Canada’s Government Will Support a New Program Targeting a Major Health Problem
Published June 28, 2019 at 7:21 am
Diabetes is a major health problem that affects around 3 million Canadians. Now to help combat the problem, the Canadian Government plans to support diabetes prevention in Ontario.
On Tuesday (June 25), Ginette Petitpas Taylor, the Minister of Health, announced that the Public Health Agency of Canada will be investing up to $4.5 million over 4 years in LMC Healthcare’s Diabetes Prevention Program.
The program promotes physical activity and provides dietary education and individual support for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Approximately 90% of cases of diabetes are type 2 diabetes, which is a preventable form of illness for many Canadians.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the impact that diabetes has on the health of Canadians,” said Taylor. “That’s why we are working with partners like LMC and Diabetes Canada to support Canadians at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By making important lifestyle changes, participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program will not only lower their risk of developing this disease but also improve their overall health and well-being.”
LMC plans to deliver an evidence-based 12-month program in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, to individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including people diagnosed with pre-diabetes. This includes people at higher risk, including South Asian Canadians, Black Canadians, and Indigenous peoples.
The program hopes to reach over 3,000 participants, either through doctor referrals or patients who have been assessed by the CANRISK questionnaire as being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Videos
This program has shown a significant impact on reducing the number of people who develop diabetes and delaying onset for people who do develop it.
“Diabetes continues to be one of the fastest growing chronic diseases in Canada,” said Mark Angelo, President and CEO of LMC Healthcare. “By joining forces with Diabetes Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and our other collaborators, we now have the opportunity to deliver a proven and engaging Diabetes Prevention Program that will reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes and improve the health of Canadians at risk.”
The participants of the program will go through intensive and structured lifestyle changes. The program will support them during the process.
Elements of the program will consist of regular contact a personal health coach, online education resources, group workshops, and health tracking to help participants make small, incremental changes in their diet and physical activity that will reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“The Diabetes Prevention Program will help individuals reduce their own risk of developing type 2 diabetes by identifying their barriers and implementing solutions to promote healthy living,” said Dr. Jan Hux the President and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “As type 2 diabetes rates continue to rise to epidemic levels and as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes in a comprehensive manner, we are pleased to partner with LMC to support the delivery of an evidence-based program to tackle this public health challenge.”
The program will begin enrolling participants in the summer of 2019.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising