Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Diabetes is causing a health crisis in Canada. Diabetes rates are highest in Atlantic Canada, with an estimated 10% - 14% of the population living with this disease, compared to 8% - 10% in other Canadian provinces. People living with diabetes (PWD) are at higher risk for complications related to their disease, such as heart disease, stroke, and blindness, as well as anxiety and depression. Diabetes is a complex disease requiring complex daily management with appropriate care and support. To manage well and prevent/delay complications, PWD require access to healthcare services and support, education, and the financial means to afford nutritious food, diabetes supplies, and access to travel for appointments. Factors such as geography (i.e., rural, and remote location), working, and living conditions, level of education, income, age, and organizational policies affect diabetes health risks, and outcomes. Specifically, in Atlantic Canada, where approximately 50% of the population lives in rural areas, significant challenges may exist for PWD to manage their diabetes. Our plan is to hold a one-day meeting (in-person and virtual) with researchers, health care providers, PWD, and policymakers from each Atlantic province. Our goal is to develop an Atlantic Canadian collaborative research group to understand issues related to diabetes health equity throughout Atlantic Canada. Through this group, we will identify diabetes health equity issues and research priorities, and plan research projects to address these identified priorities.