diabetes statistics canada: prevalence, impact and resources (2026 update)
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diabetes cases are trending in the wrong direction in canada, as they are across most of the world. it is estimated that the number of cases of diabetes in the country will rise to 14.1 million by the year 2034.
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close to 12 million people live with diabetes in canada, and that number is expected to rise to over 14 million by 2034. the number of people who suffer from some form of diabetes in canada is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade.
this silent epidemic, which currently affects an estimated nine per cent of the canadian population, is a leading cause of death and disability in canada.
diabetes stats in canada
- nearly 12 million canadians are living with diabetes, a number that’s expected to rise to over 14 million by 2034.
- type 2 diabetes accounts for roughly 90 per cent of cases, with the other main types accounting for the rest.
- people living with diabetes contend with higher kidney disease, stroke, limb amputation, blindness, and cardiovascular disease risk at rates of 30 to 70 per cent.
- the most notable risk factors for diabetes include ethnicity, with indigenous, south asian, black, arab/west asian, east/southeast asian, and latin american having the highest prevalence rates, as well as those living with overweight or obesity, those at a lower income or education level, or those who live sedentary lifestyles.
what is diabetes?
diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when there is too much sugar (or glucose) in the blood. typically, the pancreas produces a hormone known as insulin that helps move glucose from the blood into the body’s cells where it is used an energy source.
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when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body is unable to use this insulin properly, blood sugar levels get too high, which can lead to serious health issues.
signs and symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the amount of glucose in the blood, but they typically include:
- frequent urination
- intense thirst
- weight changes
- fatigue/weakness
- irritability and mood swings
- blurry vision
- frequent infections
- slow wound healing
- tingling in the extremities
- erectile dysfunction
diabetes can also lead to complications, some of which are associated with an early death among canadians. in fact, the disease is thought to reduce the lifespan of patients by five to 15 years.
people who have been diagnosed with diabetes have higher risks for developing several chronic diseases and ailments at much higher rates, contributing to:
- 40 per cent of all cardiovascular disease
- 50 per cent of all kidney failures requiring dialysis, or end-stage renal disease
- 30 per cent of all strokes
- 70 per cent of all non-traumatic limb amputations
diabetes is also a leading cause of blindness in canada.
because of these diabetes complications, diabetes canada recommends that people over the age of 40 get tested for the disease every three years. research has shown that only half of canadians who are this age or older have had their doctor raise the issue with them.
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there are several forms of diabetes, including:
- type 1 diabetes: an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, resulting in reduced insulin production.
- type 2 diabetes: occurs in 90 per cent of cases and develops when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin or the body fails to use the insulin it produces, known as insulin resistance, effectively to maintain blood glucose levels.
- prediabetes: a condition where blood sugar levels are high but not yet high enough to reach a diabetes diagnosis. this form can lead to type 2 diabetes, but can also be reversed through adequate intervention.
- gestational diabetes: gestational diabetes is a form of the disease that occurs in around 20 per cent of pregnant women. gestational diabetes is temporary, but it can increase the risk of a mother or child developing diabetes at some point in their lives.
how many canadians have diabetes?
diabetes has a high prevalence in canada. according to diabetes canada:
- nearly 12 million people are currently living with type 1, type 2 or prediabetes
- that number is expected to grow to 14 million by 2034
- according to the public health agency of canada, new cases arise at a rate of 200,000 per year.
- prevalence rates rise with age, with the highest rates of diabetes found in people 65 and older
- it affects men and women differently, with men 1.5 times more likely to develop diabetes.
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certain groups face a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than others, including those of african, arab, asian, hispanic, south asian or indigenous descent. the diabetes prevalence rates by group are:
- south asian: 16 per cent
- black: 13.3 per cent
- arab/west asian: 12.5 per cent
- east/southeast asian: 8.8 per cent
- latin american: 5.7 per cent
the indigenous communities’ diabetes rates are particularly high, with people in these communities developing diabetes at rates of 17.2 per cent for those living on reserve, and 10.3 per cent living off reserve.
other groups with higher diabetes risk rates include:
- people living with overweight or obesity at rates of six to 10 times higher
- those at a lower income or education level, at rates of 2.1 and 1.9 times, respectively, when compared to people at higher income and higher education levels
- those who live sedentary lifestyles have a 112 per cent increased risk of developing diabetes compared to those who are more active
as of 2024, newfoundland and labrador has the highest rates of adults diagnosed with diabetes, accounting for 12.4 per cent of cases in canada. rates in the remaining provinces are:
- new brunswick: 11.8 per cent
- saskatchewan: 10.2 per cent
- manitoba: 9.6 per cent
- ontario: 9.3 per cent
- nova scotia: 9.2 per cent
- quebec: 9.2 per cent
- prince edward island: 8.6 per cent
- alberta: 7.6 per cent
- british columbia: 7.1 per cent
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increased risk of mental health declines is also present in people living with diabetes. it has been estimated that around 30 per cent of people living with diabetes have clinically relevant depressive symptoms; this may be related to the stress of managing their condition.
the cost of diabetes in canada
the canadian healthcare system costs associated with treating diabetes are significant, sitting at roughly $27 billion in 2018. it’s estimated that number could surpass $39 billion by 2028.
however, the costs of diabetes in canada don’t just fall on the government. there are many out-of-pocket costs that people living with the disease have to contend with, according to the 2022 diabetes and diabetes-related out-of-pocket costs report by diabetes canada.
combining type 1 and type 2 diabetes, out-of-pocket costs are just short of $30,000 per year, per person, with drugs being the primary driver of expenditures. roughly 3 per cent of a person’s yearly income will go toward medications if they have diabetes.
resources and support for people living with diabetes
diabetes canada offers information about the disease, including what to expect, how to find support and the status of the latest research efforts toward finding a cure. it also has a variety of other available diabetes resources, including:
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- tools to help determine risk
- information and education surrounding chronic condition management
- stress management tips
- finding the correct lifestyle information to build meal plans to help manage diabetes
other organizations geared toward providing resources for people living with diabetes include:
- diabetes action canada
- jdrf canada
- national indigenous diabetes association (nida)
- diabetes care community
- diabetes quebec
- the alberta diabetes association
the future of diabetes in canada
diabetes cases are trending in the wrong direction in canada, as they are across most of the world. it is estimated that the number of cases of diabetes in the country will rise to 14.1 million by the year 2034.
the primary risk factor for the disease is high body mass index (bmi), as bmi and diabetes are often correlated, followed by dietary risks, environmental and occupational risks, tobacco and alcohol use and physical inactivity.
in february of 2024, the pharmcare act was introduced to ensure that various diabetes medications would be covered for people who develop the condition. the government had also established a device fund to make it easier for people to access diabetes supplies.
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diabetes research
it may one day be possible to predict who will develop type 1 diabetes by focusing on an altered set of proteins researchers believe can lay the groundwork for the autoimmune disease. although much more work remains, identifying a biomarker for diabetes would help doctors monitor the condition of patients — and perhaps even intervene — before symptoms have a chance to appear.
other research has found that an extract from dahlia flower petals contains a molecule that can stabilize the blood sugar levels of diabetes patients by inhibiting brain inflammation caused by the “excessive consumption of a western diet.” in a randomized trial, researchers found this extract significantly improved blood sugar regulation in patients.
the role of education in diabetes
education and awareness can both play a huge role in stemming the tide of type 2 diabetes because certain risk factors for the disease can be controlled by making simple lifestyle changes. these include maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising and consuming a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. for patients who have already been diagnosed with this form of diabetes, these lifestyle changes are still helpful in managing the disease and may reduce or postpone the need for medication.
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while new research and treatments offer continued hope that one day the disease will be a thing of the past, until then, preventing diabetes is a combination of an active and healthy life and keeping your doctor or health-care provider up-to-date on new symptoms and concerns.
frequently asked questions
is diabetes increasing in canada?
yes, diabetes cases are increasing in canada. it’s estimated that over 14 million people will have diabetes by 2034.
what is the leading cause of diabetes in canada?
the leading cause of diabetes in canada is the high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity.
can you prevent diabetes?
you can’t prevent all types of diabetes. that said, it is possible for some people to prevent type 2 diabetes through weight loss, lifestyle changes such as eating healthier foods and exercising more, while also managing other health conditions that can drive its onset.
this article was originally published july 18, 2023 and updated december 19, 2025.
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