Think You Know Diabetes? Half of Canadians Still Believe the Myths

Over 4 million Canadians live with diabetes. Not only do they face daily disease management and potentially complicated long-term health outcomes, but they also deal with a silent burden: stigma. This month, as we mark Diabetes Awareness Month, Diabetes Canada is launching a national campaign to challenge the myths and misinformation that fuel blame, shame-based attitudes, and judgement toward those living with diabetes.

What the Survey Revealed

Diabetes Canada commissioned a national survey by Nanos Research, which uncovered startling levels of misunderstanding among the general public:

• Nearly half (48 per cent) believe diabetes is caused simply by eating too much sugar.
• Around 61 per cent believe lifestyle choices, diet or being overweight are the main causes of diabetes.
• 30 per cent believe people who develop diabetes are entirely to blame for their condition.
• 52 per cent believe diabetes limits a person’s ability to do certain jobs.
• 40 per cent believe people with type 2 diabetes on medication (such as insulin or semaglutides) have failed to manage their condition properly.

These numbers highlight how deeply held myths continue to permeate how Canadians think about—and talk about—diabetes.

Why It Matters

For people living with diabetes, the consequences of stigma go far beyond hurt feelings.

Negative assumptions can lead to social isolation, reluctance to share one’s diagnosis, and avoidance of care or support. For children and youth with diabetes, the issue is especially critical: Diabetes Canada points out that support in schools is inconsistent across provinces, leaving children vulnerable to health emergencies and unfair treatment.

In the workplace, in social settings, and in family life, the burden of being judged or misunderstood adds to the already heavy load of managing a chronic condition.

As DC’s President & CEO, Laura Syron, puts it: “Myths and judgmental language add an unnecessary burden to an already demanding reality.”

What the Diabetes Canada Campaign Is Calling For

With its “Stop the Stigma” campaign, Diabetes Canada is urging Canadians to:

• Learn from facts: Visit Diabetes Canada’s resource hub and challenge your assumptions about diabetes.
• Use respectful language: Recognize that wording matters; “fault”-laden terms can reinforce blame and shame.
• Stand alongside the diabetes community: Whether you have diabetes or know someone who does, your attitudes and words count.
• Advocate for equitable care: Particularly in the school setting, DC emphasizes that children with diabetes deserve reliable support so they aren’t singled out or put at risk.

Why This Campaign Is Timely

Diabetes is not simply “caused” by sugar intake or lifestyle alone. As Diabetes Canada explains, diabetes is a complex chronic disease influenced by genetics, environment, metabolic factors and more.

The emotional and psychological impact of stigma is now recognised as a barrier to good health outcomes. When people feel ashamed, they may delay care or hide their condition.

With public awareness already high during Diabetes Awareness Month, the timing is ideal to shift narrative and behaviour among friends, family, schools, workplaces and society at large.

A Checklist for Health Insiders

If you have diabetes: recognise that the responsibility and effort of daily management is yours, but you are not at fault for having the condition. Reach out for support, speak up if you face stigma, and look for peer networks.

If you know someone with diabetes: check your assumptions. Ask yourself: Do I believe they “caused” it? Do I think they must “control” it perfectly? Offer empathy and ask how you can support.

In your workplace or community: watch your language. Avoid phrases like “they brought it on themselves” or “if they tried harder they wouldn’t need insulin”. Instead focus on support, resilience and understanding.

In schools (if you’re a parent, educator or policy-maker): ensure children with diabetes are treated equitably and have clear plans in place for care, supervision and emergencies.

In media and social circles: challenge simplistic narratives that reduce diabetes to “eat better, move more”. Amplify complexity—and the lived experience of people managing diabetes every day.

Stigma isn’t just a side-effect of diabetes—it’s an added obstacle in an already challenging path. By launching this campaign, Diabetes Canada has set a clear message: It’s time to change the conversation. The facts matter. So do words and attitudes.

~Read more from The Health Insider~

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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.