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Ontario - Number of diabetes cases in South East region growing faster than the population
Kingston-area health providers are reviewing ease of access to treatment
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Belleville, ON, July 13, 2007 - Since 1996, the number of individuals with diabetes increased faster than the population growth in the South East region, according to a report on diabetes in Ontario. Between 1996 and 2006, the population aged 20 and over grew by approximately 8%, while the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes jumped by 72%.
The report, Diabetes in Ontario, is issued today by the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Studies (ICES) in Toronto. "The data in the ICES report will be flags for many of our health care providers in the South East region," says Paul Huras, CEO of the South East Local Health Integration Network.
Diabetes mellitus - commonly called diabetes - impairs blood circulation. Both Type I and Type II diabetes can cause heart disease, eye problems, foot ulcers, and kidney damage, which is why it is a leading cause of heart problems, blindness, foot or leg amputation, and kidney failure requiring dialysis.
For the South East region, "the increase in reported cases may mean that more individuals and physicians are testing for Type II diabetes than was the case ten years ago. Also, we have the largest percentage of older people of any region in Ontario, and since Type II diabetes is associated with aging, this may be a factor," says Huras. In addition, an over-all increase in diabetes may reflect lifestyle issues among adults, he adds, because obesity is a contributor to Type II diabetes.
Huras adds that to put the regional picture into context, it is important to note that the rate of new diabetic cases has levelled off in recent years. Currently it is below the rate of new cases elsewhere in the province. The ICES report also highlights an increased likelihood for diabetes with lower income levels, although this is less of a factor in the South East region than in the rest of the province. In addition:
- For the 65+ population in the South East region, at least 15 out of
100 women and 19 out of 100 men had diabetes in 2004
- For the same period, in the 50-64 age group, 9 out of every 100 women
and 12 out of every 100 men had diabetes
- The death rate for people with diabetes has been decreasing steadily
across the province
- However, in 2004 the South East region had higher-than-average death
rates for people with diabetes in both sexes
- We can not draw the conclusion that diabetes is the main cause of
death in all cases
Early treatment makes a difference
Preventing Type II diabetes by maintaining a good weight and staying
active is ideal (see backgrounder, below). For those who are diagnosed with
the illness, early treatment and consistent self-care means that more people
can manage their disease effectively. "We have some fantastic health
professionals who are looking hard at how to improve access to diabetes
education and treatment for our most at-risk residents," Huras says.
Once a person has Type II diabetes, it can be controlled through careful
attention to exercise and food choices, and sometimes, medication. That is why
diabetes treatment involves education of the individual as a key ingredient.
"Ultimately, diabetes treatment is a combination of self-management and good
clinical care. One of the best impacts that the health system can have is to
make sure that people have access to the information, tools, and care they
need to best manage their condition," Huras says.
To view complete press release click here
For More Information Contact :
Polly Thompson, South East LHIN, (613) 967-0196 No. 221
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