TORONTO, Ont. (November 1, 2020) – Diabetes* has become an epidemic across Canada—today one in three Canadians are affected by diabetes or prediabetes and those at age 20 now face a 50 per cent chance of developing the disease.
With the emergence of COVID-19, the work of Diabetes Canada has never been more relevant and critical as adults living with diabetes who get the virus are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms and complications, like pneumonia, and they are almost three times more likely to die in hospital. This November, during Diabetes Awareness Month, Diabetes Canada’s ‘Let’s End Diabetes Together’ campaign represents the belief that a collection of individual actions moves the world toward the goal of ending diabetes.
“If there’s ever been a year to highlight the diabetes community—those living with the disease, caregivers, and our frontline health-care providers who help care for those living with diabetes—it’s
this year,” says Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “With the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin in 2021, Canada can’t afford to ignore the impact diabetes has on individuals, families, our healthcare system and the economy.”
All those visiting diabetes.ca/diabetes-awareness-month can learn how to get involved from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30. Canadians are encouraged to raise awareness, assess their risk of developing diabetes, access tools and resources, get involved and take action by advocating for a nation-wide diabetes strategy (Diabetes 360°).
A few event highlights include:
- Rekindling of the Flame of Hope Livestream event, Nov. 14
- Best Banting Virtual Soirée, Nov. 14
- End Diabetes/Blue Circle Talk Leadership Symposium, Economic Club of Canada, Nov. 26
In addition, ‘Let’s End Diabetes Together’ cover photos are available to add to social media profile pictures (available on the above website) for the month of November to raise awareness. Canadians are encouraged to share their stories/videos on their favourite social platforms, using #EndDiabetes, to raise awareness about diabetes, its risk factors and misconceptions.
*Inclusive of type 1, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which your body either can't produce insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces. It is a complex disease with multiple causes and no known cure. The three main types are:
- Type 1 diabetes is found in five to 10 per cent of Canadians with diabetes and occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common, where the pancreas either cannot effectively use or produce enough insulin. It is found in approximately 90-95 per cent of Canadians living with diabetes. The causes of type 2 diabetes can be genetic, behavioural and/or environmental. People of Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic or African descent are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Prediabetes occurs when an individual’s blood glucose levels are high, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 50 per cent of those with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
About Diabetes Awareness Month
Today, 11 million Canadians are living with or affected by diabetes—that’s one in three. This November, ‘Let’s End Diabetes Together’ and create greater awareness. Please visit diabetes.ca/diabetes-awareness-month to learn how you can get involved.
About Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is the registered national charitable organization that is making the invisible epidemic of diabetes visible and urgent. Diabetes Canada partners with Canadians to End Diabetes through:
- Resources for health-care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
- Advocacy to governments, schools and workplaces; and
- Funding world-leading Canadian research to improve treatments and find a cure.
For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).