Diabetes is a Complex Health Problem
requiring the support of both the private and public sectors. Statistics indicate that the increase in child obesity is linked to increases in diabetes. Therefore the demand for support will increase as this deadly disease continues to grow.

Currently $13 Billion
is spent in Canada on treating people with diabetes and its complications. A child with diabetes can incur medical costs that are 2-5 times higher than those without diabetes - due to more frequent medical visits, and the purchase of supplies and medication. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death by disease in Canada, and at this time there is no cure.

The Services Provided by Diabetes Hope Foundation
are unique, and are targeted to children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years old who are living with diabetes.

For Low Income Families
and those without extended health coverage or 3rd party insurance as well as new immigrant families without health coverage the added costs associated with diabetes treatment can be staggering. Families in these circumstances can be expected to pay between $2,500 and $10,000 per year, per child for diabetes treatment - this includes purchase of insulin, testing strips, needles and insulin pumps - all of which are not covered by OHIP. Each testing strip costs $1.00 - blood testing may be required anywhere from three to six times per day.

The Founder and Chair of Diabetes Hope Foundation,
Barbara Pasternak has three children, two of whom live with type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. She established the organization to respond to a pressing need to improve and enhance the quality of life for children and adolescents living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes by supporting their education, their self-management and their future independence.