Alberta’s Diabetes Landscape

Jeffrey A. JohnsonSchool of Public Health

University of Alberta

Diabetes in AlbertaDiabetes in AlbertaBy the numbers….By the numbers….

Almost 193,000 people were living with diabetes in Alberta in 2008.

Over 17,000 new cases were identified in 2008.

Diabetes rates have almost doubled over the past decade.

Each year, adults with diabetes see physicians 2-3 times more often and spend almost 3 more days in hospital compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.

People with diabetes are 2 times as likely to die than people without diabetes.

Diabetes – what is it?Diabetes – what is it?

• Body has difficulty

making insulin and/or

using the insulin that they

produce.

• Problematic because

insulin is required to

move glucose into cells

so that it can be used by

body tissues and organs.

When glucose remains in the blood, blood glucose levels can

rise to dangerously high levels and result in acute

complications.

Higher than normal blood glucose levels also can result in long-

term organ damage and affect the eyes, kidneys and

cardiovascular system.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Kidney DiseaseCardiovascular Disease

Diabetes – what is it?Diabetes – what is it?

Type 1 DiabetesType 1 Diabetes

Usually occurs early in life during childhood or adolescence and requires insulin injections.

One of the most common chronic conditions in children

Accounts for about 5% of all diabetes cases in the entire population.

Historically associated with onset after 40 years of age; however during the past decade, it has become much more common in younger individuals.

Strongly associated with lifestyle factors, including physical inactivity, overweight and obesity.

Accounts for about 95% of all diabetes cases in the entire population.

Associated with many complications such as heart problems, kidney problems, eye disease etc.

Type 2 DiabetesType 2 Diabetes

Diabetes, Diabetes, It’s Complicated, …It’s Complicated, …

Is a chronic disease affecting more than 6% of adult Canadians.

Healthcare costs of patients with diabetes are projected to be in excess of $800 million in Alberta.

As people are getting diabetes earlier in life, they are also getting complications earlier in life.

Diabetes - Big Picture, Big BurdenDiabetes - Big Picture, Big Burden

Alberta Diabetes Atlas 2009Alberta Diabetes Atlas 2009

1. Background and Methods

2. Epidemiological Trends

3. Children and Adolescents

4. Health Care Utilization

5. Cardiovascular Disease

6. Foot Disease and Lower Limb Amputations

7. Kidney Disease

8. Eye Disease

9. Mental Health Disorders

10. Status Aboriginal Population

11. Key Findings and Policy Options

www.albertadiabetes.cawww.albertadiabetes.ca

Interactive Website

Number of Albertans Living with DiabetesNumber of Albertans Living with Diabetes1995-20081995-2008

Newly Identified Cases of DiabetesNewly Identified Cases of Diabetes1995-20081995-2008

Rate of Diabetes in Alberta, 1995-2008Rate of Diabetes in Alberta, 1995-2008

Age-Specific Diabetes Rates, 2007Age-Specific Diabetes Rates, 2007

Alberta Diabetes Alberta Diabetes Prevalence Prevalence

Provincial rate = 5.5%

Death Rates in AlbertaDeath Rates in Alberta1995 - 20081995 - 2008

Diabetes and Special PopulationsDiabetes and Special Populations

Diabetes in Children and Diabetes in Children and Adolescents by ZoneAdolescents by Zone

Diabetes Prevalence, 1995-2008 Children and Adolescents

30%

45%

52%

64%

Diabetes in AlbertaDiabetes in Alberta

Almost 193,000 Albertans living with diabetes.

Over 1,700 new cases each month.

It is mostly a condition of older adults, but we are seeing increasing numbers in children and adolescents.

Of increasing concern is the health care services needed for this growing population!

Diabetes & Heart Disease Diabetes & Heart Disease 1995-2008 (Rate)1995-2008 (Rate)

Diabetes & Heart DiseaseDiabetes & Heart Disease1995-2008 (Number of People)1995-2008 (Number of People)

Diabetes & Eye DiseaseDiabetes & Eye DiseaseEye Examinations*Eye Examinations*

* Eye examinations by an Ophthalmologist

Diabetes & Health Care Services…Diabetes & Health Care Services…

People with diabetes see GPs and Specialists 2 to 3 times more often than people without diabetes

Access to care and cost of care are important considerations.

Heart Disease is a major driver for health care costs

In general, we see underuse of many recommended preventive care services in the system.

Diabetes Diabetes What can we do?What can we do?

The ABC’s of DiabetesThe ABC’s of Diabetes

• If you have diabetes– A: A1C (average of blood sugars over the past three months)– B: Blood Pressure Control– C: Cholesterol

– Healthy Weight– Physical activity– Waist size– Regular foot exams– Yearly eye exam– Stop smoking

Preventing DiabetesPreventing Diabetes

• If you don’t have diabetes– Healthy Weight – Physical Activity

• Be active! Walking, gardening, water aerobics etc.

– Healthy Diet• High in Fruits and Vegetables• Low in Fat, High in Fiber• Low in Carbohydrates

– Yearly physician visits – Stop smoking

Stay Healthy!Stay Healthy!