If Canada continues with the status quo, the vast and growing epidemic of diabetes will cost millions of lives and bankrupt our health care system. Since 2013, Canada has been without a Diabetes Strategy or specific target. Something must be done urgently.
The idea
To turn the tide, Diabetes Canada is calling for the federal government to adopt a renewed Canadian Strategy for Diabetes, and strengthen it with the inclusion of more targeted, measurable outcomes using a 360° approach based on the successful 90-90-90 target implemented for HIV/AIDS. Diabetes Canada hopes that this new Strategy can be implemented to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin by Canadians in 2021. One-page descriptions of the initiative are availabe here in both English and French.
The impact
A Diabetes 360° target in Canada will feature an even stronger focus on prevention of the disease and measurable outcomes.
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90 per cent of Canadians live in an environment that prevents the development of diabetes
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90 per cent of Canadians are aware of their diabetes status
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90 per cent of Canadians living with prediabetes or diabetes are engaged in appropriate interventions to prevent diabetes and its complications
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90 per cent of Canadians engaged in interventions are achieving improved health outcomes
Key Milestones for 2018-2021
In 2018, the key objectives of the initiative are to establish governance and engage multiple stakeholders to develop a high-level strategy and recommendation to government. Following approval and strategy resourcing, in 2019 the initiative will focus of implementation planning, with implementation beginning in 2020 and continuing through 2021 when Canada will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.
May 2018 Parliamentary Study
In May of 2018, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health announced it would study diabetes strategies in Canada and abroad. Diabetes Canada was pleased to appear before the Committee along with many of our key partners in the Diabetes 360 initiative. We look forward to the Committee's report, expected in the fall of 2018.
Diabetes Canada's testimony to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health (May 23rd, 2018)
Diabetes Canada's brief submitted to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health (May 23rd, 2018)
Project Governance
This approach is being developed in collaboration with more than 115 individuals representing 100 different stakeholder organizations and 25 patient advocates. Organizations represented are a mix of academia, health care providers, governments, NGOs and private industry from across Canada and around the world. Diabetes Canada is acting as project secretariat during the initial phases of this initiative.
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To learn more or to get involved, please contact kimberley.hanson@diabetes.ca.