Diabetes is a disease in which your body either can’t produce insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it produces.

There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. Type 2 is the most common, and cases of both Type 1 and Type 2 are on the rise, especially in children and young adults. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can affect you and your baby's health.

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease and stroke, chronic kidney disease, and other problems with your feet, oral health, vision, hearing, and mental health.

Early Awareness and Diagnosis

Learn about risk factors for different types of diabetes and what you can do to prevent Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire

Take the online questionnaire to find out if you’re at a higher risk of having prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

Newly Diagnosed

Information to help you understand your diagnosis and how to manage it.

Screening, Diagnosing, and Monitoring

ASEBP Video: Information on diabetes screening methods, how your family doctor makes a diabetes diagnosis, and how you can monitor your diabetes at home.

Types of Diabetes

ASEBP Video: Learn the differences between Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, as well as borderline or prediabetes.

What is Diabetes?

ASEBP Video: A brief introduction to this common disease that affects one in three Canadians.

Living with Diabetes

Alberta Health Living Program

Find free workshops and classes, provided by Alberta Health Services.

Diabetes Educator Centres

Provides women with gestational diabetes nutritional guidance, healthy living classes, psychosocial support, and information to help manage their diabetes during pregnancy.

Living with Type 2 Diabetes

Making healthy choices is a big part of managing Type 2 diabetes.

Nutrition and Fitness

A balanced diet and regular activity can help control blood sugar levels. Find meal planning, weight management, and other physical activity tips.

Virtual Diabetes Classes

Provided by Diabetes Canada, these virtual classes focus on managing diabetes, including the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity.

In Alberta, many family doctors and medical clinics are part of a Primary Care Network (PCN) that offer diabetes support programs and provide individual consultations and/or group classes. Talk to your family doctor or health care provider for more information.

Medication and Treatment

Diabetes and Skin Complications

Common complications, including how to avoid them.

Foot Care for People with Diabetes

Information about how to take care of your feet, including common foot problems caused by diabetes.

Foot Care: A Step Toward Good Health

A daily foot care fact sheet, with helpful reminders for diabetics.

Treatments to Help Control Diabetes

ASEBP Video: Learn more about the three common approaches to help individuals manage their diabetes and reduce or avoid longer-term complications.

Understanding Diabetes Medications and Management

Get to know the basics of diabetes medication and monitoring your levels.

How ASEBP Supports You

ASEBP’s Extended Health Care benefits provide coverage for a range of diabetes medications and supplies, including insulin pumps, glucose monitors, lancets, and syringes for you and your eligible dependants. Extended Disability Benefits may be an option for those who need to be away from work for a longer period. Talk to your family doctor or health care provider if you think you may be at risk for diabetes or prediabetes.

If you have ASEBP's Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), you also have access to four cost-free hours of health coaching each calendar year. Get support from registered nurses, dietitians, and other practitioners on a range of topics from healthy eating options for individuals with diabetes to incorporating more physical activity into your day.

Get in Touch

Your ASEBP benefit plan covers a range of health and wellness services.

For more information, email benefits@asebp.ca or call us at 1-877-431-4786. You can also schedule a phone, video, or in-person meeting with a benefit specialist at asebp.ca/contact-us.