Aim: To explore the psychosocial impacts, needs and 
wishes of Canadian Family Members (FMs) of People 
With Diabetes (PWD), as part of the second global 
Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2™) study.  
Methods: Over 2000 FMs including 121 Canadians 
participated in an online survey comprising various 
standardized, adapted, original DAWN, new and open
ended questions to determine and assess the lived 
experiences of FMs. The literature is void of such 
instruments specifically for FMs living with persons with 
chronic conditions such as diabetes. Criteria were set for 
FM recruitment. Data were weighted for descriptive 
quantitative and qualitative analysis.  
Results: Many Canadian FMs reported a positive impact of 
diabetes (40%), good/very good quality of life (76%), and 
good well-being (78%). Negative aspects included high 
diabetes distress (33%), being very worried about 
hypoglycemic events (40%), “moderate” to “very large” 
burden (26%), and a negative impact on at least one aspect 
of life (58%), with the largest negative effect on emotional 
well-being (38%). About 40% of FMs indicated that they 
wanted to be more involved in the care of PWD, but were  frustrated with not knowing how to help. Of the 37% of 
FMs who participated in diabetes educational programs, 
64% said that the education was helpful. In addition, 34- 
37% of FMs indicated their desire for more diabetes care 
and support in their communities/area, more medical 
treatments available for PWD, and more general 
information about diabetes to help them better support PWD 
they live with.  
Conclusions: In summary, diabetes has both negative and 
positive impacts on FMs of PWD. Gaps and needs in 
support and management were identified. The global 
including Canadian DAWN2 data provide benchmarking 
indicators of FMs’ psychosocial and management needs that 
will help identify local level interventions, including 
education required to improve the lives of FMs and the 
PWD they care for.