Share File

Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS), 1991 (Adults)
General Social Survey (GSS), 1985, 1991 (Health Cycle)
National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY), 1994-1995
Statistics Canada Mortality Data
IMS (Intercontinental Medical Statistics) Canada

IMS Canadian Disease and Therapeutic Index
IMS Canada Compuscript

Limitations of Current National Data Sources
Limitations on Diabetes Information

Incomplete Data Sources
Survey Data Are Unsubstantiated
Inability to Capture Undiagnosed Diabetes
Inaccurate Mortality Data
Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Undifferentiated
Small Samples in National Surveys
Lack of Aboriginal Data
Different Methodologies in National Surveys

Limitations on Risk Factor Information

Lack of National Risk Factor Surveillance System
Physical Measures in Few National Surveys
Social Desirability Bias in Self-Reports

Prevention of Diabetes and Long-Term Complications

Primary Prevention: Preventing Diabetes
Secondary Prevention: Early Detection of Diabetes Through Screening
Tertiary Prevention: Preventing or Delaying the Complications of Diabetes
Education: Key Role in Tertiary Prevention

Opportunities for Improved Diabetes Surveillance, Prevention, and Control

Diabetes Today - A Summary of the Evidence
Addressing the Problem
Conclusion

References
Glossary
Appendix A - Diabetes Council of Canada Member Organizations
Appendix B - General Information

Diabetes Mellitus

Description

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Associated Conditions

Symptoms and Diagnostic Testing

Symptoms
Diagnostic Testing

Treatment/Management of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Risk Factors for Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes - Risk Factors
Type 2 Diabetes - Risk Factors
Gestational Diabetes - Risk Factors

Long-Term Complications of Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease
Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)
Blindness
Nervous System Disease (Neuropathy)
Lower Extremity Amputations (LEA)
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Dental Disease
Complications of Pregnancy (for women with pre-existing diabetes)
Other Complications

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