Diabetes Canada Launches Campaign to Combat Harmful Myths and Misinformation

As Diabetes Canada confronts widespread stigma this November, a troubling national survey reveals nearly half of Canadians incorrectly believe diabetes is caused by excessive sugar consumption, while 30% place blame solely on patients themselves for developing the condition.

The organization has launched a new campaign during Diabetes Awareness Month to challenge harmful myths affecting the more than four million Canadians diagnosed with diabetes. According to research conducted by Nanos, misinformation remains deeply entrenched in public perception, creating additional burdens for those managing this complex chronic condition.

“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,” explains Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada.

The survey highlights several concerning misconceptions: over two-thirds of Canadians (61%) attribute diabetes primarily to lifestyle choices, poor diet, or weight issues, while 52% believe the condition limits a person’s job capabilities. Perhaps most concerning, 40% of respondents believe that people with type 2 diabetes who require medications like insulin or semaglutides have somehow failed to properly manage their condition.

These attitudes create real-world consequences that extend beyond mere inconvenience. They reinforce shame and judgment that can significantly impact the mental health and wellbeing of people with diabetes, potentially affecting their willingness to seek treatment or openly discuss their condition.

The stigma appears particularly pronounced in educational settings. Diabetes Canada is highlighting how children with diabetes face discrimination at school due to inconsistent standards of care. Throughout most of Canada, support systems for students with diabetes remain fragmented and unreliable, creating dangerous gaps in care that families must struggle to fill.

“No child should be stigmatized or denied safety and a fair education due to diabetes,” said Glenn Thibeault, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Advocacy and Policy. “This is a failure of policy, and we must do better.”

Scott MacMillan, whose daughter Rosemary lives with diabetes in New Brunswick, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “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.”

The impact extends beyond immediate safety concerns. When proper supports aren’t available, children experience isolation and unequal access to education, while their long-term health remains at risk.

The organization’s “Stop the Stigma” campaign aims to correct these misconceptions through education and advocacy. Diabetes Canada is encouraging all Canadians to learn the facts, challenge harmful beliefs, and stand in solidarity with the diabetes community by visiting diabetes.ca/stopthestigma.

The initiative comes at a time when diabetes rates continue to rise across Canada, creating an urgent need for better public understanding of the condition. Health experts emphasize that diabetes is a complex condition with multiple causes, including genetics, environmental factors, and in some cases, lifestyle elements—but never simply a result of personal failure.

Diabetes Canada continues to advocate for improved policies, particularly standardized care protocols in schools that would ensure all students with diabetes receive consistent, reliable support regardless of where they live. The organization also works to provide resources to healthcare professionals, fund research for improved treatments, and ultimately find a cure.

As Diabetes Awareness Month progresses, the organization hopes these efforts will help transform public perception and reduce the added burden of stigma faced by millions of Canadians living with this challenging condition.