Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1 in 4 Canadians are living with diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. If incidence continues at the current rate, by 2020, it will be 1 in 3.
The impact on your organization
More than 50 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes are of working age – between 25 and 64 years old. This could result in more employee absences in your organization, loss of workplace productivity and higher healthcare costs. For example:
• People with diabetes incur medical costs 2 to 3 times higher than non-diabetics
• A person with diabetes can face medication and supply costs ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 a year
• Only half of Canadians with type 2 diabetes have their blood glucose levels under control.
Diabetes complications
If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications and even premature death:
• 80% of Canadian with diabetes die from a heart attack or a stroke
• 30% of people with diabetes suffer from depression
• The life expectancy for people with diabetes may be shortened by as much as 5-15 years
Source: Canadian Diabetes Association
Take Action
Here’s how you can reduce the impact of diabetes on your organization and help your employee’s live healthier lives:
Screening
Nearly one million Canadians have diabetes and don’t know it because they haven’t been diagnosed. Screening is important – may people who have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes may not show any symptoms. Employers can offer confidential diabetes risk assessment screening that can help identify people at risk.
Prevention
It’s estimated that over 50 per cent of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy eating and increased physical activity. Employers can support their employees by offering on-site wellness and healthy living programs.
Management
Early intervention, employee education and proper management of diabetes can help reduce diabetes-related sick leave, absenteeism and benefit costs, and support strong employee productivity and retention.
E&OE
Contact us or your ENCOMPASS Advisor for more information
