Challenge stigma: Learn the facts about diabetes and support fair treatment for all Canadians
Nearly half of Canadians mistakenly believe diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar—a misconception with far-reaching consequences for the more than four million people living with diabetes in Canada.
This widespread misunderstanding, revealed in a new national survey commissioned by Diabetes Canada and conducted by Nanos, underscores the urgent need to confront stigma and misinformation that affect individuals’ well-being, workplace participation, and access to support.
The survey found that:
- Nearly half (48 percent) of Canadians believe diabetes is caused by consuming too much sugar.
- Nearly one third (30 percent) believe most people who develop diabetes have only themselves to blame.
- Over two thirds (61 percent) cite lifestyle choices, poor diet, or obesity/overweight as the cause of diabetes.
- More than half (52 percent) believe diabetes impacts a person's ability to do certain jobs.
- Forty percent of Canadians believe people with type 2 diabetes who use medications like insulin or semaglutides have failed to manage their condition properly.
These attitudes have real-world implications, particularly in environments where support and understanding are critical to health and productivity.
Laura Syron, president and CEO of Diabetes Canada, explains, “People like me who live with diabetes manage it every single day—and stigma makes that even harder. Myths and judgmental language add an unnecessary burden to an already demanding reality.”
She adds, “This November, we're tackling those myths head-on and calling for language that respects the real experiences of people with diabetes.”
The impact of stigma is especially acute for children at school, where the lack of mandatory standards of care leaves support fragmented and unreliable.
Families are often left to fill the gaps, and children face preventable health emergencies and barriers to education.
“No child should be stigmatized or denied safety and a fair education due to diabetes,” said Glenn Thibeault, executive director of Government Affairs, Advocacy & Policy. “This is a failure of policy, and we must do better.”
Scott MacMillan, whose daughter Rosemary lives with diabetes in New Brunswick, emphasizes the challenges faced by children with type 1 diabetes.
He states, “Children with type 1 diabetes live with a life-threatening medical disability, yet school supports are too often delayed or unavailable. No child should be unsafe at school because of diabetes; care is not optional, it is life or death.”
MacMillan points out that when supports are lacking, “children are singled out, families are forced to fill the gaps, and kids miss out on equal access to education — all while their short and long-term health is put at risk.”
Diabetes Canada’s campaign for Diabetes Awareness Month calls on Canadians to learn the facts, challenge harmful beliefs, and stand with the diabetes community.
