According to Diabetes Canada, almost 1 in 3 Canadians — nearly 12 million people — are living with diabetes, prediabetes, or remain undiagnosed. That number is projected to climb to more than 14 million within the next decade.
The challenge with diabetes is that it often develops silently, without uniquely obvious symptoms. By the time people are diagnosed, serious complications may already be underway.
The burden isn’t just personal. Diabetes cost Canada’s health care system $18.25 billion in 2024, a figure expected to rise sharply alongside growing rates of the disease.
Who’s most at risk?
Some Canadians face a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. South Asian, African, Arab, Asian, Caribbean, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations are almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Similarly, being over 40, physically inactive, or living with high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or obesity, also pose higher risks. Finally, social factors including lower income and education levels are also linked to increased risks of diabetes.
Why early detection matters
An early diagnosis can make all the difference. That’s why Dynacare and Diabetes Canada are once again partnering this November for #Dynacare4Diabetes, a campaign bringing free awareness and testing clinics to communities across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as part of Diabetes Awareness Month.
“Far too many Canadians are living with diabetes and don’t know it. Our goal is to remove barriers to testing and help people take charge of their health before serious complications set in,” says Vito Ciciretto, CEO of Dynacare. “Through this campaign, we want to make early detection easier and more accessible for everyone.”
With timely treatment and lifestyle changes, people can reduce or even delay serious complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, amputation or more severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19.
How to access #Dynacare4Diabetes Free A1C testing
From November 1 to November 30, 2025, residents can access free A1C tests at participating Greater Toronto Area Dynacare Laboratory and Health Services Centres and mobile clinics. Dynacare is donating $15,000 to Diabetes Canada to further their initiatives that support those living with diabetes. This initiative is fully funded by Dynacare, meaning there’s no cost to Ontario’s health system or to patients.
What is a diabetes A1C test?
The diabetes A1C test is a simple blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Doctors use this test to detect prediabetes and diabetes early, when intervention is most effective.
The process takes about five to 10 minutes and can be done at any time, regardless of when you last ate. Results are usually available within 48 hours and for those with a positive critical result, the Dynacare campaign doctor will contact them to suggest next steps and recommend a visit with their healthcare provider.
Upcoming special clinics
Dynacare and Diabetes Canada are hosting mobile clinics with free A1C testing and educational resources:
- Oct. 25 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Apostolic Pentecostal Church (APC), Pickering
- Nov. 4 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Jamaican Canadian Association Centre, Toronto
Participants in the mobile clinics will also receive a free one-year subscription to Dynacare Plus, a digital health app to track test results and monitor progress over time.
Take charge of your health today
If you’ve never been tested or aren’t sure of your risk, visit www.diabetes.ca to learn more. Watch for symptoms of diabetes including excessive thirst, frequent urination, sudden weight changes, blurred vision or tingling in hands or feet.
Everyone over 40 should get tested every three years. Knowing your risk today could protect your health tomorrow.
For clinic details, visit www.dynacare.ca/dynacare4diabetes.
