Around the world, diabetes currently affects 246 million people and is expected to affect 380 million by 2025. By 2010, more than 3 million Canadians will have diabetes and that number will continue to grow by nearly 550 people every day.
To address this epidemic, the Canadian Diabetes Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada (2008 Guidelines) emphasizes early identification and aggressive management of diabetes.
The Clinical Practice Guidelines Tool Kit is a user-friendly desk reference, which will bundle six major resources on key diabetes topics including a module on cardiovascular disease.
"When it comes to treatment of people living with and at risk of diabetes, the best, most currently available knowledge is critical for successful health outcomes," said Ellen Malcolmson, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "That's why we encourage all healthcare professionals to integrate the 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines Tool Kit into their daily practice."
"Research clearly indicates that long-term damage to the body, especially to the heart and circulatory system, commonly occurs in people with diabetes. Indeed cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes," said Dr. Ian Blumer, Chair, Dissemination, 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. "However, the great news is that we have excellent ways of dramatically reducing this risk. It's critical, therefore, that Canadians with diabetes receive the most current medical advice and treatment necessary to prevent these potentially deadly complications."
"Every six months for the next three years, the Canadian Diabetes Association will issue an update to the Clinical Practice Guidelines Tool Kit," continued Dr. Blumer. "Each update will consist of clinically-oriented, practical information as well as an accompanying tool to help healthcare professionals integrate diabetes prevention and management strategies from the 2008 Guidelines into their practice."
The cardiovascular disease update, which is enclosed in the initial distribution of the Tool Kit, includes an algorithm to assist healthcare professionals with risk assessment, vascular protection and screening as well as a patient-focussed tool to help Canadians understand their risk of cardiovascular disease and help them plan how to discuss their options with a healthcare professional.
In addition, a special patient-focused section of diabetes.ca, based on the Tool Kit resources, will provide information and tips - starting with the management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes - on all six resources from the 2008 Guidelines.
"We want there to be a synergy wherein both healthcare providers and people living with diabetes are aware of the important measures to follow to protect one's health," said Dr. Blumer. "Our goal with this Tool Kit and the web-based information is to empower healthcare providers and healthcare recipients alike."
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association works in communities across the country to promote the health of Canadians and eliminate diabetes through our strong nationwide network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers, partners and supporters. In the struggle against this global epidemic, our expertise is recognized around the world. Visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
For further information: Randi Garcha, Canadian Diabetes Association, (416) 408-7207,
randi.garcha@diabetes.ca
