Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children and youth. Type 1 diabetes, the primary form of the disease in children, has been rising globally and is occurring much earlier in life. Over the past two decades, type 2 diabetes—once seen as an adult disease—has also increased among children in Canada and worldwide. Diabetes during pregnancy, which heightens the risk of developing type 2 diabetes for both the mother and the child, has also been increasing steadily.

Early onset of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes heightens the risk of serious complications, including kidney disease, blindness, and amputations. Once diagnosed, children and youth must manage the disease throughout their lives.

Despite important progress, diabetes remains an epidemic. Over 11 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes, and rates continue to rise. Type 2 diabetes in Indigenous youth is now recognized as the fastest-growing pediatric chronic disease worldwide, with First Nations individuals facing an 80% lifetime risk by age 20.

A Legacy of Support

The Lawson Foundation has a long history of supporting diabetes prevention, management, and research. Since the 1970s, the Foundation has invested in numerous community-based projects, including the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project and the endowment of the Helen and Frances Lawson Chair in Diabetes Research. Over the years, we’ve funded various initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of diabetes, especially in underserved populations. Our commitment to addressing the diabetes epidemic continues to evolve and build on this legacy of support.

Our Strategic Approach & Current Focus

In 2015, the Lawson Foundation renewed its focus on the healthy development of children and youth, launching the Child & Youth Diabetes Strategy (CYDS) to address the growing challenge of diabetes among children and families. Early initiatives prioritized community-based interventions in high-risk populations, including Indigenous communities.

By 2021, in response to the disproportionate impact of diabetes in northern and remote Indigenous communities, the Lawson Foundation convened a group of experts to further refine the strategy. Guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and leadership, the Foundation committed to a 10-year journey, centring our efforts on prevention, maternal and perinatal health, and supporting Indigenous-led projects that address health inequities in these regions.

• CYDS Second Phase Initial Cohort Investment: The Foundation has made an initial investment of over $3 million in ten projects aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes and reducing health disparities in northern and remote communities.

• CYDS Second Phase Small Grants: The Foundation has also granted smaller amounts to projects and programs outside of the cohort who are doing significant wholistic community-based work in diabetes prevention and management.

• Virtual Learning and Connecting Series: Since April 2023, the Lawson Foundation has hosted events as part of the CYDS, featuring expert speakers on topics related to health and Indigenous communities.

For more information on the Child and Youth Diabetes Strategy, please connect with Jeff LaPlante.