Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and youth. Type 1 diabetes, the main form of the disease in children, has been increasing around the world and is occurring much earlier in life. Type 2 diabetes, which used to be thought of as an adult disease, has been rising in Canada and globally in children and youth over the past two decades. Significant increases in overweight/obesity and physical inactivity are likely contributing to the growth of type 2 diabetes in children and youth. Diabetes during pregnancy, which heightens the risk of developing type 2 diabetes for both the mother and the child, has also been increasing steadily. The early onset of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increases the risk for related complications, such as kidney disease, blindness and amputations. Once diagnosed with diabetes, children and youth must manage the disease throughout their lives.

While important progress has been made on a number of fronts, diabetes continues to be an epidemic in Canada and around the world. Today, more than 11 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes – and rates are on the rise, with type 2 diabetes in Indigenous youth recognized as the fastest growing pediatric chronic disease world wide. For First Nations individuals at 20 years of age in Canada, the lifetime risk of diabetes is up to 80%.

Our Strategic Approach

The Lawson Foundation has a long history of supporting work in diabetes. Learn more about our approach and the evolution of our strategy below.