New report shows diabetes affecting more Canadians
Posted Apr 4, 2011 10:52 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new report from the Canadian Diabetes Association suggests the disease could soon be an epidemic in our country.
One in four Canadians have diabetes and 11 billion dollars was spent last year treating it across the country.
Analysts believe that number could increase to 16 billion by the year 2020 and that all levels of government need to increase funding and research as soon as possible.
David Eggen with Friends Of Medicare tells 660News, that’s close to 800,000 Albertans and something needs to be done.
Eggen says it’s one of the fastest growing chronic diseases in Alberta and one of the most debilitating too because it leads to so many complications.
He adds, based on how many are affected and that treatment is medically necessary, it only seems natural there should be increased coverage for Albertans.
The Canadian Diabetes Association is calling on the government to reduce the burden diabetes has on the healthcare system and look at ways to enhance support for those living with the disease.
