October 5, 2023 - On October 3, The New Democratic Party (NDP) of Manitoba was elected with a majority in the Manitoba Legislature. Given the soaring rates of diabetes in the province, Diabetes Canada urges the government-elect to invest in Manitoba's newly launched Diabetes Action Plan to reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals, families and the healthcare system.
“Diabetes Canada congratulates the Manitoba NDP on being elected to form government, and we look forward to continue working with MLAs across all parties on behalf of people living with diabetes,” says Joan King, Director, Government Affairs & Advocacy. "Given this election was about improving health care for Manitobans, it is critical the government-elect commits resources to the Diabetes Action Plan and reduce the human and economic costs of this rapidly escalating epidemic.”
It's estimated that the treatment of diabetes and its complications will cost Manitoba $157 million this year—a cost that is expected to grow to $203 million by 2033. People living with diabetes in Manitoba can pay up to 9 per cent of their household income for the medications, devices and supplies needed to manage their condition.
“Over the next decade, the rate of diabetes in Manitoba is expected to rise by 29 per cent, increasing the number of people living with diabetes or prediabetes in the province to over 504,000,” says King. “Diabetes Canada calls on Manitoba's government-elect to make diabetes a priority as it fulfills its mandate to fix health care and make life more affordable for all Manitobans."