Why do we need to Change the Conversation around diabetes?
Diabetes stigma is real, and it’s harmful.
The way we talk about diabetes shapes how people feel, how they are treated, and whether they get the support they need.
Too often, conversations about diabetes include blame, judgment, or misinformation - leading to stigma, unfair attitudes and stereotypes that harm people living with diabetes.
How do we know?
In our Social Experiences of Living with Diabetes in Canada report (2024), we found that:
People have experienced blame or shame for having diabetes.
People have experienced diabetes distress.
People with diabetes have been treated differently because of their diabetes.
People never or rarely ask for support to help manage their diabetes when they need it.
Why is stigma so harmful?
Unfortunately, myths, misinformation, and stigma around diabetes exist in our healthcare, school, workplace and government systems.
It harms mental health and makes diabetes harder to manage, leading to worse health outcomes for people living with diabetes.
It shapes negative experiences in healthcare, workplaces, and communities, affecting participation in everyday life.
It deepens inequities in access to and affordability of care.
It wrongly frames diabetes as a personal failure instead of a shared societal responsibility to reshape public understanding and normalize life with diabetes.
Hear from people living with diabetes:
How do we Change the Conversation?
As part of our strategic priorities, Diabetes Canada and our partners aim to change the values, belief and language around diabetes through our Change the Conversation initiative.
Change the Conversation elevates the lived experiences of people with diabetes to mobilize knowledge and innovative programs that change how Canadians perceive, communicate, and act on diabetes.
Our goal?
To create a more inclusive world where people with diabetes feel safe to share their condition, get the care they need, and enjoy their lives fully.
How are we driving change?
From Conversation to Global Action on Diabetes Stigma
As part of its commitment to reducing diabetes stigma, Diabetes Canada has signed the International Pledge to End Diabetes Stigma, joining thousands of individuals and organizations working worldwide to challenge stigma and discrimination faced by people living with diabetes.
Diabetes Canada is also joining the Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma to share insights and apply learnings from Change the Conversation, helping move from awareness toward real-world change.
Discover how we’re engaging at the Summit:
Share your perspectives and join Diabetes Canada in our efforts to Change the Conversation around diabetes.
This survey takes 3–5 minutes and is anonymous unless you choose to provide your contact information.
Participation is voluntary. By completing the survey, you consent to Diabetes Canada using your responses to improve our programs, services, and initiatives. Your personal information will not be shared with third parties, except affiliates providing services on our behalf. For details, see our Privacy Policy.
If you provide your contact information, you consent to being contacted by Diabetes Canada about our work.