Canadian Diabetes Association

The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is a voluntary organization that was founded in 1949 to serve the needs of people with diabetes. The organization currently consists of approximately 170 branches across Canada. There are different forms of diabetes, including diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by impaired fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism due to deficient secretion of insulin, and diabetes insipidus, a condition in which deficient production or secretion of antidiuretic hormone results in excessive thirst (polydipsia) and excessive excretion of urine (polyuria). The Canadian Diabetes Association is committed to promoting and supporting diabetes research, education, and advocacy. The CDA has several sections, councils, and committees that work to fulfill its mission, goals, and objectives. These include the clinical and scientific section, such as health care services, employment, and health insurance coverage; and a national research council that oversees the CDA’s research programs and distributes funds in the forms of grants and awards to researchers.