2007 Archive

Capital Health aims to be North American leader in diabetes management

Edmonton, Canada – Capital Health, in partnership with the region's Primary Care Networks, today announced the bold goal of identifying 100 per cent of people in the region with diabetes and ensuring 100 per cent achieve treatment goals. The region aims to be the first jurisdiction in North America to reach these twin goals, through evidence-based, comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary health-care team.

"Capital Health's advanced diabetes management model is perfectly in line with our goal of building Canada's health capital," says Sheila Weatherill, President and CEO of Capital Health. "By 2009, 100 per cent of diabetics in the region will receive the best care to manage their disease and prevent the debilitating effects of diabetes."

Capital Health has identified more than 90 per cent of people with diabetes in the region. 59 per cent of this population is reaching treatment goals and another 23 per cent are close to achieving their goals, a figure well above international averages.

Capital Health will be able to identify 100 per cent of the patients due to a region-wide registry that identifies patients with diabetes or those at high risk of developing it.

"The information in the registry is an invaluable tool to attack the growing worldwide diabetes epidemic," says Dr. Richard Lewanczuk, Medical Director, Chronic Disease Management, Primary Care, Capital Health and Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta. "When patients are flagged by the registry, family physicians and health-care teams can verify who is diabetic, encourage them to become part of a care plan, and monitor their progress. The process reduces complications of diabetes including amputations, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and strokes."

The collaboration between Capital Health and Primary Care Networks has been key in delivering the diabetes management program in the region.

 "The multidisciplinary team approach of the Primary Care Networks provides the most comprehensive care for patients at risk of or with diabetes," says Dr. Rick Spooner, a physician with the Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network and Professor and Chair, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta. "The combination of the team approach, the patient registry, and Capital Health's community services and programs is the best and safest way to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients," adds Spooner.

Capital Heath's diabetes management program and patient registry are garnering international acclaim. "I applaud the intensive and highly focused commitment by Capital Health to address this unprecedented challenge to the health and well-being of so many of its citizens. Capital Health's uniquely integrated approach to their diabetes and other chronic disease initiatives will serve as a model and benchmark for other countries that are struggling to organize more integrated approaches to disease management and prevention," says Warren E. Todd, Executive Director of the International Disease Management Alliance.

Diabetes affects over two million Canadians. By 2010 this number is projected to reach three million.  Diabetes and its complications cost the Canadian healthcare system an estimated $13.2 billion every year. By 2010, it's estimated these costs will rise to $15.6 billion.

-30-

Contact

Every effort has been made to ensure that news release content is up-to-date. Archived news releases are provided for research purposes only and may contain outdated links or information. Media Contacts List