World Diabetes Day is more than an awareness date—it is a reminder of one of the world’s fastest-growing chronic diseases. Over the past 50 years, diabetes has quadrupled globally and more than doubled in Canada. Today, it affects millions worldwide and over 3.7 million Canadians, with a far greater number experiencing prediabetes or going undiagnosed.
At Centrum Pharmacy, our pharmacists play a critical frontline role in supporting prevention, early detection, and long-term management—helping our community live healthier, longer lives.
The Global Impact of Diabetes — Then and Now
50 years ago (1970s):
- Type 2 diabetes was far less common.
- Many countries had low detection rates.
- Fewer people lived long enough to develop chronic complications.
- Modern medications (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, insulin analogues) did not exist.
- Urbanization, processed food availability, and obesity rates were dramatically lower.
Today:
- Global diabetes prevalence has more than doubled since 1980.
- Hundreds of millions now live with diabetes or prediabetes.
- Rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and aging populations drive this surge.
- Diabetes is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations worldwide.
Result: Diabetes is no longer a niche medical concern—it is a defining global public health challenge affecting quality of life, productivity, and healthcare systems everywhere.
The Canadian Burden — Rapid Growth, Increasing Complications
Current state in Canada:
- ~9% of Canadians aged 1+ have diagnosed diabetes.
- Including undiagnosed cases, the true burden approaches 15%.
- Prevalence rises sharply with age: ~18% of Canadians aged 60–79 have diabetes.
- Diabetes Canada reports a massive increase from 1.3 million cases in 2000 to more than 3.7 million today.
- Half of Canadians with diabetes do not achieve optimal blood-glucose targets—leaving them at higher risk for complications.
Complications remain significant:
- Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage, heart attacks, strokes, and amputations.
- Many Canadians also experience the emotional effects of diabetes: anxiety, burnout, fear of hypoglycemia, and depression.
Over 50 years, Canada’s landscape has changed dramatically:
- Better diagnostic tools = more detected cases
- Longer life expectancy = more people living long enough to develop complications
- Lifestyle changes (diet, physical inactivity, increased weight) = more risk factors
Diabetes is now one of Canada’s most common chronic conditions—and one of the costliest to individuals and the healthcare system.
The Individual Impact — How Diabetes Affects a Single Canadian’s Life
For an individual patient in Canada, diabetes affects nearly every dimension of life.
Daily Management Requirements
- Checking blood sugar
- Adjusting diet
- Medication adherence (including insulin injections or GLP-1 therapies)
- Monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
- Scheduling regular appointments
The day-to-day mental load is significant.
Health Consequences
- Cardiovascular disease risk is dramatically higher
- Kidney decline can lead to dialysis
- Vision loss can occur without early detection
- Nerve damage can cause chronic pain and lead to amputations
- Mental health strain is common
Financial and Social Impact
Even with public healthcare, patients often pay for
- glucose strips
- sensors (FGM/CGM)
- foot care
- dental care
- eye exams
- advanced medications
The result can be several hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
Work and Quality of Life
Fatigue, complications, and frequent medical visits may affect work, mobility, independence, and family life.
How Centrum Pharmacy Supports Patients on World Diabetes Day and Every Day
At Centrum Pharmacy, our pharmacists play a transformative role in diabetes care:
- Minor Ailments prescribing for diabetes-related issues (infections, gut problems, skin complications).
- Medication optimization including GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and insulin titration support.
- Prevention through lifestyle counselling and early detection of prediabetes.
- Monitoring support including blood pressure, foot checks, medication reviews, and device education.
- Education on hypoglycemia prevention, insulin technique, drug interactions, and dietary choices.
- Integration with Orleans Family Health Clinic giving patients faster access to family physicians, labs, and chronic disease follow-up.
Our Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected Care (4Cs) means we address the whole patient—not just their numbers.
World Diabetes Day Message from Centrum Pharmacy
Diabetes is increasing, but with early detection, modern medications, and regular pharmacist-led support, Canadians can dramatically reduce their risk of complications and maintain a high quality of life. At Centrum Pharmacy, we are here to help every step of the way.
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
