cypresshealth winter2014

Statistics indicate that diabetes is on the rise in Saskatchewan.

The Canadian Diabetes Association says the number of people living with the disease in the province is expected to grow by more than 93,000 in 2015. Nearly 8.5% of Saskatchewan's population has either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, with another 175,000 living prediabetes, and many others living with the disease, but has not yet been diagnosed with it.

"There is an increase of people that are at higher risk for developing diabetes," said Brie Hnetka, manager of Programs and Partnerships with the Canadian Diabetes Association. "They are seniors, our population is getting older, but also First Nations people are at higher risk of getting diabetes, as well as newcomers to Canada."

The CDA says it currently costs the healthcare system over $482 million to care for diabetes and its complications in Saskatchewan, and it is projected to rise to $567 million by the year 2020.

Marlene Deobald, Diabetes Nurse Educator for the Cypress Health Region says there are a number of factors contributing to this increase in diabetes prevalence.

"Lifestyle issues is one reason, including nutrition and activity," she said. "Stress is another factor... our life-work balance, our lives are very stressful sometimes. Age is another factor as we see the population generally living longer.

Deobald says that advances are being made towards the understanding of diabetes, along with earlier diagnosis and better screening.

The CDA says people can also prevent, delay and manage diabetes better through maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active, while building a support team to help meet their goals.