The Canadian Diabetes Association wants federal parties to take action to address an "epidemic" of Type 2 diabetes in the country by implementing a tax on sugary drinks, among several other measures.

The charitable organization says that more than 10 million Canadians have diabetes or pre-diabetes, and the disease presents a growing challenge for the nation's health-care system.

In a statement released this week, the CDA’s chief science officer, Dr. Jan Hux, said that diabetes will cost Canada $14 billion in 2015, thanks to expenses in health care and its toll on the economy.

She added that the annual cost of the diseases will rise to $17.5 billion by 2025.

"Unless we take action now, diabetes threatens not only more Canadians, but also the viability of our health-care system and our economic prosperity," said Hux.

The CDA is asking federal parties to adopt several measures including a tax on "sugar-sweetened" drinks, as well as a national pharmacare program and an expansion of the disability tax credit to include people with Type 1 diabetes.

The organization says there is a "clear connection" between high consumption of sugary drinks and the development of Type 2 diabetes.

It pointed to other countries, such as Mexico and France, who have instituted a tax on the beverages to deter consumption.

The group said a national pharmacare program is necessary so that Canadians with diabetes are not faced with "onerous" expenses needed to pay for medications, devices and supplies that are required to manage their disease.

It said that four in 10 Canadians without insurance have difficulty purchasing their medications, and many are forced to choose between paying for their prescriptions and other essential expenses.

The CDA also wants parties to expand the eligibility for the disability tax credit to include insulin as a "life-sustaining therapy."

It says that "significant inequities" exist within the acts, which disqualify "most adults" with Type 1 diabetes.

The disease can cause strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure and other health complications.