Yesterday, the Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness, Sarah Guillemard, released the province’s five-year plan , A Pathway to Mental Health and Community Wellness: A Roadmap for Manitoba, that includes implementing the first diabetes strategy in Manitoba.
Diabetes Canada has been advocating to the federal, provincial and territorial governments to implement diabetes strategies that align with the Diabetes 360 framework—a comprehensive strategy that will address key needs for Canadians with or at risk of developing diabetes. Without a coordinated and comprehensive approach to diabetes in Canada, individuals 20 years of age face a 50 percent chance of developing diabetes in their lifetime.
“Diabetes Canada is pleased Manitoba is taking steps to turn the tide of diabetes prevalence with its commitment to prevention included in the five-year roadmap,” says Joan King, Director of Government Relations for Diabetes Canada. “We look forward to working with the government on implementing a fulsome provincial strategy that includes screening, treatment and improved health outcomes for Manitobans living with diabetes.”
Today, there are more than151,000 Manitobans living with diabetes or prediabetes and prevalence is predicted to increase to 198,000 in just 10 years. Diabetes also costs the health-care system $152 million, rising to $198 million by 2032.