Message from Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day

November 14, 2012

Each November, we recognize Diabetes Awareness Month, with World Diabetes Day taking place on November 14. Given that type 2 diabetes and obesity are on the rise, awareness of this serious disease is increasingly important.

Almost four million Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes, and many more are unaware they have the disease. It can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, blindness, chronic kidney disease, nervous system damage, and dental diseases. People living with diabetes are also more susceptible to complications from respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and influenza.

The majority of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes today have type 2 diabetes. The likelihood of developing this type of diabetes can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices such as losing excess weight, eating well, and exercising. Since the development of type 2 diabetes is closely related to obesity, maintaining a healthy weight is especially important.

The Canadian Diabetes Strategy (CDS) brings together governments, health organizations and community-based groups to help address diabetes. The CDS focuses on the prevention, early detection and management of all types of diabetes. Through this strategy, information and resources are developed to help Canadians understand their risks and protect their health.

Preventing type 2 diabetes and supporting those living with all forms of the disease are priorities for the Government of Canada.  In addition to the $18 million annually provided to the CDS, we have also committed $50 million per year until 2015 to continue supporting health promotion and disease prevention in hundreds of communities through the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

The Government of Canada is taking further action on the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy eating and physical activity with initiatives such as Canada's Physical Activity and Food Guides, including a version tailored for First Nations, Inuit and Métis, the renewal of ParticipACTION, and the Children's Fitness Tax Credit.

As Minister of Health, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about their risk factors for developing diabetes. Take the  CANRISK questionnaire on the PHAC website, or talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the things you can do to reduce your risk.

For more information on diabetes, please visit  Public Health Agency of Canada

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada