diabetis.ca is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any of the organizations on this page. We list them because they help people with type 1 diabetes. We checked each phone number and link on the organization's own website in November 2026.
In an emergency
A severe low. If someone with diabetes has passed out, or is too confused to follow instructions, don't give them food or drink: it could go into their lungs. Give glucagon if you have it and know how, then call 911. Turn them on their side and keep their airway clear. See Treating a low.
Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). High blood sugar with nausea, vomiting, belly pain, trouble breathing, weakness or confusion can be DKA. Go to the emergency department, or call 911. See Highs and ketones.
Not an emergency, but not sure? In most provinces you can call a nurse for health advice, day or night. In British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, dial 811. In Manitoba, call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257. The numbers for each line are below.
Emergency: 911
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Diabetes organizations
Diabetes Canada
National charity
Information, education and support for people living with diabetes, and the publisher of Canada's diabetes clinical practice guidelines.
Breakthrough T1D Canada
Type 1 charity
A charity that funds type 1 research and advocates for coverage of devices and insulin.
Phone: 1-877-287-3533
D-Camps (Diabetes Canada)
Camps
Overnight summer camps, family camps and leadership programs across Canada for children with diabetes, with medical staff on site.
Connected in Motion
Peer support
Run by people with type 1, for adults with type 1: weekend camps, outdoor events and peer-based diabetes education.
Nurse health lines
Free lines answered by nurses and other health professionals, for health advice when it isn't an emergency.
HealthLink BC
British Columbia
Health advice and help finding services. For a poisoning in BC, HealthLink BC lists 1-800-567-8911.
Phone: 8-1-1
Health Link 811
Alberta
Free advice 24/7 from registered nurses, including help deciding whether you need urgent care.
Phone: 811
HealthLine 811
Saskatchewan
Confidential health, mental health and addictions advice, 24 hours a day.
Phone: 811
Health Links – Info Santé
Manitoba
Registered nurses give health advice, 24 hours a day, every day.
Phone: 1-888-315-9257 or 204-788-8200
Health811
Ontario
Free, confidential advice from a registered nurse, day or night.
Phone: 811 (TTY: 711)
Crisis and support lines
Living with type 1 can be heavy. If you are thinking about suicide, or worried about someone, reach out now.
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
Anyone, any age
Call or text, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Phone or text: 9-8-8
Kids Help Phone
Young people
Support by phone in many languages, 24/7, or text CONNECT to 686868.
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Coverage and money
Links only. Each program sets its own rules, so read the page for your province. See Getting devices covered for how they work.
Provincial and territorial drug benefit programs
Every province and territory
Health Canada's list of each public drug plan, with links.
Disability Tax Credit
Federal tax credit
The Canada Revenue Agency's page on the credit, including how to apply with Form T2201.
Insulin Pump Therapy Program
Alberta
Alberta's public program for pumps and pump supplies.
Drug coverage and health benefits
Alberta
Alberta's government-sponsored plans, including CGM coverage. Alberta Blue Cross: 1-800-661-6995.
Diabetes equipment and supplies
Ontario
Ontario's Assistive Devices Program page for pumps and CGMs.
Coverage map
Across Canada
Breakthrough T1D Canada's summary of pump and CGM coverage by province.
Follow your own diabetes care team. These organizations can help, but your doctor, nurse educator and dietitian know your body and your insulin, and their plan comes first.
Sources
- Diabetes Canada. Hypoglycemia: low blood sugar in adults (patient handout, 2024).
- Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chapter 15: Hyperglycemic emergencies in adults.
- MyHealth Alberta. Treating low blood sugar (2025).
- MyHealth Alberta. Safety kit and precautions (2021).
Checked against these sources in November 2026. Each directory entry was checked on the organization's own site.