Tracking diabetes: prevalence, incidence and risk factors

Abstract

Objectives: This article examines the prevalence and incidence of diabetes among Canadians aged 18 or older and risk factors associated with developing the condition.

Data sources: The data are from the 1994/95, 1996/97, 1998/99 and 2000/01 National Population Health Survey and the 2000/01 Canadian Community Health Survey, both conducted by Statistics Canada.

Analytical techniques: Descriptive statistics on the prevalence and incidence of self-reported diabetes were computed. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of incident diabetes. Age-adjusted rates were used to compare diabetic and non-diabetic respondents on a variety of health measures.

Main results: In 2000/01, 4.5% of Canadians aged 18 or older, an estimated 1.1 million, reported having diabetes. The incidence from 1994/95 to 2000/01 was 4.9 new cases per 1,000 person-years at risk. When the possible confounding effects of a number of factors were taken into account, advancing age, family history, sedentary leisure time and excess weight were associated with developing diabetes.