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The Toll Diabetes Is Taking...

By 250 News

In releasing his annual report, provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, has outlined the prevalence, incidence, and associated health system costs of diabetes in B.C..

Last year, almost 220,000 British Columbians were living with diabetes and that number is expected to rise to 390,000 in the next 10-years.  The direct costs to the provincial health care system were just over $1-billion dollars in 2003-2004, but could rise to $1.9-billion over the next decade if the prevalence continues to rise at the current rate.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-percent of diagnosed diabetes cases in B.C..  "This type of diabetes is closely linked to obesity, making it largely preventable," says Dr. Kendall.  "By being physically active, eating healthier foods and quitting smoking, people can reduce their risk of developing this permanent chronic condition, or control it when it does occur."

Kendall is urging governments and communities to work together on long-term strategies and funding for prevention.  "Diabetes prevention and better management can improve the lives of people living with the disease and, at the same time, ease cost pressures on the entire health system and benefit the whole province."

A researcher at UNBC is hoping his work might be a positive contribution.

Dr. Hanh Huynh of the Northern Medical Program is just embarking on a six-year project looking at the prevention of Type 2 diabetes in children in Prince George.  The study involves 300 students between grades 1 and 6 at four elementary schools:  Ron Brent, Southridge, Peden Hill and Edgewood.

Once per year, researchers will measure the food intake, physcial activity, blood pressure and body measurements of the young participants.

"This year, we will obtain a baseline, " says Huynh, "Then, we'll track changes over time, as well as the effects of prevention programs we implement locally to help children become more active and healthy."
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