Nova Scotia Endorses National Diabetes Guidelines

A set of national guidelines released today, Dec. 15, by the Canadian Diabetes Association will help the province improve the care of people with diabetes in Nova Scotia.

The Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada support the need to reduce the burden of diabetes through health promotion. They reinforce the importance of identifying high-risk individuals earlier and of beginning treatment sooner. They also increase the focus on earlier and more aggressive management to prevent development of and complication from diabetes.

"We know we need to take strong action against this disease. Diabetes is a problem in Nova Scotia and that's why we have a recognized Diabetes Care Program," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "We have many Nova Scotian experts committed to diabetes care who participated in the development of these guidelines and will continue to work on our long-term plan for managing this disease provincewide."

Staff of the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia will work with district health authorities to enhance understanding of the new guidelines, educate and assist with implementation strategies.

There are currently 36 diabetes centres throughout the province funded by the district health authorities.

"For people with diabetes, this means that the health care professionals who guide their care, will do so in ways that reflect best evidence," said Peggy Dunbar, co-ordinator, of the diabetes care program. "Because we already have a good system in place for managing diabetes, we can move forward quickly to make sure these guidelines are put in place as soon as possible."

In 2001, the Canadian Diabetes Association's report card recognized Nova Scotia as one of three provinces with a well- established diabetes program. Nova Scotia was commended for the broad scope of work done in education, treatment and care. That work will place the province in an ideal position to implement the national guidelines.

The Department of Health and the Office of Health Promotion have also been working with many interested groups on a long-term plan to prevent chronic disease. Care program staff are involved in the planning and will be key partners in implementing the strategy. In the meantime, the program staff continue to work with health professionals regarding prevention methods, the best approaches to care, and how to offer help to people on low incomes who need diabetes drugs.

In the past number of years, the province has improved provincial coverage for seniors by capping the co-payment requirement at $30 per prescription. It has also improved access to diabetes medications, and produced provincial policies and guidelines to certify diabetes educators.