Features Communities Act! Diabetes in Canada - Second Edition Results of the "Diabetes Surveillance System Grant" competition The "Eat Well. Be Active. Have Fun. You can prevent type 2 diabetes" campaign Electronic List Conferences and Events Diabetes Quiz - Are you at risk?

We can prevent type 2 diabetes

In 1999, the Government of Canada allocated $115 million to the Canadian Diabetes Strategy (CDS) to help respond to this growing health concern, to step up efforts to prevent type 2 diabetes, and to address complications associated with the disease.

The cost of diabetes in Canada is estimated to be up to $9 billion annually.

While there is, as yet, no cure for this disease, diabetes can be managed. In the case of type 2 diabetes, it is important to know that it can be prevented. Research has shown that a combination of good nutrition and physical activity can actually help prevent or postpone type 2 diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects the production of a hormone called insulin. Your body needs insulin to convert the sugar found in food into energy. Diabetes is a lifelong disease that prevents your body from either producing the right amount of insulin or using what it does produce properly.

Approximately 2 million Canadians have diabetes. The rate is three to five times higher among Aboriginal people.