Message from Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Diabetes Awareness Month (November) and 2008 World Diabetes Day

Friday, November 14, 2008

The number of people being diagnosed with diabetes in Canada and around the world is reaching epidemic levels. Approximately 2 million Canadians - about 1 in 17 people - are living with diabetes, and many people are unaware that they have the disease. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that, by 2011, this number will rise to 2.6 million.

This awareness month is an excellent time to inform the public of the risk factors for diabetes and to encourage all Canadians to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their families, which will help them live longer, healthier lives.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to serious complications: heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and even leg amputations. However, the most common type of diabetes - type 2 - is largely preventable or can at least be delayed, by following a healthy diet, participating in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The Government of Canada is taking action to prevent and manage diabetes, as well as to help enhance the lives of people living the disease. It has committed $18 million annually to the Canadian Diabetes Strategy. Another $190 million is being invested in the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative until 2010, since diabetes rates among Aboriginal people are 3 to 5 times higher than among Canadians as a whole. Last year alone, the Government invested nearly $33 million in diabetes-related research through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

During Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about their risk factors for developing diabetes. It is a serious public health challenge, and we must continue to work together to find ways to prevent, treat and eventually find a cure for diabetes.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada

For more information, please visit:

• Diabetes homepage
• Report from the National Diabetes Surveillance System: Diabetes in Canada, 2008
• National Diabetes Fact Sheets