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For many years we have known about the benefits of physical activity. These benefits include prevention of chronic disease and enhancement of quality of life in the community. Recent research has confirmed that the benefits of physical activity go far beyond our greatest expectations.
One of the major target areas identified within the in motion strategy is the Primary Prevention of Diabetes. The goal of the in motion Primary Prevention of Diabetes initiative is to facilitate and coordinate the support required for the primary prevention of Diabetes with a focus on physical activity and healthy eating. Research has shown that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing Type II Diabetes by as much as 50% (CFLRI, 1999 & Manson et al., 1992). In addition, evidence shows that it is important to establish healthy lifestyle patterns early on in one's life (Kelder et al., 1994).
Why is the prevention of diabetes so important?
As the prevalence rate of diabetes rises, this condition is increasingly being recognized as a major health issue.
- Diabetes is diagnosed in an estimated 60,000 Canadians every year. (Health Canada, 1999)
- The number of people diagnosed with diabetes is expected to grow to 3 million by 2010. (Calgary Health Region, 2002)
- The prevalence of diabetes for Aboriginal people is triple the rate of the general population. (Diabetes, 2000 & Health Canada, 1999)
The Darker Side of Diabetes:
The following can be a result of diabetes: (1Health Canada, 2002)
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40% of people with diabetes develop long term complications as such: (2Health Canada, 2002)
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- People who have diabetes, age 35-64 have six times the risk of heart disease and stroke compared to the rest of the population. (Tudor et al., 2000)
Health Care Costs of Diabetes:
- The economic burden of diabetes and its complications is estimated at $9 billion annually in direct and indirect health care costs including: health care, disability, lost productivity due to diabetes related illness, and premature death (Diabetes, 2000 & Health Canada, 1999).
Diabetes is the single most common reason for physician visits, use of hospital outpatient facilities and admissions to hospital (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2002).
Saskatchewan:
The estimated cost (including those not directly related to diabetes) for selected, direct health services:
- 1996 - $147 million for all services provided to persons with diabetes
- Future annual costs are projected to increase to over 50% to an estimated $227 million by 2010 (Diabetes, 2000).
Aboriginal Statistics on Diabetes:
Diabetes occurs 3-5 times more frequently in the aboriginal population compared to the general population. First Nations peoples tend to develop diabetes at a younger age than people of other ethnic background do (Diabetes, 2000). Also, in the First Nations population, women are more likely to develop diabetes than men are which is the opposite of the general public (Diabetes, 2000). Women make up 58.7% of First Nations people that are diagnosed with diabetes (Diabetes, 2000).
Rates of diabetes in Aboriginal peoples in Canada are highest in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario (Diabetes, 2000). In Saskatchewan, 33.5% of Aboriginal peoples versus 13.1% of non-Aboriginal peoples over 65 years of age have diabetes (Diabetes, 2000). Also, the prevalence of diabetes among First Nations increased by 14% from 1994-1996 (3,231-3,680) (Diabetes, 2000).
Type II Diabetes is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in aboriginal communities throughout North America (Boston, 1997). The average age at diagnosis for an Aboriginal person is 48.7 years compared to an average age of 61.4 years for the rest of the population (Diabetes, 2000)
