Diabetes and high blood pressure claims surge among younger adults, highlighting urgent health concerns
A new report from Sun Life highlights an alarming trend: chronic physical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and asthma are increasingly affecting young Canadians.
This finding stems from an analysis of drug claims data from over three million Sun Life plan members between 2019 and 2023.
Across all age groups, 45.1 percent of Canadians live with at least one major chronic disease. Diabetes has emerged as the fastest-growing condition, with claims rising by approximately 30 percent over the five-year period.
While older Canadians remain more likely to live with chronic diseases, the growth in drug claims for younger members has outpaced that of older age groups.
Claims for diabetes drugs grew two to four times faster for individuals under 30 compared to those aged 30 to 60.
Additionally, claims for high blood pressure and asthma medications also increased at significantly higher rates for those under 30.
Among younger women, claims for diabetes and high blood pressure far exceeded those of younger men.
“This report and these alarming numbers should be a wake-up call,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, senior vice-president of Group Benefits at 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.”
The report identifies climbing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, poor mental health, and increased stress as key drivers of this trend.
The pandemic exacerbated these issues, as Canadians missed medical appointments and faced additional barriers to maintaining healthy habits.
Sun Life underscores the importance of prevention and disease management, calling for a holistic and tailored approach to address the growing burden of chronic conditions.
Alison Chick, senior vice-president of Health Solutions at Sun Life, emphasised that collaboration is crucial, says “Tackling and preventing chronic health diseases requires all hands on deck. It’s about creating a holistic and tailored approach to support.”
To support clients, Sun Life offers a range of innovative health solutions, including Lumino Health Pharmacy. This service, provided by Pillway, facilitates access to medications and pharmacist support for employees managing chronic conditions.
It also offers coaching for individuals with diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to help them adhere to treatment programs. Lumino Health Pharmacy services are currently unavailable in Quebec.
