Managing Diabetes
Redefining Diabetes and Ending Stigma
Let’s make time to change the conversation about diabetes this Diabetes Awareness Month.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time for people in Canada to show support for those affected by diabetes. Diabetes Canada is encouraging everyone to participate in the Let’s Make Time campaign, inspiring people to dive deeper into understanding this often “invisible” condition and to share that valuable knowledge with their communities. Every three minutes, someone in Canada receives a diabetes diagnosis, and the reality is that you or someone in your circle is likely impacted. Diabetes is a chronic condition that poses numerous physical, emotional, and social challenges. According to
a new report by Diabetes Canada,
The Social Experiences of Living with Diabetes, nearly 90 per cent of people living with type 1 diabetes and nearly 70 per cent of people living with type 2 diabetes experience feelings of shame and blame for having diabetes. Sadly, common misconceptions—such as the belief that diabetes is solely a result of poor lifestyle choices—contribute to the stigma surrounding the condition.
Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada, who lives with type 2 diabetes, emphasizes the importance of changing the narrative: “We must break the harmful cycle of stigma and misunderstanding. This Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s make time to foster a compassionate environment
where education and empathy thrive.”
Fostering understanding and support
Enhancing awareness and understanding of diabetes is crucial for improving health outcomes. By dismantling the stigma, individuals are more likely to seek the care and support they need, whether from healthcare providers, their communities, or loved ones.
Help change the conversation this Diabetes Awareness Month by challenging the misconceptions that perpetuate stigma. Together, let’s make a positive impact for the four million people living with diabetes in Canada.
Diabetes Canada
Publisher: Jessica Golyatov Content Strategy Manager: Nicole Kansakar Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Production & Delivery Manager: Michael Taylor
Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Designer: Miranda Robinson Digital Media Manager: Karm Rathod
Laura Syron President & CEO, Diabetes Canada
Anne Sofie Weekes Hald and her daughters
Anne Sofie is living with type 1 diabetes
Driving change for generations
Since the beginning of our company, we have been working to help people with chronic diseases live full and healthy lives. While people today are living longer than ever before, rising rates of obesity and diabetes threaten the health and prosperity of future generations.
Together with our partners, we are going beyond medicine to strengthen disease prevention and early intervention, driving change for Anne Sofie and for the health of generations to come – with the ultimate aspiration of a world free from the burden of chronic disease.
