CHANGE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT DIABETES
Despite how common diabetes is, many people living with this complex condition continue to face stigma and feel isolated. This stigma—the negative judgements, unfair assumptions, shame, blame, stereotypes and prejudices that unfairly affect people who live with diabetes, can prevent some people from seeking the care they need, affecting their health outcomes and quality of life. Awareness of the prevalence and impact of diabetes stigma is the first step in changing it, paving the way for a more understanding, empathetic, and supportive world for people living with diabetes.
Pump Couture is part of Diabetes Canada’s broader efforts to Change the Conversation about diabetes. Through events like this we are raising awareness to challenge stigma and harmful narratives about diabetes and shift language, values, and beliefs — so people with diabetes feel more seen, valued, and supported.
Learn more at: diabetes.ca/change-the-conversation-about-diabetes.ca
IT’S TIME TO END THE STIGMA
Through the Change the Conversation strategic priority, Diabetes Canada is working to develop large-scale initiatives that educate and dismantle harmful misconceptions about diabetes to help improve the quality of life and better health outcomes for people living with diabetes. We believe it starts with learning the facts, challenging myths and shining a light on this often misunderstood condition. While there may not be a cure for diabetes yet, we have the power to change our thoughts, words, and actions now.
THE SHOW
Featuring models of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and identities living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Pump Couture will not only showcase fashion but will highlight the models’ stories and experiences living with diabetes to bring visibility to an “invisible disease.” Diabetes is an invisible condition in the sense that nobody would really know you have it just by looking at you and knows no bounds - children, minorities, and the elderly, both living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, are some of the many faces of diabetes.
THE FASHION
The event will feature innovations in wearable technologies (insulin pumps and advanced glucose monitors) paired with the latest sustainable fashion to display how these devices can be styled and worn with any outfit. Our models will shine with confidence while bringing awareness to a condition that affects people in Canada from all walks of life.
2025 Highlights
In 2025, Pump Couture made 6 stops across Canada, welcoming over 150 models, over 1,200 guests, and raised more than $925,000 to support sending children living with type 1 diabetes to our nine D-Camp programs across the country.
A HUGE thank you to our models, sponsors and event volunteers for your generous support!
