The Manitoba government is launching the Manitoba Diabetes Action Plan (MDAP), a five-year, whole-of-government strategy to improve prevention, detection, management and surveillance programming for Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes, Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Janice Morley-Lecomte announced in a media release Wednesday (July 19).
“More than 120,000 Manitobans are living with diagnosed diabetes and in recent years the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has increased at an alarming rate, particularly among young people,” said Morley-Lecomte. “It is vital that we act now to invest in services and programs to better support diabetes prevention and management in order to ensure that Manitobans have timely, convenient access to the tools and supports they need to live their healthiest lives.”
The MDAP is organized into four pillars of action: prevention, detection, management and surveillance. Each pillar identifies several priority actions that will guide program delivery and policy development throughout the health-care system.
“The MDAP further advances work being done to ensure that Manitobans living with diabetes have the best quality of life and the care they need,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon. “Our government recognizes that Manitobans with diabetes cannot live full lives without access to necessary medical technology. This is why we expanded insulin pump and glucose monitor coverage for all Manitobans as part of Budget 2023.”
The plan aligns with A Pathway to Mental Health and Community Wellness: A Roadmap for Manitoba , a multi-year strategy introduced by the Manitoba government in 2022, by working to advance chronic disease prevention, address gaps in the system and improve health outcomes, added Morley-Lecomte. She noted that Manitoba is the first province to develop a diabetes plan that aligns with Health Canada’s Framework for Diabetes in Canada .
“With this action plan, Manitoba has taken an important step toward tackling the rising rates of diabetes in the province,” said Laura Syron, president and CEO, Diabetes Canada. “As it is brought to life, this plan has the potential to improve the lives of the almost half a million people living with diabetes or prediabetes in Manitoba. It harnesses the best practices and approaches laid out in the federal government’s framework and is an excellent example of how provincial and federal agencies can work collaboratively to improve health outcomes for all Canadians.”
The Manitoba government is also investing up to $300,000 to support the delivery of land-based camps for Indigenous youth who live with or are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The week-long camps will offer inclusive, culturally appropriate programming and activities including traditional teachings and games focusing on holistic wellness. The camps will take place at Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation in August and October.
“Our youth camp was developed to inspire our youth to seek the land for healing and to promote the good life of living healthy through exercise and healthy eating habits. Eating berries and wild meat is encouraged during our camps while we try to avoid processed, unhealthy food. Mental health is also an important factor that we have been working on as a nation to address the stress and inactivity caused by the pandemic on our children and youth,” said Melanie Harper, health director, Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation. “We would like to thank the Manitoba government for this opportunity to add to our already successful youth program. We are grateful for this funding grant, which will provide our youth with the opportunity to learn about our culture and embrace a healthy, holistic way of life. It helps them to learn our cultural teachings from our elders. Teachings that will provide them with the tools to live a healthy and meaningful life. Miigwetch.”
To read the Manitoba Diabetes Action Plan, visit www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/mhcw/docs/mb-diabetes-action-plan.pdf.
