Diabetes remains a major public health issue in Canada, with over 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes. As this number continues to rise, it’s essential to focus on prevention and management strategies. One of the most effective tools at our disposal is exercise. As we observe Diabetes Awareness Month this November, it’s a powerful opportunity to consider how the fitness industry can contribute to preventing diabetes, supporting Canadians living with diabetes, and potentially reducing the overall burden on our healthcare system through the power of exercise.
Diabetes Statistics: A Growing Concern
In Canada, one in ten people are living with diabetes, and, according to Diabetes Canada, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes. Individuals living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression. Type 1 diabetes affects about 10 percent of the population, while the remaining 90 percent are living with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, millions of Canadians have prediabetes, where elevated blood sugar levels could lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes if not managed effectively.