Item - 2008.HL17.3

The Board of Health received, for information, the report (September 4, 2008) from the Medical Officer of Health.

Diabetes is a major public health challenge and is one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada and around the world. Over two million Canadians are currently living with diabetes and that number is expected to reach three million by 2010.  People from disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected. Evidence shows that people living in poverty have higher levels of obesity, physical inactivity, poor nutrition and higher rates of smoking.  All of these factors are linked to the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.

This report describes the current status of diabetes, its risk factors and those most affected in Toronto.  It highlights the integrated approach of Toronto Public Health (TPH) programs and services in addressing these risk factors in order to prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases. Toronto Public Health delivers Chronic Disease Prevention programs through a variety of settings including schools, workplaces and the community, often in partnership with community organizations, City divisions and other orders of government.  These programs are aimed at influencing the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Toronto Public Health has been actively participating in Provincial discussions to address prevention of childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes in relation to recent provincial funding announcements.