Temporal Trends in Cardiometabolic Control Among Canadian Adults: A Comparative Analysis of Hypertension and Diabetes Using the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) 2008-2019.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and diabetes remain major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Canada. Monitoring their trends is critical to evaluating public health progress in prevention and disease management. OBJECTIVE: To descriptively summarize published Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) estimates on the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and diabetes among Canadian adults aged 20-79 years across the 2008-2019 survey cycles. METHODS: Descriptive analysis was conducted using aggregated CHMS combined-cycle data (2008-2011, 2012-2015, and 2016-2019). Weighted proportions and absolute counts published by Statistics Canada were organized and analyzed in Stata version 18. Data were stratified by sex and age group, and graphical visualization was applied to highlight temporal and demographic patterns. RESULTS: Hypertension prevalence remained stable over time, accompanied by modest improvements in treatment and control rates. Conversely, diabetes prevalence continued to rise, with limited gains in glycemic control. These patterns suggest differential progress in managing cardiometabolic conditions among Canadian adults. CONCLUSION: National strategies appear to have improved hypertension outcomes but less effectively addressed diabetes control. Strengthening preventive interventions, enhancing primary care integration, and improving access to chronic disease management resources remain essential for advancing cardiometabolic health in Canada.