CNW - The Canadian Diabetes Association applauded the Government of Ontario's continued commitment to tackle diabetes in Ontario, as outlined in the 2008 Ontario Budget Speech delivered yesterday.
"The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds the Government of Ontario for keeping its commitment to Ontarians living with and affected by diabetes," said Karen Philp, Vice President, Government Affairs, Acting Vice President, Research, Professional Education, Canadian Diabetes Association.
"We're encouraged to see the Minister of Finance demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of investing in diabetes."
Some of the highlights for Ontarians affected by diabetes include:
* $190 million over three years to implement a Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Strategy, starting with diabetes
* $10 million annually in a childhood obesity strategy to encourage children to eat healthy and be physically active
* $47 million in 2008-09, growing to $239 million in 2010-11, in e-health systems such as diagnostic imaging, drug and lab information, and a Diabetes Registry.
"This new investment in diabetes will bring significant benefits to Ontario's healthcare system and benefit all Ontarians," said Philp.
"This investment will also help keep Ontario's economy productive and competitive."
Every eight minutes someone in Ontario is diagnosed with diabetes. The increasing number of people diagnosed with diabetes places serious pressure on Ontario's healthcare system by contributing to longer wait times and emergency room overcrowding. One in 10 hospital admissions in Ontario is due to people requiring acute care for heart attacks, strokes or kidney failure resulting from diabetes.
