TORONTO, Ont. – More than 10 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes and 20 Canadians are diagnosed with diabetes every hour. That’s why the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) joins the international community in recognizing World Diabetes Day on November 14, an official United Nations day.

“In Canada, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions,” says Rick Blickstead, President and CEO of the CDA. “World Diabetes Day reminds us of the impact this disease has on the health and well-being of people living with diabetes. Diabetes is the cause of 30 per cent of strokes, 40 per cent of heart attacks, 50 per cent of kidney failure requiring dialysis and 70 per cent of non-traumatic amputations, as well as being a leading cause of amputations and blindness. We need to get ahead of this crisis with education, research, improved treatments, and prevention. The CDA is working on each of these fronts to support the health of Canadians.”

November 14 is also a day to acknowledge the incredible contribution of our very own Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin. Held on his birthday, World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to look at his legacy.

“Banting is a unique figure in Canadian history. His idea led to the discovery that changed the world. Before insulin, diabetes was a death sentence. While insulin is not a cure, it has helped millions of people around the world to live longer, healthier lives,” says Grant Maltman, curator of the Banting House National Historic Site of Canada, CDA. “The CDA is a proud steward of the birthplace of insulin, where people from around the world come to pay their respects, keep Banting’s spirit alive and recognize our work in helping people affected by diabetes while searching for a cure.”

Throughout Canada, monuments will be lit up in blue to recognize World Diabetes Day and community events will happen throughout the country. You can learn more about some of these events on our website.

About the CDA
The CDA is the registered national charity that helps the more than 10 million Canadians with diabetes or prediabetes live healthy lives, and educates those at risk. In communities across Canada, the CDA:

• offers a wide array of support services to members of the public;
• offers resources to health-care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
• advocates to governments, schools, workplaces and others on behalf of people with diabetes; and,
• funds research on better treatments and to find a cure.

For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).