Incidence and Prevalence of Diabetes in Manitoba, 1986–1991

doi:10.2337/diacare.19.8.807

Incidence and Prevalence of Diabetes in Manitoba, 1986–1991

James F Blanchard, MD, MPH,
Sora Ludwig, MD, FRCPC,
Andre Wajda, MS,
Heather Dean, MD, FRCP,
Kristin Anderson, RD, BHEC, CDE,
Ora Kendall, DVM, MPH and
Noella Depew, RN, BA, CDE

Epidemiology Unit, Manitoba Department of Health Winnipeg, Manitoba
Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba and the Diabetes Education Resource Program Winnipeg, Manitoba
Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation and the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba
Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, and the Diabetes Education Resource Program Winnipeg, Manitoba
Diabetes Education Resource Program Winnipeg, Manitoba
Field Epidemiology Program, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Address correspondence and reprint requests to James Blanchard, MD, Epidemiology Unit, Manitoba Health, 800 Portage Avenue, Room 405, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N4, Canada. E-mail: jamieb{at}mbnet.mb.ca

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incidence and prevalence of diabetes among adults in Manitoba, Canada, from 1986 to 1991.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A population-based database of individuals diagnosed with diabetes (Manitoba Diabetes Database) was created using data from Manitoba Health's comprehensive insurance system. Using this database, estimates of the annual incidence and prevalence of diabetes among Manitoba adults aged ≥25 years were made for the years 1986–1991. Age-specific and age-adjusted rates were calculated separately for men and women.

RESULTS The prevalence of diabetes in 1991 was 66.9/1,000 among adults ≥25 years. Between 1986 and 1991 the age-adjusted prevalence rose steadily among both men and women. In 1991, the incidence of diabetes was 5.6/1,000. After an observed decline prior to 1989, the annual incidence of diabetes appears to be relatively stable.

CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of diabetes is increasing steadily despite relatively stable incidence rates. Population-based data are required for projecting future trends and are an important tool for planning the required health resources.