Disability Tax Credit for Diabetes

It’s estimated that 285 million people in the world are affected by some form of diabetes. It’s also estimated that seven million new cases of diabetes will develop worldwide each year. For this, the Canadian government offers support through the Disability Tax Credit for Diabetes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, today, more than nine million Canadians live with diabetes or pre-diabetes, with 10 percent suffering from Type I Diabetes, and the number of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes increasing at a dramatic rate.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition. It stems from the body being unable to produce or properly use insulin in sufficient amounts. The body uses insulin to break down sugars. Sugar is used as an energy source in our bodies. Diabetes can lead to serious complications including:

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Vision Loss
• Kidney Failure
• Amputations of the legs and feet
• Premature Death

The Most Common Forms of Diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes accounts for about 5 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 1 usually occurs in adolescents and children, but it can occur at any age. In Type 1 diabetes, the body no longer produces insulin and the patient must take daily insulin injections or use an insulin pump.
• Type 2 Diabetes accounts for about 95 percent of adult diabetes. Healthy eating and regular exercise in combination with oral medication can help control or prevent health complications.
• Gestational Diabetes develops during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause problems for both mother and fetus, as well as lead to Type 2 Diabetes developing later on in the mother.

Facts about the Rising Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes:

There are a number of factors leading to the alarming increase in incidence of Type 2 Diabetes. Some of these are:

• An aging population
• Rising obesity rates
• Increasingly sedentary lifestyles Race: Almost 80 percent of Canada’s newer immigrant population is comprised of ethnicities that are considered to be at higher risk. These people include: Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, African Descent.

Disability Tax Credit for Diabetes and Other Support

Your Primary Physician will do tests to determine if you have, or are at risk for developing, diabetes, based on your symptoms. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Headaches
• Lack of energy
• Poor circulation in legs and feet
• Shakiness
• Light-headedness
• A referral to a specialist called an Endocrinologist who, after diagnosis is made, can start you on a treatment regimen that may consist of diet, exercise, oral medications, and/or insulin treatments.
• Your local Public Health Department offers classes on controlling your diabetes, and education for the entire family about the disease process and preventing complications.
• Canada’s Disability Tax Credit is a benefit that many people with diabetes, and their care providers, may be eligible to receive. . This disability tax credit can help cover expenses and make sure that you and your family can lead full lives and participate in society.

If you or a loved one are exhibiting any of the symptoms of diabetes, or you are a member of one of the high-risk categories, see a physician and be tested for diabetes. There are organizations that are ready to help and support you, and you may even qualify for the Disability Tax Credit for Diabetes, or your child may qualify for the Child disability tax credit.

For more information: Canadian diabetes association

Got diabetes? Get the most out of your Disability Tax Credit for Diabetes application!