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Ontarians with Prediabetes Eligible to receive Special Diet Allowance
Ontarians living with prediabetes who do not have access to nutritious and healthy foods are among the most vulnerable of developing or compounding diabetes-related health complications such as cardiovascular disease. The Ministry of Community and Social Services offers assistance to those receiving Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) through the Special Diet Allowance (SDA) program. The SDA helps those eligible to cover the additional costs of a special diet, if they suffer from either diabetes or prediabetes.
The Canadian Diabetes Association is encouraging those who live in Ontario and have been diagnosed with prediabetes by their healthcare provider, who require such support, to apply for the SDA to help manage their risks. Those who have lost their prediabetes SDA should re-apply for the benefit.
Step 1: Pickup an SDA application form from your OW or ODSP caseworker.
Step 2: Visit your healthcare provider and share the following eligibility requirements to assist them in completing your SDA application.
Eligibility:
Please note the eligibility requirements for an SDA for diabetes:
1) A fasting blood glucose level of 6.1 mm to 6.9 mm and a two hour glucose tolerance test of 7.8 mm to 11.0 mm (with a fasting blood glucose < 6.1mm)
OR
2) A glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between 5.7 percent and 6.4 percent
OR
3) Levels above these limits
Note many healthcare professionals interpret these first two criteria as prediabetes and blood glucose levels above these limits are considered diabetes (World Health Organization). An SDA applicant with any of these specific lab results should be captured within the diabetes category.
For more information regarding the SDA program please visit: Special Diet Allowance Program
For more information about prediabetes please visit:
Prediabetes Fact Sheet
For more information about how the Canadian Diabetes Association is advocating
for people living with diabetes and prediabetes and find additional recommendations made to government, please visit diabetes.ca/dpr.
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