Trends in mortality from diabetes mellitus in Canada, 1986-2000.

The purpose of this study was to examine trends in diabetes mellitus (DM) mortality rates in Canada, including analysis at the provincial level, during the period 1986-2000. The study population included Canadians aged 35 and over. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were computed. Linear regression was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) by age, sex and province. The results showed a substantial increase in DM mortality rates among those aged 35 and over, particularly for men; the AAPC indicated an increase of 2.4% for men and 0.7% for women. When the mortality rates were plotted for three time periods, the rates increased with each successive age group and period for both sexes. Mortality from DM increased significantly in both sexes in Canada between 1986 and 2000, particularly in men.