Diabetes Canada and Walmart Canada partner to drive diabetes awareness and education, to help Canadians live better.
Throughout the year, the partnership will provide Canadians with education about diabetes and associated health risks through several digital initiatives, in-store support tools and resources through Walmart’s network of pharmacists and opticians, and through educational events, such as Walmart Wellness Days, that provide Canadians with access to screening for type 2 diabetes.
“At Diabetes Canada, we believe that partnerships help establish new ways of improving the quality of life of Canadians living with diabetes and create further opportunities to increase awareness,” said Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “By coming together and partnering on key initiatives, we can address the growing burden of diabetes in our communities and across the country.”
Today, 11.7 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes—a condition that, if left unmanaged, can develop into type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is known to reduce lifespan and people with the disease are more likely to be hospitalized for amputations, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and experience vision loss.
“Our mission at Walmart Canada is to help Canadians save money so that they can live better. Part of that mission includes providing our communities with greater access to education and tools to manage their overall wellness,” said Shelly Kiroff, senior vice president of Health and Wellness, Pharmacy, Walmart Canada. “Our opticians, pharmacists and network of certified diabetes educators, are well-positioned to play an integral role in diabetes management and prevention. We are thrilled to partner with Diabetes Canada to provide expanded access to screening for type 2 diabetes and education for both our customers and Walmart healthcare professionals.”
Canada has one of the highest rates of diabetes among developed countries, with someone being diagnosed every three minutes.
