Diabetes treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Yes. In most cases, a doctor on Maple can help you manage previously diagnosed diabetes. They can prescribe medications and advise on treatment plans. In select provinces Maple’s endocrinologists can order tests and adjust your medications to help you optimize your diabetes therapy.

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Diabetes is actually a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose), caused by issues with the hormone insulin. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin or when tissues in your body become insensitive to insulin, and glucose builds up in your blood. There are a number of types of diabetes, including those that are chronic (Type 1 and 2) and temporary (gestational diabetes).

Type 1 diabetes, typically referred to as juvenile diabetes, usually occurs in youth, and often initially presents with a life threatening episode of high blood sugar and dehydration. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adults, and has a slower, more gradual onset, which is rarely acutely life threatening.

Symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections

Gestational diabetes can have many of these symptoms, but is often only caught because of routine testing during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Diabetes is treated differently depending on what type you have. All types of diabetes can be managed by exercising regularly and eating foods that are lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, type 1 diabetes treatment typically involves the use of an insulin pump or regular insulin injections, as well as frequent blood sugar checks.  In extremely rare cases, pancreas transplants may be used. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with medication, insulin, or both (as well as lifestyle changes). And depending on the severity of your gestational diabetes, you may also need insulin or medication. The doctor will be able to best advise you.

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and specialists via secure text, audio or video call. Sign in to your Maple account to start a visit. Learn more about how Maple works here.

A visit works a lot like an in-person appointment. A doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about your symptoms, review your health history and recommend a treatment plan that's right for you. Not every visit leads to a prescription. Sometimes, you might need to see someone in person. When that happens, we'll help you figure out what comes next.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to care online. Connect with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes via secure text, audio or video call.

Our membership costs $85/month. One membership. Care for your whole family. In eligible provinces, membership includes:

• Daily visits: one visit a day with a doctor or nurse practitioner for each family member in your household
• Pediatric care: covered pediatric primary care visits, available by appointment
• Second Medical Opinion: when you're unsure about a complex diagnosis, like cancer or MS, or want to understand all your options, you and your family can access an expert Second Medical Opinion
• Personal Health Check-Ins: personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to help you stay on top of your health
• iCBT courses: internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-assessments and courses
• Specialists: see a specialist in days, not months. No referral necessary.
• Specialist referrals: a referral to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed

Membership can't be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. A Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) may cover your membership fees. Check with your HSA provider for details.

Your Maple monthly membership covers virtual care for you, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 who share the same primary residence. Full disclaimer and refund policy here.

We accept all major credit cards, including AMEX, plus Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Privacy is at the core of how we deliver care. We follow Canadian privacy and healthcare laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA, to protect your personal and health information.

Our policies and consent processes are simple and easy to understand, so you stay in control. Strong security infrastructure and strict data policies protect every session. You keep control of your personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. We also work with privacy and security experts and review our policies regularly.

All doctors and nurse practitioners who deliver care through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their regulatory colleges. They must follow the telemedicine policies set by the medical regulator in each province.

Regulators across Canada recognize the value of virtual care. It helps improve access to care for patients and makes care delivery more efficient for practitioners and Canada's healthcare system.