Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of National Diabetes Month in November, as well as World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, 2023:

“This World Diabetes Day, and in the midst of National Diabetes Month, we aim to raise awareness of diabetes and its associated conditions. As someone who lives with diabetes, this day is meaningful to me as I know the serious health impact it has on people and their families.

“This year, we honour the 102nd anniversary of Canada’s discovery of insulin, acknowledging the profound impact of diabetes on people, their families and our health-care system.

“Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. It affects 542,000 people in B.C., either diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Every year, approximately 42,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes in B.C.

“The direct cost of diabetes in British Columbia is $583 million, which is anticipated to rise to $747 million by 2033. Much of this cost is the result of treating the grave complications caused by diabetes, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.

“I encourage people in B.C. to take time today to learn about the warning signs of diabetes, such as extreme thirst, fatigue, hunger and unexplained weight loss, as well as preventative measures, such as finding dietary alternatives.  

“Through PharmaCare, we continue to improve access to the medical devices and prescription drugs that people in B.C. need, including insulin pumps and supplies, blood glucose test strips, needles and syringes, as well as continuous glucose monitors, for which we announced extended limited coverage just last week.

“Let’s continue the conversation around diabetes awareness, support one another and work to make life easier for people living with this serious condition.”

Learn More:

To learn about diabetes care, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/bc-guidelines/diabetes