Diabetes Canada Launches Stop the Stigma Campaign
Diabetes Canada's Diabetes Awareness Month theme addresses shame and blame experienced by people living with the condition.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Diabetes
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Diabetes Canada launched its Stop the Stigma theme for Diabetes Awareness Month, citing research that nine in 10 people living with diabetes experience stigma. The organization found that up to 90 per cent of people with Type 1 diabetes have experienced shame or blame.
Why it matters
Stigma can discourage people from seeking care and talking openly about their condition, affecting management across Canada. The campaign highlights a gap in public understanding, with almost half of Canadians believing diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
Diabetes Canada survey research found shame or blame experienced by up to 90 per cent of people with Type 1 diabetes and almost 70 per cent with Type 2, out of 3.9 million Canadians living with the condition. The research does not quantify how these experiences change treatment decisions.
The players
Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is a national charitable organization that supports people living with diabetes through research, advocacy and education.
Laura Syron
Laura Syron is president and CEO of Diabetes Canada and was herself diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The details
Diabetes Canada conducted surveys into stigma and the condition, and developed resources for families and friends. Laura Syron, president and CEO of Diabetes Canada, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 10 years ago, leads the organization's campaign.
Timeline
Laura Syron was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 10 years ago.
Diabetes Canada recently developed resources for families and friends.
Health Landscape
Stigma around diabetes is now being measured alongside clinical outcomes, reflecting a shift in how Diabetes Canada frames the condition. The Northern Ontario burden, with prevalence three to five times the provincial average, shows the stakes of reaching patients outside major centres.
People living with diabetes who experience stigma may be encouraged to seek support and speak openly with their care teams. Families and friends can use the resources Diabetes Canada developed to better understand the condition.
The takeaway
Reducing blame around diabetes begins with understanding that the condition is not caused by a single habit alone. Readers can learn the facts about diabetes and avoid judgment toward people living with it.
Further reading
Explore more on Diabetes coverage across Canada.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CTVNews.
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