December 19, 2024 from Benefits Canada
A recent report by Sun Life highlights a concerning trend: drug claims for chronic diseases are increasing at a much faster rate among younger plan members than older generations. The report, which analyzed data from more than three million plan members between 2019 and 2023, found that nearly half (45.1%) of all Canadians live with at least one major chronic disease.
Alarming Growth in Chronic Disease Among Young Adults
The fastest-growing chronic disease in terms of drug claims was diabetes, with a 30% increase in claims over the five-year period. However, the most striking finding was the dramatic increase in diabetes-related drug claims among plan members aged 30 and younger—two to four times higher than those aged 30 to 60.
Other chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and asthma, also saw disproportionately high growth rates in younger adults. Notably, claims for diabetes and high blood pressure in younger women significantly outpaced those in younger men.
The Cost of Chronic Disease on Workplaces
The report emphasizes the economic burden of chronic diseases on workplaces. Diabetes is now the second-highest drug spend category and continues to grow rapidly. Employees with diabetes are absent from work two to 10 days more per year than those without the disease. Additionally, diabetes is a comorbidity in 20% of long-term disability claims, further highlighting its impact on productivity and healthcare costs.
While men had higher overall claims for chronic disease drugs, women’s diabetes drug claims grew 40% faster than men’s. The report also draws attention to the link between obesity and chronic disease—with type 2 diabetes rates three to seven times higher among individuals living with obesity. Similarly, 78% of men and 65% of women with high blood pressure are overweight or obese, and adults with obesity are more than 50% more likely to have asthma.
The Link Between Menopause and Chronic Disease
The report also examined claims from over 13,000 women aged 40 and older who began menopause hormone therapy. It found that in the three years before starting therapy, claims for heart disease and diabetes increased significantly. The use of blood pressure medications continued to rise even after therapy began, remaining significantly higher six years later.
A Call for Action
“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.”
With chronic disease on the rise among younger generations, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers must take proactive steps to promote preventive healthcare, workplace wellness programs, and early intervention strategies. Addressing risk factors such as obesity and lifestyle choices will be critical in reversing these trends and reducing the long-term impact on both individuals and the economy.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes drug claims rose 30% between 2019-2023, with younger Canadians seeing 2-4 times faster growth.
- Chronic disease drug claims for younger women are growing at a higher rate than for younger men.
- Diabetes is a major contributor to workplace absenteeism and disability claims.
- Obesity is a key risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
- Menopause-related changes may contribute to higher chronic disease risks in older women.
As chronic disease continues to escalate, both individuals and organizations must prioritize preventive healthcare, early intervention, and healthier lifestyle choices to curb the growing burden of chronic illness in Canada.
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