Nevertheless, diabetes remains a difficult and dangerous condition that makes major demands on those affected by it. Through its provincial divisions and community branches, the CDA offers extensive, direct support and services to people with diabetes. Each year, almost one thousand children attend special summer camps across Canada for children with diabetes. In communities across the country, the CDA runs special centres that stock and sell diabetes-related supplies. The centres give people with diabetes the advantage of easy access to the supplies they need in a single, non-commercial environment with knowledgeable store staff available to lend a hand.
Some people suffer greater rates of diabetes and related disabilities than others.
In Canada those at greater risk include people of First Nations Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit descent, seniors, and those living in rural or remote areas. The CDA is initiating a special outreach program to reach and support Canadians at highest risk. The CDA vigorously promotes the position that people with diabetes should be judged on their individual merits, like anyone else. The recent establishment of the CDA's public affairs office in Ottawa marked the beginning of an intensive five-year advocacy campaign. A number of key issues have been targeted for the near future.