JDRF praises New Brunswick government for comprehensive diabetes strategy

Juvenile Diabetes Research FoundationJun 6 2011

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) applauds the New Brunswick government for its commitment to diabetes.

Today, the New Brunswick government announced a new comprehensive diabetes strategy focused on prevention, detection, and management of diabetes over the next four years to address the growing challenge of diabetes in New Brunswick.

"We welcome this announcement and commend the New Brunswick government for taking the necessary steps to help reduce the burden of this disease, and address the need for increased prevention and education," says Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF.  "We particularly applaud the intention to develop an insulin pump program for children, enhancing their quality of life and reducing the financial impact on families."

Canada has the sixth highest incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children 14 years or younger and currently affects 300,000 Canadians. The number of people living with type 1 diabetes is increasing by three to five per cent annually - the greatest rise being in children aged five to nine years.

"There has never been a greater need to cure, treat and prevent diabetes," says McKee. "We are making real progress through provincial diabetes strategies such as this one."