How common is diabetes in Canada?
Diabetes is a very common condition in Canada. Currently, 12 million Canadians are living with prediabetes or diabetes: this means that about 1 in 3 people in Canada are affected by these conditions.
Diabetes Canada estimates that by 2025, 5 million people (12% of the population) will have diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs in about 10% of diabetes cases in Canada, while type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of diabetes cases. Prediabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Not everyone who has prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes, however, if left untreated, more than half will have type 2 diabetes within 8 to 10 years. It is estimated that there are approximately 7 million Canadians living with prediabetes.
Diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes in Canada
Diabetes Canada has developed clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes. They are as follows:
Diabetes
- Fasting blood sugar: 7.0 mmol/L or higher
- A1C: 6.5% or higher
- Oral glucose tolerance test result: 11.1 mmol/L or higher (this test measures the body’s response to sugar)
Prediabetes
- Fasting blood sugar: 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L
- A1C: 6.0 to 6.4%
- Oral glucose tolerance test result: 7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L
Blood sugar targets in Canada
Diabetes Canada also has recommendations for blood sugar targets for people with diabetes. They are:
- Blood sugar before meals: 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L
- Blood sugar 2 hours after the start of eating: 5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L
- A1C: 7.0% or lower
Guidelines for managing diabetes in Canada
Managing diabetes in Canada is an important endeavour, as the disease has become an epidemic here. Evidence-based recommendations that guide diabetes management in Canada are the clinical practice guidelines developed by Diabetes Canada. These guidelines are regularly updated, and contain information about the diagnosis of diabetes and all aspects of its management – blood sugar levels, physical activity, nutrition, complications, etc.
Diabetes medications and supplies coverage in Canada
Medication coverage is an important consideration for people with diabetes in Canada. Public coverage of diabetes medications and supplies in Canada varies from province to province. Click here for Formulary Listings for Diabetes Medications in Canada.
Blood sugar monitoring in Canada
It is important to understand your blood sugar levels. This can be accomplished in a few ways. One of the most common ways is using a blood glucose meter. With this method, you prick your finger to obtain a drop of blood and use the meter to measure your blood sugar level. It is a good idea to measure your blood sugar a few times each week and at different times of the day, including before and after a meal and before bedtime. Your healthcare team can help you determine when, and how often, you should test.
Continuous glucose monitoring is a newer technology that measures glucose levels in real time. It essentially allows people to see their glucose level 24 hours a day, with few or no fingerstick tests.
Where to find diabetes support in Canada
People who have diabetes can benefit from a number of support systems, both in person and online, as well as individual and group support. Read on to learn more about finding diabetes support in Canada. A number of organizations (including Diabetes Canada and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) offer support programs, as do Diabetes Education Centres and Diabetes Education Programs in numerous cities across Canada.
Articles about diabetes management in Canada
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Current trends in diabetes management in Canada: what you should knowThere are many developments and innovations occurring in diabetes management in Canada. Read this expert blog to learn more about these trends.
Type 2 diabetes prevention programs in CanadaIf you are at risk for diabetes or are living with prediabetes, a diabetes prevention program can provide you with valuable information about how to prevent it.
Type 2 diabetes self-diagnosis in CanadaIf you suspect that you have type 2 diabetes, there are some things you can do to help confirm your suspicions before you visit your healthcare team.
Top 10 diabetes-friendly crackers in CanadaCrackers are a quick and easy snack and there are plenty of options in various shapes, sizes and flavours. While crackers can be part of your diabetes diet, there are a few things to consider when you’re shopping for them.
Blood sugar levels in CanadaControlling your blood sugar levels is key to your overall diabetes management. Read on to learn about blood sugar levels in Canada.
Managing diabetes in CanadaManaging diabetes – no matter where you live in the developed world – follows the same general principles. However, managing diabetes in Canada can be different than in other countries, with respect to clinical practice recommendations, medications and devices. This article highlights some of these differences.
Finding diabetes support in CanadaPeople who have diabetes can benefit from a number of support systems, both in person and online, as well as individual and group support.
What is the blood sugar range for prediabetes in Canada?Before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your body may provide signals that there is something not quite right with your blood sugar levels. This could mean you have prediabetes.
Differences between continuous glucose monitoring systems in CanadaContinuous glucose monitoring systems have become more commonly used in recent years by Canadians living with diabetes. There are various systems available, which have many similarities
