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Manage Your Health with Our HealthBites - HealthBites for Diabetes Resource Hub
- Calcium: An Essential Nutrient For Your Bone Health
- How To Manage Your Cholesterol Levels
- How To Prevent And Treat Constipation
- How To Manage Your Diet and Health When You Have Diabetes
- How To Manage Diarrhea
- High Blood Pressure and Food Choices
- Everything You Need To Know About Probiotics
- What You Need To Know About Vitamin B12
- How To Manage Gas and Bloating
- Heartburn Relief
- Solutions To Manage Dry Mouth
- Celiac Disease: Gluten-Free Diet
- Osteoporosis Prevention: Keeping Your Bones Healthy
- The Importance of Vitamin C
- What You Need to Know About Folate
- What You Need To Know About Iron
- What You Need To Know About Potassium
- What You Need To Know About Magnesium
- What You Need To Know About Zinc
- What You Need To Know About Vitamin K
- All About Vitamin D
TopHealthBites for Diabetes Resource Hub
1. Financial Support
Living with diabetes in Ontario can be financially challenging due to medication, supply, and medical care costs, but provincial resources provide some financial support for these expenses, ensuring individuals can focus on their health without financial strain.
You might be eligible to receive financial support for the following:
- Prescription and other related diabetes expenses
- Diabetic equipment and supplies
- Tax credit or deduction from CRA
- Scholarships
i) For prescriptions and other related diabetes health expenses:
| Phone Number | Eligibility | Coverage | Apply /Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) | 416 314 5518 or 1 866 532 3161 | All seniors aged 65+, children/youth aged 24 or younger without private insurance coverage. | Most prescription drugs, some blood glucose test strips. | No application required; show your health card at any pharmacy. www.ontario.ca/page/get-coverage-prescription-drugs |
| Trillium Drug Program | 416 642 3038 | Anyone with an Ontario Health Number can apply. Deductible is based on income. Supports individuals with excessive drug costs and/or no other insurance coverage. | Same as ODB. | https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-help-high-prescription-drug-costs |
| Veteran Affairs Canada – Healthcare Benefits Program | 1 866 522 2122 | Veterans, retired Canadian Forces, and retired RCMP members receiving disability or income support benefits. | Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, diabetes supplies, prescription eyeglasses, and some dental care services. | http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/treatment-benefits/poc |
| Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)-First Nations and Innuit Health Branch | 1 800 640 0642 | Canadian residents who are:
| Prescription medicines, diabetes supplies, prescription eyeglasses, and some dental care services. | https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1572537161086/1572537234517 |
| Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program | 416 338 8888 | For individuals or families who qualify for provincial support programs based on financial need. | Assistance with prescription medicines and blood glucose test strips, diabetes supplies (such as syringes, insulin needles, lancets), special diet needs for specific health problems like diabetes, transportation to medical appointments, prescription eye glasses and basic dental care. (Hardship Fund or Medical Benefit Fund within the program: May help pay for special health-related items such as foot orthotics.) | www.mcss.gov.on.ca |
ii) Financial support for diabetic equipment and supplies:
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program
What is covered?
Insulin pumps and supplies such as infusion sets and cannulas.
Who is covered?
- Individuals living with Type 1 diabetes not having success with multiple daily insulin injections are eligible for insulin pumps and supplies.
- Individuals living with Type 1 diabetes who meet the specific medical eligibility criteria can receive coverage for real-time continuous glucose monitoring systems
Insulin Syringes for Seniors Program
Tel: 416-327-8804 or Toll-Free: 1-800-268-6021
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-support-for-diabetes-equipment-and-supplies
Who is covered?
Seniors aged 65 and older who use insulin daily are eligible to receive an annual payment through the Insulin Syringes for Seniors Program.
To apply, you must:
- Have an Ontario Health card (OHIP)
- Use needles or syringes for insulin daily
Ontario Monitoring for Health Program Claim Form (Diabetes Canada)
Tel: 416-363-0177 Toll-free: 1-800-361-0796
Who is covered?
Individuals using insulin to manage their diabetes or have gestational diabetes.
To claim your diabetes testing supplies, you must:
- Be an Ontario resident with a valid health card
- Have no other coverage for the diabetes testing supplies being claimed
What is covered?
- Blood Glucose Test Strips and Lancet (75% reimbursement, up to a maximum of $920 per year)
- Blood Glucose Meter (75% reimbursement, up to a maximum of $75, once every 5 years)
- Talking Blood Glucose Meter* (75% reimbursement, up to a maximum of $300, once every 5 years)
*For visually impaired claimants only, letter from doctor required
iii) Canada Revenue Agency
Tax Credits and Deductions for People with Disabilities
Toll free: 1 800 959 8281
Who is eligible?
- The government of Canada offers tax credit DTC for patients requiring therapy to support a vital function necessary for life. E.g., insulin therapy. You may be able to claim medical costs to pay less income tax. For more information call the number above or visit the website.
iv) Scholarships
The Diabetes Hope Foundation offers a scholarship program to youth with type 1 diabetes. It is a combined merit and needs-based scholarship that honors the resilience of youth with type 1 diabetes.
https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/
2. Diabetes Health Information
There are many online resources available that offer a wealth of information to support your journey:
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Diabetes
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/diabetes.html - Government of Ontario, Health and Wellness, Preventing and Living with Diabetes
https://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-living-diabetes - Diabetes Canada
https://www.diabetes.ca - Diabetes Care Community
https://www.diabetescarecommunity.ca - Beyond Type 2 Canada
https://ca.beyondtype2.org - JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
https://jdrf.ca/ - Diabetes Advocacy
https://www.diabetesadvocacy.com/
Diagnostics and Blood Glucose Monitoring:
- Ascensia Diabetes Care
https://www.ascensiadiabetes.ca - Roche Diabetes Care
https://www.accu-chek.ca - One Touch
https://www.onetouch.com - Time In Range Coalition
https://www.timeinrange.org/ - Freestyle Libre
https://www.freestyle.abbott/ca-en/home.html - Dexcom Canada
https://www.dexcom.com/en-ca - Medtronic
https://www.medtronic.com/ca-en/your-health.html - Embecta
https://www.embecta.com/ca/en-ca
Diabetes Education Program
- Ontario Ministry of Health - https://www.ontario.ca/page/diabetes-education-program.
If you're 18 or older, you may be able to access a Diabetes Education Program free of charge. Diabetic Nurse Educators and Registered Dietitians can help you create plans to manage your diabetes and prevent or delay complications. You'll also learn self-management skills from healthcare professionals.
3. Mental Health Support
For emotional and mental health support resources for individuals with diabetes in Ontario, a social worker or other mental health professional can help through one-on-one counseling. Don’t hesitate to access help if you are finding it difficult and stressful to live with diabetes, or if you have any concerns about family, relationships, and finances.
The following resources can help you find the services you need:
- Mental Health Helpline Tel: 1 866 531 2600
https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/ - Mental Health + Diabetes Directory
https://directory.jdrf.ca/ - Canadian Mental Health Association Tel: 416 977 5580
https://cmhato.org/ - Findhelp Information Services Tel: just dial 211
https://211central.ca/
4. Nutrition and Diabetes
Nutrition and food management play a vital role in the effective management of diabetes, as they help maintain blood sugar levels within a target range. By making informed dietary choices, individuals with diabetes can better manage their condition, reduce the risk of related health issues, and enhance their overall well-being.
- Unlock Food
https://www.unlockfood.ca/en - Canada’s Food Guide
https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/
Both Diabetes Canada and the Diabetes Care Community offer sample weekly meal plans for diabetes management.
- Diabetes Canada 7-day sample meal plans
https://diabetes.ca/nutrition---fitness/meal-planning - Diabetes Care Community simple sample meal plan
https://www.diabetescarecommunity.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/DCC_Simple_Meal_Plan_UPDATEDJuly2021.pdf
If you or a family member or loved one living with diabetes finds it challenging to prepare their own nutritious meals, there are non-profit meal delivery services in Ontario that can provided medically tailored meals for eligible individuals.
- Meals on Wheels Community Programs Call 211
for help finding one in your area
https://www.mealsonwheels.ca/request-meals-on-wheels#RequestMeals - Heart to Home Meals
Tel: 1 800 786 6113
www.hearttohomemeals.ca
5. Fitness and Recreational Resources
Staying active is crucial for individuals with diabetes, as it helps control blood sugar levels, improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, improves cardiovascular health, helps with weight management, and promotes overall health and well-being*.
*Talk to your physician about what type of exercise is suitable for you.
Many organizations in Ontario offer exercise programs and education:
- 211 – Community Centres
https://211ontario.ca/- Many community centres have many fitness and social activities. Call or text to 211 to connect to a real person for community and social resources in Ontario.
- YMCA
https://www.ymca.ca/
416 928 9622 | Toll free: 1 800 223 8024- Offers many health, exercise programs and activities. Financial assistance for memberships may be available based on your financial situation.
(https://www.ymca.ca/what-we-offer/financial-assistance)
- Offers many health, exercise programs and activities. Financial assistance for memberships may be available based on your financial situation.
- Ontario Parks Discovery Programs
https://www.ontarioparks.ca/discovery- Ontario Parks offers many free guided programs throughout the year so you can stay active.
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – Diabetes, Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle Program
https://www.uhn.ca/TorontoRehab/Clinics/Diabetes_Exercise_Healthy_Lifestyle
Tel: 416 597 3422 ext. 5200- This program includes exercise and education on making healthy lifestyle changes. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in being referred.
- Heritage Toronto Walks – Free guided walking tours of many Toronto neighbourhoods from April to October.
https://www.heritagetoronto.org/programs/tours/
Tel: 416-338-0684- Call or visit the website and register for tours online.
6. Other Resources
Diabetes Community Forums
- Connected in Motion
https://www.connectedinmotion.ca/ - Type 1 Together
https://type1together.ca/forum.php
**By clicking on the links provided, you will be redirected to an external website. Please note that Metro Ontario Pharmacies Limited is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external sites.
