Diabetes Facts
About Diabetes Canada
The Canadian Diabetes Association became Diabetes Canada on February 13, 2017 to shed the light on the diabetes epidemic Canada is facing. It's taking a monumental toll on our health. Diabetes Canada will be the driving force to build awareness of the disease and its implications, which are often misunderstood. Diabetes Canada will be the national voice for millions of Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.
End Diabetes is our rallying cry to end the terrible health impacts of diabetes as well as its shame, blame, stigma and misinformation. It's also time to End Diabetes altogether with a cure.
When you fundraise on behalf of Diabetes Canada, you are an extension of our representation in the community. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with diabetes and the work of Diabetes Canada so you can answer any questions you might receive. Below is some information to help you learn a little more about diabetes and the work of Diabetes Canada. If you encounter questions you can’t answer, your Diabetes Canada coordinator is happy to help you find the right response.
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Learn more about diabetes and the work that Diabetes Canada does
About Diabetes
What is diabetes
Diabetes is a complex disease with multiple causes and no known cure. The three main types of diabetes is type 1, type 2 and prediabetes.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is found in 5 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. The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown and it is not preventable.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common, where the pancreas either cannot effectively use or produce enough insulin. It is found in approximately 90 per cent of Canadians living with diabetes. The causes of type 2 diabetes can be genetic, behavioural and/or environmental. It usually develops in adulthood, although more children and adolescents are being diagnosed.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes occurs when an individual’s blood glucose levels are elevated, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 50 per cent of those with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that develops during pregnancy. Blood glucose levels usually return to normal following delivery, however both mother and child are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
