As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in Canada, new research highlights a stark disparity between Black Canadians and their white counterparts, with Black Canadians being diagnosed at more than twice the rate. This troubling finding has sparked concern among health experts, urging for more attention and action on the issue.
The Canadian Health Coalition’s recent survey reveals that diabetes is disproportionately affecting non-white Canadians, particularly within the Black community. Jason MacLean, Chair of the Coalition, noted that while the finding may seem unsurprising to many, it underscores a critical health inequity. “A lot of my friends and family have diabetes. You see it within the community,” MacLean commented. “So, it’s no surprise to me that the Black community has higher rates than other populations.”
MacLean pointed to the lack of comprehensive national data on the issue as a significant barrier to addressing the problem. “There is no concerted effort by either the government or health officials to focus on studies within Black communities. We have data from the U.S., but nothing like that coming out of Canada,” he explained, emphasizing the need for targeted research and greater awareness.
Experts like Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, underscore that while collecting race-based data is essential, another challenge lies in the mistrust some members of the Black community have towards the healthcare system. “We have to rebuild trust within the community. People need to understand that data collection won’t be used against them, but to benefit them,” Hamilton-Hinch stressed.
In addition to healthcare access, socioeconomic factors also play a role in exacerbating health disparities. Hamilton-Hinch highlighted that many Black communities, particularly in African-Nova Scotian regions, face barriers such as food deserts and limited access to affordable healthy food. Furthermore, the lack of sidewalks and infrastructure hinders physical activity, an essential factor in preventing and managing diabetes.
“Many of our communities are located in areas where healthy food options are scarce or prohibitively expensive. There are also few places for safe, low-cost physical activity like walking,” she said. These systemic barriers make it more difficult for residents to adopt lifestyle changes that could mitigate the risk of diabetes.
The issue is further complicated by the interaction between Black patients and healthcare providers who may not be familiar with the unique health challenges faced by people of African descent. Hamilton-Hinch shared that Black patients often need to advocate for themselves in medical settings, which can be daunting without the necessary knowledge or resources.
“You have to fight for your care, which is especially hard if you lack the language or understanding to challenge medical professionals,” Hamilton-Hinch explained. “Some of the research that exists just doesn’t speak to the realities of people of African descent.”
She believes that community-based education sessions focusing on diabetes prevention, tailored to the Black Canadian population, could make a significant impact. “We need more discussions in our communities about how we can prevent and manage diabetes, specifically within the African Nova Scotian community,” Hamilton-Hinch concluded.
As health officials push for more inclusive data collection and targeted interventions, the call for better healthcare access and community engagement grows louder, aiming to bridge the gap in diabetes care among Black Canadians.
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