Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting Canadians today. It occurs when the body is unable to sufficiently produce or properly use insulin, which the body needs to convert sugar to an energy source. There are three different types of diabetes - Type 1, Type 2, and gestational.
More than 2.5 million Canadians are living with diabetes, and an estimated 5 million Canadians over the age of 20 are pre-diabetic. People can be pre-diabetic or have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes without having any obvious warning signs or symptoms. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to many serious complications.
The majority of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes today have type 2 diabetes. While you can't change some risk factors, other risk factors for diabetes may respond to lifestyle changes.
The Government of Canada invests almost $20 million annually on initiatives that promote healthy living and chronic disease prevention, including diabetes, through an integrated approach that supports coordinated action on common risk factors (tobacco use, unhealthy eating, and physical inactivity).
Canadians can now assess their risk of developing type 2 diabetes using a tool called the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire (CANRISK). Developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, it is available online and in many pharmacies across the country. By knowing your risk, you can start making healthy choices that will reduce your risk or even prevent you from developing diabetes.
For more information on diabetes, please visit Public Health Agency of Canada.
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
