Diabetes: Power in knowledge

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Learn about the types of diabetes
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Explore well-being
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Diabetes doesn't stand still and neither do you. It's a chronic condition that impacts how your body turns food 
into energy.

According to Diabetes Canada, 4 million people live with Diabetes (10% of the population). Learn how to actively manage your diabetes with medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
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KNOW THE TYPES

Understanding the three
major types of diabetes

How your diabetes is managed may depend on the type of diabetes you are diagnosed with.
Knowing the type helps ensure correct care and empowers self-management, risk awareness,
and understanding of complications.
Learn about the differences:
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Learn about the differences:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes
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Type 1 diabetes

  • Who develops it: The body can't make insulin or makes very little insulin
  • Who gets it: Often starts in kids or teens, but can also develop in adulthood
  • Risk factors: Linked to family history and environmental factors
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Type 2 diabetes

  • What it is: The body doesn't use insulin well or it may not make enough of it over time
  • Who develops it: Although more common in adults, kids can also develop type 2 diabetes
  • Risk factors: Often linked to family history, lifestyle or environment factors
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Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy, even without a prior diabetes diagnosis.
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DIABETES SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary from
person to person

Approximately, 4 million Canadians live
with diabetes and a new diagnosis occurs every 3 minutes.

Some are noticeable and severe while
others are less noticeable and milder. Below are some examples of symptoms.

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Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
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Are very thirsty
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Lose weight without trying, or gain weight
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Have blurry vision
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Are very hungry
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Feel very tired
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Experiencing symptoms? Find care

Get care
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Diabetes is not a lifestyle choice

There are many people living with diabetes who experience negative attitudes and judgment.

Diabetes is a condition that changes over time. Even if you’re doing everything right, your blood sugar can still go up and down. Managing diabetes takes work every day. Work like checking your blood sugar levels, taking medicine on time, being prepared, and dealing with costs.

It’s not easy, but you’re not alone. Every healthy choice you make is a step in the right direction.

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4 common misconceptions about diabetes

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DIABETES DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing diabetes
typically starts with
measuring blood sugar
levels

What is A1C?

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The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. The higher your blood sugar or A1C level, the higher your risk of developing problems related to diabetes. Your doctor will tell you how often to get the A1C test. Usually, it's at least twice a year if you're meeting your treatment goals. A1C should be measured at least every 3 months when glycemic targets are not being met and when diabetes therapy is being adjusted or changed. Testing at 6-month intervals may be considered in situations where glycemic targets are consistently achieved.
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Understand the numbers

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The A1C test shows your blood sugar levels as a percentage. It tells you how much sugar has been sticking to your blood cells over the past few months. A higher percentage means your blood sugar has been too high for a while, which isn't good for your health. Most non-pregnant adults with type 2 diabetes should try to keep their A1C below 7%, according to the Diabetes Canada guidelines, but your doctor will help you set the right goal for you.
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TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Find a healthcare
professional

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Find independent in-person care

EMPOWER Health is an independent search tool. Search for care by what matters most to you.
Search now
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TREATMENT AND TRIALS

Diabetes doesn’t stand still, and neither do we

Managing diabetes often involves changes to your lifestyle and taking medicine. It's important to work with your healthcare team to find the best plan for you.
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WELL-BEING

Health is more than
a prescription

Taking your medicine is important and so is taking care of your overall health. That's why Lilly's well-being library has science-backed resources on sleep, food, movement, connection, and stress management for those living with diabetes.
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All Pillars
All Pillars
All Pillars
Connection
Connection
Food
Food
Movement
Movement
Sleep
Sleep
Stress Management
Stress Management
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PP-LLY-CA-0030 04/2026 © 2026, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
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