Type Taboo

CBC

Host Emily Brass opens up her diary and shares deep feelings about her recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, like denial, guilt and shame. She meets diabetics aged 17 to 76 who help her smash stereotypes and stop the silence around the disease affecting 1 in 3 Canadians.

Episodes

  1. 2021-11-14

    Episode 1: Surprise! You have Type 2 Diabetes

    A trip to a walk-in clinic changes Emily’s life forever when she finds out she has Type 2 diabetes. Emily meets a type 2 diabetic who kept her disease a secret, and a First Nations mom working to challenge the healthcare system to do better. Featuring: Laura Syron, Jackie McKee, Dr. Katharine Smart

    37 min

  2. 2021-11-13

    Episode 2: How did we get here?

    Emily works to make changes and quickly realizes modern urban life isn't helping anyone get healthy. She gets cooking tips from a couple who were diagnosed after moving from India to Canada, and asks an expert about systemic solutions to stem the diabetes epidemic. You also get to meet her mom. Featuring: Jennifer Drugge, Priyanka and Sandy Singh, Dylan McKay.

    24 min

  3. 2021-11-12

    Episode 3: One Step at a Time

    Emily gets real about how her career in music and journalism may have contributed to her disease, as she is flooded with painful memories of her beloved grandmother, who died from complications of type 2 diabetes. Her interview with a psychologist turns into a therapy session. Featuring: Janice Headley, Dr. Jason Ediger

    32 min

  4. 2021-11-11

    Episode 4: Coming of Age in the Age of Diabetes

    As the number of children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes skyrockets, Emily meets a young man whose disease drove him to a suicide attempt, and a young woman who had to choose between paying her bills and buying her medication. If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available nationwide by calling the Canada Suicide Prevention Service toll-free at 1-833-456-4566, 24 hours a day. Outside of Canada, please check your local services. Featuring: Isaac and Jackie McKee, Jennifer Lopez, Dr Allison Dart, Dr. Heather Dean

    33 min

  5. 2021-11-10

    Episode 5: Teach Us How to Fish

    Could the solution to the diabetes epidemic in Canada be found on a Manitoba reserve? Emily travels to Fisher River Cree Nation where land based education and an award-winning cookbook are having an impact. Featuring: Carole Cochrane, Gerry Mason, Emma Selkirk, Koby Wilson and Greg Hamilton

    32 min

  6. 2021-11-09

    Episode 6: Staying the Course

    Emily gets good news from the doctor, but there’s no finish line when it comes to managing her diabetes. So how will she maintain her new lifestyle? And can she push herself beyond her comfort zone? Featuring: Karmen Omeasoo aka HellNback, Dr. Jason Ediger, Jennifer Drugge, Shannah-Lee Vidal, Colton Hutchinson

    34 min

  7. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing Type Taboo: Diary of a new diabetic

    Meet Emily Brass, host of Type Taboo and a new diabetic. After her diagnosis Emily goes on a quest to meet other diabetics, smash the shame and stereotypes associated with the disease, and change her life to manage her disease.

    3 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Host Emily Brass opens up her diary and shares deep feelings about her recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, like denial, guilt and shame. She meets diabetics aged 17 to 76 who help her smash stereotypes and stop the silence around the disease affecting 1 in 3 Canadians.

Information

  • Creator
    CBC
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © CBC 2026
  • Show Website
    Type Taboo