Indigenous Food Systems Network

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions among Canada’s Aboriginal People. Because of unique genetic, social and lifestyle circumstances, they are 3 to 5 times more likely than the general population to be diagnosed with the disease. Along with this diagnosis comes an increased risk of serious complications—for children, adolescents and adults alike. Diabetes complications include heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, blindness, and amputations.

In Manitoba, it is estimated that between 1996 and 2016 the Aboriginal community will face a ten-fold increase in limb amputations, kidney failure and heart disease, and a five-fold increase in blindness.

The Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) provides essential funding for diabetes prevention, screening and treatment programs and services to more than 600 communities throughout Canada.

However, the current ADI expires this year. Termination of ADI funding will have tragic outcomes, so it is critical that the federal government address this priority in the 2010 Federal Budget.