From the Chief Public Health Officer: Diabetes in Canada: Facts and figures from a public health perspective

A few words from the Chief Public Health Officer

Over 2 million Canadians are living with diabetes, joining over 285 million people worldwide who share this burden. The 2011 report, Diabetes in Canada: Facts and figures from a public health perspective, provides a comprehensive look at the data that describe diabetes in Canada. As you consider the information in this report, I encourage you to think of the broader context of diabetes trends. For example, there has been a substantial increase in obesity rates in Canada, which, as a key risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, has major consequences for the future health of Canadians.

The impacts of type 1 and type 2 diabetes go far beyond the management of the disease itself. Complications associated with diabetes may lead to disability or lower quality of life. This, together with the increased risk of developing other serious chronic diseases, puts incredible pressure on people who have diabetes and their families. Children and youth diagnosed with diabetes must manage the disease and its risks over their entire lives. Fortunately, continual developments in treatments for diabetes are giving individuals better ways to control their disease.

This is the first comprehensive report on diabetes published by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The 2011 Diabetes in Canada: Facts and figures from a public health perspective is a resource to support public health professionals and organizations in the development of effective, evidence-based public health policies and programs for the prevention and management of diabetes and its complications. It provides important information to increase knowledge and understanding of diabetes in Canada.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizations and individuals who have dedicated their time and expertise to collaborate on this report. These include the Canadian Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, CNIB (previously known as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind), and collaborators from Canadian universities and provincial and territorial programs. The Public Health Agency of Canada is pleased to work with these organizations in our shared commitment to improve the health of Canadians.

Dr. David Butler-Jones
Chief Public Health Officer
Public Health Agency of Canada