The Canadian Diabetes Association is painting a bleak picture if governments don’t act now on diabetes prevention programs.
In Saskatchewan there are currently 75,000 people living with the disease, with that number expected to increase to 111,000 by 2020.
“The economic burden of diabetes in Saskatchewan is serious and threatens the sustainability of our healthcare system and the provincial economy,” President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association Michael Cloutier said in a release. “It’s estimated the direct and indirect financial impact of diabetes in Saskatchewan currently costs the province $419 million per year. By 2020, these costs will increase to $532 million per year if we don’t take action.”
The Diabetes Association is calling on the Saskatchewan government to give greater access to diabetes medications, devices and supplies to prevent or delay complications of the disease, and provide more access to medical specialists.
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