Diabetes Canada and Brain Canada Team Up to Tackle Mental Health Challenges in Diabetes

Diabetes Canada and Brain Canada are pleased to announce a new partnership to support research into the intersection of diabetes and mental health. Together, Diabetes Canada and Brain Canada will award and co-fund two grants of $450,000 each over three years through the 2025 End Diabetes Awards. 

As someone living with type 2 diabetes, I understand the profound impact this disease can have on mental health. For too long, the emotional and psychological challenges faced by people with diabetes have been overlooked. This partnership marks an important step toward recognizing that managing diabetes includes supporting mental well-being, building emotional resilience, and addressing stress. We urgently need research that captures the full reality of living with diabetes—because this is the experience of millions of Canadians every day.

— Laura Syron, President and CEO, Diabetes Canada 

“Solutions within and beyond the health care system are urgently needed to address the mental health challenges faced by people living with diabetes,” says Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. “This partnership builds on Brain Canada’s Mental Health Research Initiative, supporting innovative approaches that meet people where they are and reflect the complex realities of living with a chronic condition.” 

Diabetes Canada’s vision is a world free of the effects of diabetes. Diabetes Canada supports research to prevent the onset and consequences of diabetes and its complications, help those affected by diabetes to live healthy lives, and work to end diabetes. Brain Canada’s vision is to support bold science for better brain health. Brain Canada delivers on this vision by accelerating, amplifying, and funding brain research across the country.  

Funding for these grants is made possible by Diabetes Canada, and the Canada Brain Research Fund, an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada, through Health Canada, and Brain Canada.  

About the funding opportunity: 

Research project applications focused at the intersection of diabetes and mental health, across all four pillars of health research (as defined by CIHR) are of interest for this funding partnership. For example, research into shared biological mechanisms or signaling pathways of diabetes and mental health conditions, mental health burden of living with diabetes, or prevention and/or interventions that reduce risk of both conditions.  

More information on how to apply can be found here: https://www.diabetes.ca/research/research-funding/funding-opportunities