Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that usually progress slowly over time. This includes conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression, and arthritis, among many others. Chronic Disease Management (CDM) is ongoing care and support to assist individuals impacted by a chronic health condition with the medical care, knowledge, skills, and resources they need to better manage on a day to day basis. This may include regular visits and support from your family physician, other primary care providers, community-based programs, or referrals to specialist programs and services. Learn more about the importance of regular primary care (e.g. having a family physician) and that of primary health care.