Diabetes among Canadian adults

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14. Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when it cannot use it effectively, resulting in high blood sugar levels. There are different types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes—a temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and resolves after delivery—as well as other rare types.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes, and most cases (90% to 95% of cases) have type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented (or at least delayed) through behavioural and lifestyle changes.

Almost 1 in 10 Canadians aged 20 years and older has been diagnosed with diabetes

In the years leading up the pandemic (2016 to 2019), almost 1 in 10 Canadian adults aged 20 to 79 (9%) had diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes ranged from 1% of Canadians aged 20 to 39  to almost one in five seniors aged 60 to 79 (18%). This is according to the Canadian Health Measures Survey, which combined self-reported information on diagnosed diabetes and levels of glucose measured directly in blood.

Canadian men more likely to have diabetes than Canadian women

From 2016 to 2019, men (10%) were more likely to have diabetes than women (7%). The prevalence of diabetes among Canadian adults aged 20 to 79 edged up from 8% from 2007 to 2012 to 9% from 2016 to 2019.

Younger Canadians less likely to be aware of their condition than older Canadians

Knowing that you have diabetes is essential for starting treatment and maintaining optimal blood glucose targets. However, just over four in five Canadians aged 20 to 79 who met the diagnosis criteria for diabetes (81%) were aware of their condition.

Awareness of having diabetes increased with age, ranging from two-thirds (66%) of those aged 20 to 39 to 88% of those aged 60 to 79.

Men (83%) were slightly more likely than women (79%) to be aware of their condition.

Almost three in four Canadians diagnosed with diabetes use medication to manage their condition

Almost three in four Canadians aged 20 to 79 with diabetes used medication to manage their condition (72%) from 2016 to 2019. In general, the use of diabetes medication increased with age, ranging from 61% for those aged 20 to 39 to 81% for those aged 60 to 79.

Approximately three-quarters (74%) of Canadian men and two-thirds (68%) of Canadian women diagnosed with diabetes used medication to manage their condition.

The share of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes and using medication rose from 59% from 2007 to 2012 to 72% from 2016 to 2019.

Half of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes meet optimal blood glucose targets

Meeting optimal blood glucose targets is essential in managing diabetes to prevent complications. Research has shown that if left uncontrolled, chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can lead to serious complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke or lower limb amputation.

From 2016 to 2019, half (50%) of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes met optimal blood glucose targets.

Canadians with prediabetes most at risk of developing diabetes

Prediabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. If left unmanaged, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes.

From 2016 to 2019, 4% of Canadians aged 20 to 79 were living with prediabetes. Canadians aged 60 to 79 (8%) were twice as likely to be living with prediabetes as those aged 40 to 59 (4%).

However, Canadians can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by taking steps to manage blood glucose levels: following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, and not smoking. Regardless, monitoring blood glucose levels remains particularly important for those who are at risk of developing diabetes.