Type 2 diabetes among South Asians: the unsweetened account

In 2005-2006, 5.9% of Canadians suffered from diabetes up by 22% since 2001-2002. Diabetes is a tremendous strain on the Canadian health system, costing $17.4 billion in 2007 alone. Type 2 diabetes makes up 90% of all diabetes cases, in Canada. People of South Asian descent are among the most vulnerable populations to Type 2 diabetes. I find that not enough is being done to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes among South Asians in Metro Vancouver. Using the 2005-2006 Canadian Community Health Survey, I find that Type 2 diabetes prevalence among South Asians in Metro Vancouver is 8.4% - much higher than in the general population. I recommend that BC health agencies increase their information dissemination efforts among patients of South Asian descent. The existing Punjabi diabetes information sessions should be expanded throughout Metro Vancouver and patient travel to sessions should be subsidized by the BC Ministry of Health.