Current State of Type 2 Diabetes in the Peel Region

This report is a comprehensive overview of four key issues in the Region of Peel that relate specifically to type 2 diabetes risk. Working together with academics, policymakers, community organizations, researchers, governments, patient partners and other experts, the Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations at the University of Toronto has developed this evaluation of the current situation. The findings in this report are a first step in identifying and informing future research and policy priorities and actions necessary for reducing the burden of diabetes in the region.

Ontario's Peel presents an excellent test case for population-based interventions, given it has an extremely diverse population and landscape. Comprised of three municipalities: Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon, with a population of 1.4 million, Peel's population is expected to grow from 1.5 to 2.2 million people by 2051 and is also undergoing demographic shifts with both an ageing population and the arrival of newcomers to Canada.

From the very urban centres of Mississauga and Brampton to the rural expanses of Caledon, this area is diverse in many ways, including incomes, ethnicities, and age groups. In 2007, it was estimated that 1 in 10 people in Peel lived with type 2 diabetes. In 2025, that number is estimated to reach 1 in 6. This condition, which can lead to serious health complications like kidney disease, heart disease and vision loss, is traumatic for the patient and costly to the healthcare system.

Looking at four specific areas: current diabetes burden, the built environment, behavioural demographics to predict future risk, and health services and quality of care, the Network can effectively determine what the problems are as we set out to solve them.

The overall goal of this report is to provide a baseline understanding of the current situation in Peel Region as it relates to chronic disease and, specifically, type 2 diabetes. The research streams of this report each focus on a specific level of diabetes and chronic disease burden – from the health care system to communities to living environments. Efforts within each stream overlap and interconnect to address the overall goal of reducing the risk and burden of diabetes and related conditions for healthier populations in Peel Region and beyond.