Can J Diabetes
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Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common infection in Canada that can result in serious and long-term complications. People with diabetes may be at an increased risk for HZ. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate a case definition of HZ diagnosis based on electronic medical records; determine a prevalence estimate for HZ in adult patients in the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) and assess the association between HZ and diabetes. ⋯ People with diabetes have an increased risk for the diagnosis of HZ infection in the primary care setting in Canada. Women over the age of 65 years with diabetes and/or other chronic conditions are at greatest risk for developing HZ.