Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by high levels of blood sugar, and develops when the body cannot produce enough or properly use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas that allows the body to use glucose (sugar) for energy.

Without insulin, sugar stays in the blood instead of going into the cells to make energy. Long-term effects can include heart disease, stroke or blindness, kidney failure, reduced sensation or ulcers in the legs and feet.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is not preventable and most commonly targets children or adolescents. In this form of diabetes, the pancreas is not able to supply the body with the insulin it needs. As a result, people with type 1 must inject themselves with insulin every day.
Type 2 Diabetes
Results from insulin resistance where the body cannot use the insulin it produces, or from an insulin deficiency where the body does not produce enough insulin for glucose to be used by body cells. It accounts for about 90 per cent of all diabetes and can be delayed or prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, healthy eating and regular exercise.
  • Can develop after age 40
  • Is increasingly occurring in children
  • Life expectancy for people with type 2 is shortened by 5 to 10 years.
Diabetes Services in Ottawa and the Champlain Local Health Integrated Network

Over nine million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes. Chances are diabetes affects you or someone you know. For more information on types of diabetes, risk factors and signs and symptoms of diabetes, please visit The Canadian Diabetes Association website.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes by your health care professional and require information on diabetes education programs, foot care services, eye care services, self-management support and financial assistance.  Please visit The Champlain Diabetes Services website.
CHEO Diabetes Clinic Services

The Clinic provides specialized care to children who have type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. The clinic provides an insulin pump program, individual or group education sessions, and transition to adult care information sessions.

How to make an appointment
  • Physician referral is preferred. Self-referrals are accepted.
  • Transfers from other centres are accepted but require a written referral from community agencies (i.e. CCAC, etc.).

Mail or fax the referrals form to:
Diabetes Clinic, CHEO
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1
Fax: 613-738-4236

More information on diabetes:

Canadian Diabetes Association
Health Canada
Gestational Diabetes
Dietitians of Canada
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating

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