Message from the Minister of Health on World Diabetes Day

On this World Diabetes Day, the Government of Canada is raising awareness of an often-overlooked risk to Canadians’ health. Approximately 3.4 million Canadians are living with one of the three main types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which is preventable, is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of diabetes cases in adults.

November 14, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

On World Diabetes Day, the Government of Canada is raising awareness about one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in Canada with approximately 3.4 million Canadians living with one of the three main types of diabetes. Additionally, Type 2 diabetes, which is preventable, is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of diabetes cases in adults.

Diabetes continues to pose many challenges for those living with the disease, their families, caregivers,and communities. Making healthier choices every day, including eating well, being more active, siting less and not smoking can help prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

More work needs to be done to prevent diabetes and to support those affected by it. Last month, the Government of Canada reached an important milestone with the release of the Framework for Diabetes in Canada in our efforts to better recognize, collaborate with, and support those impacted by diabetes in Canada.

The Framework aims to provide a common policy direction to address diabetes in Canada, including for populations at elevated risk of developing diabetes, people living with diabetes and their caregivers, Indigenous populations, non-governmental organizations, health care professionals, researchers, and all levels of government.

All sectors, including provincial and territorial governments are invited to use the Framework to guide action to address diabetes and advance opportunities in ways that meet their respective mandates and objectives, and that are adapted to their respective community contexts.

Recognizing the relevant factors and determinants of health that contribute to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, the Public Health Agency of Canada along with Impact Canada will soon be launching a Grand Challenge. Through this challenge, they will be looking for ideas to develop new approaches to address the interacting problems that lead to developing type 2 diabetes to help Canadians reduce their risk.

Learn more about this upcoming Challenge, by visiting the Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Challenge page.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.

Contacts

Marie-France Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca