TORONTO, Ont. (Mar 3, 2022) – Diabetes Canada released new 2022 figures that show the continued rising trend of diabetes rates in Canada with no signs of leveling or decreasing. Diabetes continues to affect more Canadians than ever before and reasserts the need for further investment into diabetes research to help turn the tide.
“The new diabetes figures show a steady, continued increase in diabetes in our country with 11.7 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes,” says Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “These figures reaffirm our dedication to funding leading-edge research to advance medical innovations and find a cure to end diabetes.”
Today, there are more than 5.7 million Canadians living with diabetes (type 1 & type 2 diagnosed + type 2 undiagnosed), however, there are 11.7 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes—a condition that, if left unmanaged, can develop into type 2 diabetes. It is also costing the healthcare system $30 billion per year to treat people with diabetes. The high prevalence of diabetes and its overwhelming impact in our communities and health-care system mean that we must further diabetes research.
“As a researcher, I know how important it is to discover new pieces in the diabetes puzzle, “ says Dr. Robert Screaton, Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute and Diabetes Canada funded researcher. “Research is vital to find the answers to fill gaps in knowledge and give health-care professionals new tools to treat diabetes. As our collective knowledge grows, we are able to develop innovative approaches that may soon lead us to the next big medical breakthrough.”
Diabetes is known to reduce lifespan and people with the disease are more likely to experience sight loss. They are also more likely to be hospitalized for amputations, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Research leads to new and innovative therapies for the treatment of diabetes and its complications and brings us closer to finding a cure.
"I first started raising funds to support diabetes research when I was eight years old. In my mind, supporting diabetes research is the key, “says D’arci Sutton, Recipient of Diabetes Canada’s National Volunteer Award. “Diabetes research led to the creation of insulin, and I wholeheartedly believe that it’s research that will lead us to a cure.”
| Prevalence – 2022 | Diabetes (type 1 + type 2 diagnosed + type 2 undiagnosed) | Diabetes (type 1 and type 2 diagnosed) | Diabetes (type 1 + type 2 diagnosed + type 2 undiagnosed) and prediabetes combined | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC | 825,000 / 16% | 577,000 / 11% | 1,636,000 / 31% | $565M |
| AB | 575,000 / 12% | 403,000 / 8% | 1,242,000 / 26% | $494M |
| SK | 161,000 / 13% | 113,000 / 9% | 334,000 / 26% | $111M |
| MB | 283,000 / 18% | 151,000 / 10% | 412,000 / 28% | $152M |
| ON | 2,346,000 / 15% | 1,643,000 / 10% | 4,713,000 / 30% | $1.7B |
| NL | 102,000 / 19% | 72,000 / 13% | 190,000 / 35% | $70M |
| PE | 25,000 / 15% | 17,000 / 11% | 50,000 / 31% | $19M |
| NS | 173,000 / 17% | 121,000 / 12% | 335,000 / 33% | $114M |
| NB | 152,000 / 19% | 106,000 / 14% | 274,000 / 35% | $110M |
| Canada | 5,719,000 / 14% | 4,003,000 / 10% | 11,704,000 / 30% |
Source: National & Provincial Backgrounders 2022
Diabetes by the numbers infographic
About Diabetes Canada
A world free of the effects of diabetes is our vision. That’s why we’re working together to improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes. We’re sharing knowledge and creating connections for individuals and the health-care professionals who care for them; advocating through public policy; and funding research to improve treatments and find a cure to end diabetes. For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).