The rights of people living with diabetes

All people living with diabetes in Canada should have the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life. However, many face discrimination, stigma and unfair treatment.

Diabetes Canada actively advocates on behalf of people living with the disease. We invite you to join our efforts to ensure that people who live with diabetes are treated with dignity and respect and have equitable access to high-quality care and supports.

Learn about your rights so that you can stand up for and protect yourself from discrimination and unfair treatment.

Managing the cost of & access to care

People with diabetes face many barriers to accessing treatments that are not covered by provincial or private health-care plans. The treatments, services and supplies required to manage diabetes also create an unfair financial burden on those living with the disease.

Financial assistance

Learn which government and community financial assistance is available to you.
Tax credits

You may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
Insurance

Find out how diabetes may affect insurance coverage and costs.
Access to medications, supplies & devices

You should be able to access medication and treatments but coverage varies by government.

Your right to care everywhere

People with diabetes have the right to receive care that promotes the highest quality of life regardless of the setting, whether in public, hospital or other institutional settings.

Self-care in public places

People with diabetes must be allowed to do what's necessary to manage their blood sugar.
Hospital stays

What to expect and ask when hospitalized.
Care in institutional settings

Long-term care, correctional facility and group home residents deserve quality care.
Kids with diabetes & education

Learn the responsibilities of parents/caregivers, school staff and students with diabetes.
Air travel

How to travel with diabetes supplies and what to keep in mind at airport security.
Driving

You have the right to be tested for a licence to drive a vehicle on an individual basis.
Employment discrimination

People with diabetes should be eligible for any job for which they are qualified.

Be your own best advocate

By letting others know how they feel about issues that affect their lives, advocates can educate the public and help make changes to the way they are treated or how something is done.

Self-advocacy

If you live with diabetes, you have the right to speak up for yourself and others.

Advocate for rights

With your support, we speak out about the challenges Canadians living with or at risk of diabetes face.

Become an advocate

Volunteer with us

Help Diabetes Canada make a difference in the lives of the 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.

Apply today

Donate

Help us fund campaigns, research and projects that change lives and get us one step closer to End Diabetes.

Donate now