New report finds drug claims for chronic diseases
like diabetes and high blood pressure on the rise
TORONTO, Dec. 11,
2024 /CNW/ - Chronic diseases don't discriminate when
it comes to age. A new report from Sun Life points to more and more
young Canadians being struck with life altering chronic physical
conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes
and asthma.
The report analyzed the drug claims data of over three million
Sun Life plan members over a five-year period1. Across
all age groups, almost half (45.1%) of all Canadians live with at
least one major chronic disease. Diabetes is the fastest growing
chronic disease with claims up approximately 30% from 2019 to
2023.
Although older plan members remain more likely to be living with
chronic diseases, there is a rise among younger plan members.
Between 2019 and 2023 chronic disease drug claims grew much faster
for younger members compared to older age groups.
- Claims for diabetes drugs grew 2-4 times faster among those
under the age of 30 compared to those between the ages of 30 and 60
years old.
- Claims for high blood pressure and asthma also grew at much
higher rates among those less than 30 years old.
- Claims for diabetes and high blood pressure among younger women
are significantly outpacing younger men.
"This report and these alarming numbers should be a wake-up
call," said Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President, Group
Benefits, Sun Life. "From absenteeism to disability, chronic
disease costs the economy billions each year. That's why empowering
Canadians to take charge of their health is more important than
ever."
Climbing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets,
poor mental health and higher stress levels are all to blame for
this rise of chronic disease among Canadians. The pandemic also
contributed to worsening physical health among Canadians as people
missed medical appointments and faced increased challenges to
living a healthy lifestyle.
The importance of prevention and disease management
support
The time to act is now. Many chronic conditions are preventable
or manageable, and workplaces have an important role to play.
Employees are hungry for the support and tools to help manage their
health and well-being.
"Tackling and preventing chronic health diseases requires all
hands on deck. It's about creating a holistic and tailored approach
to support," says Alison Chick,
Senior Vice-President, Health Solutions, Sun Life. "We need to work
together to ensure Canadians have access to the tools, resources,
and tailored benefits they need, regardless of where they are on
their health journey."
Sun Life offers a comprehensive suite of innovative health
solutions to help Clients. This includes Lumino Health™
Pharmacy, provided by Pillway, which offers quick and easy access
to medications and pharmacist support for employees taking
maintenance medications to treat chronic conditions. Lumino Health
Pharmacy also offers chronic disease coaching to help those with
diabetes, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
follow their treatment programs (currently not available in
Quebec).
Helping Clients live healthier lives is central to Sun Life's
Purpose of being a sustainable company. Through innovative health
solutions, Sun Life is maximizing its positive impact by helping
millions of Clients and Canadians with their physical and mental
health. Learn more about Sun Life's commitment to
sustainability.
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1 Sun Life
data was analyzed on an aggregated, non-identifiable
basis.
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™ Used under license by
Simpill Health Group Inc.
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About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services
organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and
health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life
has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including
Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines,
Japan, Indonesia, India, China,
Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2024, Sun Life had total assets
under management of $1.51 trillion.
For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New
York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the
ticker symbol SLF.
Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars
Media Relations Contact:
To contact Sun Life media relations, please email
media.relations@sunlife.com.
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada