1 in 4 Canadians with diabetes experience significant emotional distress and 1 in 6 report feelings of discrimination

Results from the global Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs 2 study (DAWN2TM) show that 28 per cent of Canadians living with diabetes have experienced significant emotional distress and 15 per cent have felt discriminated against due to their disease. Results from the DAWN2TM study were presented today at the 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). DAWN2TM represents opinions from more than 15,000 people living with, or caring for people with diabetes in 17 countries across four continents. The study assessed a wide range of psychosocial indicators of diabetes care, including discrimination and the impact it has on a person’s emotional wellbeing. Key Canadian results from the DAWN2TM study include: More than 12 per cent of Canadians with diabetes had possible depression. Twenty-seven per cent of family members reported a significant burden on the family related to diabetes. Eighty-nine per cent of Canadian respondents living with diabetes had attended a diabetes education program or activity. More than 35 per cent of family members had ever attended a diabetes education program or activity. DAWN2TM will help stimulate much-needed discussion between healthcare providers, patients and their families, and lead to significant improvements in the management of diabetes.