April 11, 2024
Researchers found Canada’s burden of disease increased in substance abuse, diabetes/CKD and musculoskeletal diseases and found the improvement in overall health of the country’s population stalled and is trending downwards compared to other high-income countries. They found while Canadians’ quality of life and life expectancy continue to improve when compared to the 1990s, relative to their peer countries, progress slowed in Canada in recent years - having levelled off in 2011. The study states if common chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, aren’t properly managed in primary care, the number of preventable hospitalizations will likely increase and place more pressure on hospitals.