Author: bwarren

Connect1d Canada aims to accelerate T1D research

Connect1d Canada is a digital platform that allows those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to easily learn about T1D research happening across Canada, and contribute to research in the areas that matter most to them. The platform also allows researchers to easily engage people living with T1D, enabling rapid recruitment of diverse people from across Canada into research studies. 

The overall goal is to accelerate T1D research by boosting enrolment into T1D clinical studies of diverse group of participants. Too often, clinical studies stall because appropriate participants can’t be found—that slows down the research process and delays access to potential treatments for everyone living with T1D. And one of the most common reasons people don’t participate in a research study is because they didn’t know about it.  

The platform also addresses some of the major barriers that exist in T1D research, including awareness and understanding of available research projects and which ones need participants By providing this direct link between people living T1D and researchers focused in this area, more people living with T1D become aware of opportunities, and research teams have access to a more diverse representation of the community. 

“I am proud of Canada’s community of people with diabetes, and its community of dedicated researchers,” says Dr. Bruce Perkins, an endocrinologist and the Director of the Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes in Toronto. “Connect1d Canada boosts interaction between them, so that together we can reach our common goal to meaningfully transform the lives of those living with T1D.”  

Perkins, who himself lives with T1D, is co-leading the scientific arm of the program with Dr. Peter Senior, an endocrinologist and Senior Scientist with the Alberta Diabetes Institute. They are joined in this by Kate Farnsworth, who is a co-lead on the project and the parent of a child with T1D.  

Connect1d Canada was co-designed by people living with T1D and researchers, ensuring that the needs and wants of both groups were incorporated. It is an opt-in registry, which means that any Canadian adult with T1D can choose to share their information with research teams. Those participating control how their information is shared and with whom.  

Extensive consultation with the T1D community, as well as having those with the condition at the table, is something the program team sees as critical to its success. “When we originally brought our ideas to those living with T1D, they made it clear that what we were suggesting did not add sufficient value for them,” says Senior. “That opened up the dialogue that continues to this day, as we have made it a priority not only to have people with diabetes and those who care for them consulted, but to have them completely embedded into our planning and development.” 

As such, the Connect1d Canada team is developing a Community Advisory Committee that will provide guidance from the T1D community as the project grows and develops. It is clear to all involved that this project cannot be successful without all stakeholders fully invested. 

For Farnsworth, this consultation is another essential ingredient to true community engagement. “For too long research has failed to have the voice of those living with type 1 diabetes at the table, or people felt they were being represented in a tokenistic way,” she says. “This led to projects that failed because they were not appropriate for the community, often after millions of dollars had been invested. With Connect1d Canada we want to make sure people with T1D are front and centre in every aspect.” 

Currently, there are multiple studies posted on the Connect1d Canada website. Canadians with T1D can register their interest in specific projects, fill in research surveys and subscribe to receive updates about new projects that may be of interest to them.  

With funding from JDRF Canada and support from Diabetes Action Canada, in partnership with the UHN’s eHealth Innovations, this project presents a digital solution to a longstanding and complex problem.  

Register for Connect1d Canada now! 

Interested in joining the Community Advisory Committee? Apply here! 

T1D Research Round Up for Summer, 2021

Learn the latest on type 1 diabetes research updates  
Our research roundup brings you the most exciting type 1 diabetes (T1D) research stories globally, including new clinical trials, treatment advances and research projects that are making the biggest impact in curing and preventing T1D, while improving lives today.  

Here’s what you need to know in T1D research for the summer:  
American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting
Between June 25 – 29, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) held its annual meeting. Due to the pandemic, it was a virtual meeting, but still brought together researchers and clinicians from around the globe to share their research, clinical trial results and the latest innovations in diabetes technology.  

Of note was an update from ViaCyte Inc., a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focused on developing cell therapies towards a functional cure for patients with insulin-requiring diabetes. They announced compelling preliminary clinical data from their stem cell-derived islet cell replacement therapy, PEC-Direct, for T1D. The results show that PEC-Direct lowers HbA1c, increases time in range, and results in production of C-peptide (a biomarker of insulin production by functional beta cells). These data represent the first time that of implanted pancreatic progenitor cells have been proven to produce C-peptide at clinically relevant levels in a participant in a clinical trial.  Further results of the study are expected next year.  

Read more here.

Other JDRF-funded researchers presented cutting-edge data on targeting the immune system to treat T1D, approaches to screening for T1D risk, next-generation closed-loop systems, telehealth to improve T1D outcomes, and glucose-responsive or smart insulins, which are designed to “switch on” only when needed to lower blood sugar, and “switch off” when blood sugars are in the normal range.
Update on Zucara Therapeutics’ hypoglycemia prevention drug
Hypoglycemia is a frequent, unintended consequence of insulin therapy for people with T1D and other types of insulin-dependent diabetes. Hypoglycemia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet there are currently no available therapeutics to prevent the condition.

Canadian company Zucara Therapeutics is working on the answer. It is developing a once-daily therapy, called ZT-01, which restores a person with T1D’s natural glucagon response so that they can counter-regulate hypoglycemia – and thus prevents serious lows from happening. Previously, JDRF provided funding to move Zucara beyond the “valley of death”— the phase when discovery research is translated into a therapy or technology but lacks the funding to make it real. Then, in April 2020, Zucara secured the backing of a large venture capital fund to move ZT-01 into clinical trials.

Now the company is moving on to a Phase 1b study that will test the effect of ZT-01 effect on glucagon levels during hypoglycemia in people with T1D. In November 2020, Zucara also announced new funding to broaden development of ZT-01 for hypoglycemia prevention in people with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes, indicating that even more people stand to benefit from the new drug.

Read more here.
Teplizumab was not approved by the US FDA….yet

A JDRF-funded clinical trial recently showed that an immune therapy drug called teplizumab delayed T1D onset in people at high risk by an average of 3 years. The drug, now being developed by Provention Bio, was recently submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – the first disease-modifying drug ever submitted for approval to the regulator. On May 27, 2021, an advisory committee to the FDA recommended that teplizumab be approved for prevention of T1D.

However, on July 2, the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter to Provention Bio, meaning teplizumab has not been approved for use in delaying clinical T1D in at-risk individuals at this time. However, this was expected, as Provention Bio previously reported that FDA raised questions about the comparability between the commercial product and the drug used in the clinical trial. Importantly, the Complete Response Letter “did not cite any clinical deficiencies related to the efficacy and safety data packages submitted.”

JDRF is thankful for the FDA’s consideration and review of this drug and looks forward to Provention Bio addressing the outstanding issues and working with the FDA to bring this therapy to market safely.

Read Provention Bio’s press release here.

Artificial Intelligence Identifies T1D Risk Factors in Children

A collaboration between JDRF and IBM has resulted in a publication that adds new information about T1D risk in children. In the Type 1 Data Intelligence (T1DI) Study — the largest one of its kind for predictors of childhood T1 – combined data from 5 studies in 4 countries and applied artificial intelligence to reveal new insights. The results indicate that children with multiple autoantibodies (markers of T1D autoimmunity) have a 90% chance of developing T1D within 15 years, whereas children who test positive consistently for a single autoantibody have only a 30% chance.

These results not only pave the way for better understanding of risk factors for T1D, and will help to develop guidelines for routine screening, monitoring, and management of at-risk children in different health care settings.

New Brain Canada and JDRF grant announced for mental health research
On June 29, Brain Canada and JDRF officially launched the JDRF Canada – Brain Canada Addressing Mental Health in Type 1 Diabetes Team Grants, a program to support research on the development, validation, or implementation of interventions that address mental health concerns in people with type 1 diabetes.  

This new funding opportunity is open to research teams of two or more independent investigators from different institutions, or distinct departments within the same institution.  

For more information on this collaboration and how it aims to help improve mental health outcomes in people with T1D, please read here.
JDRF-funded research is leveraged to develop virtual peer support platform for youth with T1D

With the support of a JDRF grant, Dr. Tricia Tang is developing an innovative digital platform called REACHOUT that connects peer-led mental health support for adults living with T1D in the BC interior. The platform has the potential to fill a major void for many people with T1D who experience diabetes distress, particularly for those in rural and remote areas where supports are limited.

With newly awarded funding through a BC Children’s Digital Health Research Award, Dr. Tang will adapt the platform for youth with T1D, and build REACHOUT NexGEN.

The ultimate goal is to translate the REACHOUT platform to deliver peer-led mental health support to kids and adolescents with T1D, as well as their parents, to reduce distress and improve quality of life and health outcomes.

We will keep you apprised of these trial results and what it will mean for potentially bringing the product from the lab to the market, as well as provide updates on these research advances and what it could potentially mean for our Canadian type 1 diabetes community.

Bill C-237: An Act to Establish a National Diabetes Framework passes

Up until now, Canada has been without a national diabetes strategy. But thanks to the work of tireless advocates and diabetes organizations, on June 21, 2021 Bill C-237 an Act to Establish a National Diabetes Framework, was passed by the Senate.

The passage of the bill means that the federal government is poised to take on the work proposed by Liberal MP Sonia Sidhu who was the sponsor of this Private Member’s Bill C-237, National Framework For Diabetes Act.

Bill C-237 was inspired by a Diabetes 360° initiative first proposed by Diabetes Canada with support and input from JDRF Canada and other diabetes organizations. Diabetes 360° aims to develop meaningful targets designed to stem the rising tide of diabetes based on an innovative model that was used globally to tackle HIV/AIDS.

The need for a comprehensive diabetes strategy is becoming increasingly important given the rising costs of complications associated with diabetes and the rapid rise in incidence over the past decade.

The first reading of the bill took place in February, 2020 and has taken just over a year to go from proposal to assent.

Senator Nancy Hartling, who added her voice in support of Bill C-237, spoke passionately when she said,

“We don’t need to start from scratch, colleagues; there is a lot of expertise right here in Parliament, including Diabetes Canada’s Diabetes 360° framework. In addition, we already have two all-party parliamentary diabetes groups that foster dialogue, policies, best practices and awareness on diabetes. 

Diabetes 360° was developed after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including experts, health care providers, governments, researchers and the diabetic community. It is based on the UN AIDS model, which combined successful 90-90-90 targeting strategy with the treatment as a prevention model to make ambitious inroads against HIV/AIDS epidemics. 

Diabetes Canada saw an opportunity to adapt the strategy to diabetes and developed the 360 targets, which are composed of the four 90s: one, prevention and elimination of health inequities; two, awareness and screening; three, achievement of health outcomes through treatment and technology; and four, engaging in a patient-centred approach to reduce rates of diabetes and improve overall well-being. 

The four 90s are achievable. They require a consistent, coordinated approach and the cooperation of all levels of government. Bill C-237 aims to facilitate this process and provides all the tools our government needs to do it.” 


What does the bill being passed mean?

(1) That the Minister of Health must, in consultation with the representatives of the provincial governments responsible for health, Indigenous groups and with other relevant stakeholders, develop a national framework designed to support improved access to diabetes prevention and treatment to ensure better health outcomes for Canadians.

(2) The national framework must include measures to

(a) explain what diabetes and prediabetes are;

(b) identify the training, education and guidance needs of health care and other professionals related to the prevention and treatment of diabetes, including clinical practice guidelines;

(c) promote research and improve data collection on diabetes prevention and treatment;

(d) promote information and knowledge sharing in relation to diabetes prevention and treatment; and

(e) take into consideration any existing diabetes prevention and treatment frameworks, strategies and best practices, including those that focus on addressing health inequalities.

And that the Minister must hold at least one conference with the persons referred to in subsection (1) for the purpose of developing the framework.

JDRF congratulates and thank MP Sonia Sidhu, Diabetes Canada, along with the other diabetes advocates who have worked together to advocate for Diabetes 360°, a strategy and framework to advance research to treat, prevent and cure diabetes.

The passage of the Bill is testament to the power of collaboration, and we recognize Diabetes Canada for leading the charge.

We look forward to working with the government to improve the lives of Canadians living with diabetes.

Learn more about Diabetes 360° here: www.breakthrought1d.ca/advocacy/diabetes-360/

Consider joining us as we advocate for Access For All

There has been some great progress made recently towards greater access to diabetes devices and federal commitments to funding and incorporating a national diabetes strategy. These have only been achieved through collaboration with partners and other diabetes organizations and on the strength of our volunteers.

We rely on a network of passionate volunteer advocates to help Canada’s decision-makers understand the impact and severity of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and what needs to be done to improve the lives of those living with this disease.

We have a variety of volunteering opportunities and are always open to suggestions. Please visit our website to see some of the ways our volunteers help and consider joining us too.
www.breakthrought1d.ca/get-involved/advocate

Two wins for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices in Quebec and British Columbia

Access for All was launched in 2019 and has already driven major change. We are fortunate to have some of the most powerful young voices in the country advocating for our mission. These dedicated individuals have rallied communities across the country, and now several provinces and territories are in the process of revisiting their coverage and considering expanded access. 

Diabetes devices are not a luxury, they are lifesaving pieces of equipment that help people living with T1D more closely monitor their blood glucose levels, helping to prevent hypo and hyperglycemic episodes and hospital visits. 

‘Paying out of pocket is beyond what I can afford. I don’t consider my son’s CGM an ‘optional’ medical device…I’ll do whatever I need to do, and I know I’m not alone in this,’ says Nadine, parent of a child with T1D. 

JDRF is pleased to announce that two more provinces recently added coverage options for continuous glucose monitors (CGM) over the past month, a great step forward in our goal of Access For All across the country. 

On May 26, 2021, the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Quebec or RAMQ announced that it would start providing coverage of the Dexcom G6 CGM for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), age two years or older. 

This announcement marks a significant accomplishment in increasing access to life changing technology used in the management of T1D  for people in the province, as they will now also be able to order and pick up their Dexcom CGM supplies directly through their local pharmacy. 

To receive coverage for Dexcom G6 under RAMQ, an individual must meet the eligibility requirements for the Public Insurance Plan. In addition, you must be: 

  • Living with T1D  and aged 2 years or older. AND, you must have one or more of the following:  
  • Failure to achieve an appropriate glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value despite taking prescribed medications and testing blood sugar regularly; or 
  • Have experienced frequent episodes of hypoglycemia in the past year despite following a treatment plan; or 
  • Are not able to recognize or report symptoms of hypoglycemia. 

A local pharmacist can than provide a prescription for RAMQ approval, which initially lasts for six months and must be renewed every 12 months following. 

For more information on coverage, please visit: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/aid-programs/devices-compensate-a-physical-deficiency 

*** 

In 2020, JDRF turned its attention west to British Columbia working with the community to advocate for better diabetes device coverage. This included a pre-budget submission, holding community consultations across the province, and JDRF participated alongside Diabetes Canada and Type 1 Together in public and stakeholder consultations held by BC Pharmaceutical Services in August and September. 

On June 11, 2021 British Columbia announced that it will begin covering Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for those requiring insulin therapy aged 2+ who meet eligibility criteria. This coverage is effective as of June 11, 2021. An estimated 20,000 British Columbians are expected to qualify helping them better manage their disease. 

In BC, Dexcom G6 sensors and receivers will be fully covered for those whose family income is <$30K annually or who are on government assistance and mostly covered for everyone else. Eligibility criteria is fairly broad and the government expects some 20K people to qualify. 

British Columbia and Quebec now join Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon in covering CGM for some or all with T1D. Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and the Yukon also cover Flash GM. 

JDRF is very pleased with these announcements as a step towards universal coverage of life-saving diabetes devices, but there is still work to be done for true Access For All.  

It is our hope that in the future other CGM products and the Flash GM will be covered in BC and QC – and the remaining provinces as well. Diabetes is a very individual disease that affects different patients differently. We believe in choice when it comes to treatment options, and for patients in consultation with their health care providers to decide on their best course of treatment.  

Let’s Talk T1D – Diabetes burnout and pandemic fatigue

Summer is here and as Canadians are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, we have decided to take a break from our live Let’s Talk T1D events on Microsoft Teams, and package them in a way that is more convenient for the summer months. 

More Canadians are getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and restrictions across the country are easing. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. However, we know that the past 16 months have not been easy, and we’ve all faced different challenges in our lives, including mental health challenges, especially for those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). We know that this pandemic may have been a contributing factor to diabetes burnout and pandemic fatigue. 

As part of this month’s Let’s Talk T1D – education series, we are bringing you information on this topic- one that important to you, as we saw in the results of a survey we sent out to the T1D community. 

In this email you will find links to two videos discussing diabetes burnout and pandemic fatigue. We reached out to Dr. Michael Vallis, Registered Health Psychologist out of Dalhousie University, and Cathy and Anne Pettigrew, a mother and daughter to answer some of your questions. 

In the videos they will address some common questions such as: 

  • What is diabetes distress and burnout and how common is it for people with T1D to experience it? 
  • What are some of the signs to watch out for that a person might be experiencing diabetes distress or burnout? (Are they emotional, physical, or both?) 
  • Were concerns about diabetes distress and burnout intensified during the pandemic? 
  • When is it time to seek help? 
  • What would you like the T1D community to know about prioritizing their emotional health and well-being? 

We thank Dr. Vallis and Anne and Cathy Pettigrew for providing their time, expertise and willingness to share so that we can share with our community and help other who may be experiencing the same know that they are not alone, and support is available. 

For other JDRF resources. 

To watch the videos, click here: 

T1D in the Summer

We’re heading into the summer, and after a long Canadian winter, many of us are more than ready to head outdoors. But the summer season also means some different planning when managing type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Please find below some tips and suggestions to help you get the most out of the sunny days.

COVID-19 Safety

Each province and territory has its own COVID-19 safety and re-start plans in place.  Please check your province or territory’s health authority website for information on gathering sizes, indoors vs. outdoors, patios and other recreational amenities.

5 tips for managing T1D in the summer

  • Stay hydrated. Hot weather can quickly dehydrate anyone. To prevent blood-sugar spikes from dehydration, drink water throughout the day.
  • Test blood-sugar levels frequently. Hot temps can cause unpredictable swings in blood-sugar levels.
  • Protect your gear. Keep your pump covered and your insulin cool. Heat can make insulin less effective and can cause pumps to malfunction. There are cooling cases specifically for insulin that can help you manage your supply.
  • Pack snacks. Before any summer road trips or outings, be sure to stock up with snacks to help prevent blood-sugar lows. And try as best you can to stay on your food schedule.
  • Exercise in the mornings or at night and plan any outdoor exercise for the cooler parts of the day. Exercising in the heat can cause heat exhaustion and make staying in a healthy range difficult. Be aware of how much you’re sweating. Too much moisture can damage some pumps, so make sure to check it while working out.

It’s also really important to wear sunscreen. Everyone should be protecting their skin from harmful UV rays, but with T1D, the need to wear sunscreen is extra important. Sunburns are a stress on the body and can cause blood-sugar spikes. Use SPF 30 or higher.

The Science of Summer

Heat can cause both unanticipated highs and lows in blood-sugar levels. As well, dehydration is common in the summer and can lead to blood sugar spikes as the glucose gets more concentrated in the bloodstream due to decreased blood flow in the kidneys.

The heat can also cause blood-glucose lows. As the temperature rises, the body’s blood vessels dilate, speeding up insulin absorption and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. This is especially true while exercising, as working out already increases blood flow.

It’s essential to stay hydrated and find shade or go inside for a break when you feel overheated.

Summer Travel Checklist

Summers are made for getting away! If you’re planning on a day trip, or a longer excursion to a cottage or beach house, here are some things to consider taking with you:

  • A travel letter from your doctor with written approval to travel with insulin and syringes (recommended)
  • Insulin (and syringes or pens, depending on what you use)
  • Test strips
  • Lancets
  • Ketone test strips
  • Back-up snacks
  • Emergency glucagon
  • Supplies for any diabetes devices you use, for e.g. blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors (CGM) Flash GMs, or insulin pumps
  • Pack twice as much medication and supplies as you think you’ll need (just in case!).

If you’re using an insulin pump, many manufacturers offer loaners for travel. Consider asking for one as a back-up.

If you’re flying, keep all of the above, especially your insulin, in a carry-on bag. Medications should be kept in a clear plastic bag, ready for airport security. Don’t store insulin or a CGM/Flash GM in checked luggage as the cargo holds can have extreme temperatures and could damage them before you land.

How to safely drink with T1D

T1D should not keep you from enjoying a margarita or frosty mug of beer.

Be mindful of your alcohol consumption, especially in the sun, as it can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. In general, stick to low-sugar options, stay hydrated (with water!) and don’t drink on an empty stomach.

For more information on alcohol and T1D: https://breakthrought1d.ca/alcohol-t1d/

With a little extra planning, you can make the most of the summer and the delights that it brings.

JDRF-funded clinical trial of adjunct-to-insulin therapy seeks T1D teen participants

Adolescence can be a challenging time to manage type 1 diabetes (T1D). Life (and hormones!) change in all sorts of ways, and many teenagers experience higher than recommended blood glucose levels as a result, which can mean an increased risk of complications later in life. The study of novel therapies that can improve glycemic control in teens with T1D and reduce the risk of diabetes complications and is critical to improving the lives of youth living with diabetes.

Adjunct-to-insulin therapy – ie, taking another drug alongside usual insulin treatment – is one approach that could help on both fronts. For example, SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of oral medications approved for type 2 diabetes that stop glucose from the blood from being absorbed by the kidneys, instead encouraging glucose to be released in urine. Dr. Farid Mahmud and his team at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto are now recruiting for a JDRF-funded clinical trial that will test the safety and efficacy of an SGLT2 inhibitor called dapagliflozin in teens with T1D.

The research team is seeking participants aged 12-18 years with established type 1 diabetes in the Greater Toronto Area (Hospital for Sick Children) and Southwestern Ontario (Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario, London) who may be eligible to participate in the Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Treatment with SGLT2i for Hyperglycemia & Hyperfiltration trial – also known as ATTEMPT attempt.study@sickkids.ca.

SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin can improve blood sugars, increase time in range and decrease kidney pressure, called hyperfiltration. Studies in adults with T1D have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can lower HbA1c, insulin dose and weight. By alleviating glucose absorption in the kidneys, these drugs can also help prevent long term damage to these organs.

What is the ATTEMPT study?

ATTEMPT is a 22-week clinical trial that aims to determine the safety and effectiveness an SGLT2 inhibitor called dapagliflozin on managing blood glucose and on improving kidney function in adolescents aged 12 to 18 with T1D. The study is being conducted to determine how this therapy can benefit and be used effectively in adolescents with T1D.

ATTEMPT is led by Dr. Farid Mahmud, an endocrinologist and researcher at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Dr. Mahmud’s overall research focus is diabetes, clinical and translational research relating to other autoimmune conditions (such as celiac disease), and early evaluation and prevention of diabetes-related complications. His research interests include the evaluation of medication and lifestyle interventions in high-risk pediatric groups and the evaluation of impact of the social determinants of health in youth with diabetes. He is also actively engaged in patient-centered research as part of the CIHR Strategies for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR- Can-SOLVE CKD) and as part of the JDRF-funded AdDIT (Adolescent Diabetes Cardio-renal Intervention Trial). 

What does joining the ATTEMPT study entail?

Once enrolled in the study, a participant can expect:

  • 5 in-person visits over 22 weeks
  • A random assignment to the dapagliflozin group, or the placebo group (a small pill that contains no active medicine)

While part of the study, participants will:

  • Keep taking insulin
  • Wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
  • Test for blood ketones
  • Report any adverse events

Study participants will be compensated and provided support for costs associated with travel or parking. To learn more about the study and how to enroll, please contact: 416-813-7654 ext. 204517 or email  attempt.study@sickkids.ca

100 Years of Canadian Innovation: Lilly’s Leonard Prize inspires a new generation

Canada holds a special place in the story of insulin because scientists Banting and Best made the discovery at the University of Toronto, in 1921. Before the discovery, the lives of people with diabetes were often cut short and the disease often resulted in death.  Insulin’s discovery revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, increased life expectancy and changed lives.  

One hundred years after the discovery of insulin, Lilly is excited to announce The Leonard Prize, marking the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. To commemorate this milestone, Lilly launched Leonard – a campaign inspired by the life of Leonard Thompson, who became the first person with diabetes to be successfully treated with insulin in 1922, when he was just 14 years old.  

Since then, Canadian innovation have come a long way. For example, very recently, Canadian innovation drove the development of the world’s first nasal glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Lilly is proud to recognize the progress made in diabetes and in insulin development over the last century – as well as the advancements yet to come – while also honouring the bravery of Leonard Thompson and the millions of others whose lives were forever changed by insulin.   

The Leonard Prize is not just about celebrating past achievements — it’s about recognizing strides made in the development of insulin and other diabetes treatments and using them as inspiration to persevere.  

One winner will be chosen from each of five entry categories. A $20,000 (US) grant will be donated in the winner’s name to Life for a Child, an international diabetes initiative that supports children with diabetes in more than 43 countries. The entry categories include: 

  • Teen/young adult: 18- to 25-year-old living with diabetes or with a strong personal connection to someone impacted by diabetes 
  • Advocate/advocacy professional: Active advocate for people with diabetes, either through personal channels or with an established organization 
  • Endocrinologist/primary care physician: Healthcare professional specializing in endocrinology or who acts as a primary care physician to people with diabetes 
  • Diabetes educator/nurse: Diabetes educator and/or nurse specializing in the care of people with diabetes 
  • Researcher: Research professional dedicated to research in the field of diabetes care (therapeutics, technology or otherwise) 

Applications can be submitted through an online form when the Leonard Prize site is made available in late June – www.lilly.ca/en-CA/stories/caring/insulin-centennial. Winners will be announced on November 14, 2021 – World Diabetes Day. 

Our families are thinking ‘100’ to commemorate 100 years of insulin

This June, Canadians from coast to coast will be coming together to unite, raise funds and help accelerate the pace of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research as part of the 2021 Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF. This year is a big one…we’re commemorating 100 years since the discovery of the life-changing drug known as insulin – discovered right here in Canada. Because of that, we’re challenging our participants to ‘think 100.’ Whether it’s 100KM of walking, running, bottle returns, sit ups…the possibilities are endless!

We wanted to feature some of our favourite 100 challenges that we’ve seen thus far. Read on to see what our amazing participants are doing to ‘think 100!’

100KM for T1D – Lindsay AND Cole

Dynamic-duo, Lindsay and her partner Cole – who has been walking for 21 years – , are full swing ahead with their challenge. This year, they thought they’d channel their competitive spirit and take it up a notch with their 100 challenge by running 100km by June 13th!

“It’s been a fun challenge, and everyone has been so supportive of my progress. Cole is training for a Half Ironman this summer, so he’s been a great motivator and running partner!”

Team Gunderson will be breaking a sweat until event day, celebrating their huge ‘100’ accomplishment on event day.

“Team Gunderson will be at the Walk – rain or shine, every step of the way!”

100 Vaccines for 100 years – Danny and family

This will be Danny and his family’s 19th year Walking with JDRF. This is also the 20th year since his eldest daughter, Aviva, was diagnosed with T1D.

“My goal, to go along with the 100th anniversary theme, will be to administer 100 COVID vaccine doses at a mobile vaccination site each month, until we don’t have to do this anymore. I will do this in addition to caring for my patients in my family medicine office since vaccinating is a another way that I can help to protect their health and the well being of the community.”

Like all parents, there is nothing Danny and his wife Debbie won’t do to help find a cure for T1D.

“We are honouring the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.”

100 letters to the community – Tilly

In an effort to give back to the community, Tilly’s 100 challenge involves writing 100 letters to residents of long-term care homes.

“The idea came about from a family brainstorming discussion. Tilly’s brother suggested writing letters and she thought it was a great idea!”says Jo – Tilly’s mom.

Tilly hopes to bring smiles to the faces of those in long term care with her words, adding that especially during COVID, people are missing their loved ones, and don’t have the ability to have face-to-face conversations much anymore.

“It’s a way of giving back to the community, as they’ve always been so supportive to her lived experience with T1D, and her fundraising.”

A dollar for diabetes research (Dayden and Sylvia)

Dayden was diagnosed with T1D when he was in second grade. It was a life-changing event for him and his family, but their school community were quick to jump in and support the Aspins.

“My first conversation with another type 1 diabetic happened to be my son’s teacher. The school had been so supportive of him and his needs, so we’re challenging the students to each bring in a dollar for T1D research.”

Mom, Sylvia, says the school has been overwhelmingly supportive of his challenge.

Not only are we raising dollars as part of the challenge, but we’re removing stigma, raising awareness and promoting the importance of what JDRF does.”

We love to hear these stories from our dedicated T1D families, and are so grateful for the overwhelming participation in the 2021 Walk, and our 100 challenge!

Have you signed up for the Walk yet? Join Canadians from coast to coast and start your 100 challenge today. We hope to see you on June 13th!

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Bringing Breakthroughs to Life: Type 1 Diabetes Research Symposium

JDRF’s mission of improving lives and curing type 1 diabetes (T1D) cannot be achieved alone. It requires us to engage with stakeholders who believe in what we have set out to do and are able to help drive our mission forward – and this group includes regulators. JDRF recognizes the importance of engaging with regulators in order to to help shape and provide clear and reasonable pathways to scientific research and therapy approvals for T1D treatment and cure therapies.

That is why on February 24, 2021, JDRF was pleased to bring together Canadian regulators, researchers, industry representatives, diabetes organizations, and patients to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge and hear first-hand about new and emerging treatments for T1D, in our second research symposium, held in partnership with Health Canada.

Our first research symposium was held 2018, and as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin this year, it was fitting that we hold another. This year, the event moved to a virtual format, but with the same impact, drawing presenters and participants from across the country.

Two keynotes from Dr. Norman Rosenblum, Director of CIHR’s Institute for Nutrition, Metabolism & Diabetes, and Dr. Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret from the University of Montreal, set the stage for the interactive sessions that followed.

Dr. Rosenblum presented an overview the increasing burden of diabetes in Canada, and how our federal health funding agency is addressing diabetes during 2021 with a number of strategic funding opportunities – including some in partnership with JDRF.

Dr. Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret delivered a fascinating keynote address about COVID-19 and T1D, highlighting that people with T1D are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19.

After the keynotes, there were three concurrent interactive sessions, each covering distinct themes important to the T1D community, and each featuring a speaker from Health Canada.

The first was Moving Beyond Insulin Therapy of Today, which focused on adjunctive-to-insulin therapy, closed-loop therapy, advances in beta-cell replacement and the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, highlighting nasal glucagon.

The second was Device Innovation in T1D Management, which discussed device interoperability, automated insulin delivery, medical device cybersecurity and the T1D community perspective.

The third was Immunotherapy and Biomarkers which focused on prevention of T1D, advances in development of improved biomarkers, antigen-specific therapy for T1D and regulation of insulin products.

All three sessions touched on the overarching themes of the importance of patient choice, access to devices and drugs with the potential to lessen the burden of disease management and reduce complications, and the need to accelerate research from the lab to clinical testing. The sessions were followed by panel discussions and audience Q&A that were designed to identify barriers and solutions to advance new solutions for T1D to the clinic.

The presentations at this event highlighted diverse and exciting Canadian research on emerging therapies for T1D that will be critical to all who are touched by this disease – whether it’s you, a parent, family member, doctor or researcher. 

JDRF is grateful to Health Canada for their leadership in the many areas of science and regulation that were discussed, for their collaboration in making this event possible, and their dedication to improving the lives of Canadians living with diabetes.

Thank you again to everyone who shared their time and expertise and who attended. The depth and pace of T1D research in Canada is impressive.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our learning partners, Medtronic, Abbott, Dexcom and Eli Lilly.

Thank you as well to Health Canada for the partnership and to the JDRF staff who worked tirelessly putting this event together.

Learn more about the presenters and watch the recordings here. 

COVID-19 and Type 1 Diabetes – What We Know Now

December 17, 2020

It’s been just over a year since the virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, was identified.

The COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020. As knowledge about the effects on people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) grew, we updated our information on a dedicated page and in numerous blogs. Unfortunately, most areas of Canada (with the exception of the Atlantic provinces) are deep into the second wave, and many communities are back in some form of modified lockdown.

However, there has recently been reason to have optimism as a number of COVID-19 vaccine candidates have been identified. The UK has already begun its vaccination program.

As of December 2020, Canada had sources more potential vaccine doses per capita than any other country in the world, and as of December 14, 2020, a selected few began to receive their inoculations, although most will be vaccinated in 2021.

As we head into the winter and the cold settles upon us, social opportunities that could take place outside will be limited – and many of us will again begin to feel the strain of isolation. Combine this with living with T1D and the everyday burden of maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, hydration and nutrition throughout the holiday season, when outdoor activities aren’t as accessible.

It’s a lot – and it’s understandable if COVID fatigue is starting to set in. Protecting yourself from the virus on top of everyday diabetes management is a lot to deal with.

Fortunately, we are now better equipped with knowledge of how the virus works and how to best protext ourselves from contracting it. And there is hope on the horizon.

What we know now

How it’s most likely transmitted

At the beginning of the pandemic, it wasn’t immediately clear how COVID-19 was spread, or how contagious the virus was. We didn’t know if was spread by ‘fomites’ (virus particles that remain on surfaces), droplets (from sneezing and coughing) or aerosols (meaning it spreads through the air and can be passed on by an infected person through talking or breathing).

We now know that fomites are not a likely source of virus spread – but that the virus itself is highly contagious and infectious. And that it can be spread via both droplets and aerosols.

Initial advice about protecting yourself and others still stands. Being diligent about frequent handwashing and trying not to touch your face remains true today. The best measures people can take are practicing hand and respiratory hygiene, physical distancing, wearing a face covering, sanitizing high touch surfaces and keeping social contacts limited.

Are people with T1D at greater risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19?

There is still no evidence that people with T1D are at any increased risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 than anyone else in the community. At the beginning of the pandemic, there may have been higher infection rates among the diabetes community as they had more healthcare contacts.

Are people with T1D at a greater risk if they do develop COVID-19?

People with T1D do not generally have a compromised immune system. However, they may be at higher risk of complications if they do become infected, especially if they are older or have other risk factors, such as kidney disease.

There is no new evidence to indicate that children or young adults with T1D are, on average, at increased risk of complications of COVID-19 if they develop the disease. However, as with any viral infection, blood glucose can be much more difficult to manage, meaning that extra glucose and ketone monitoring is advised for anyone with T1D who develops COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 cause T1D?

A small number of case reports have proposed that COVID-19 can cause diabetes in selected individuals. However, most larger studies do not support this finding. Thus, to date, there is no compelling evidence that COVID-19 can cause T1D. Some effects of the pandemic – such as changes in exposure to the usual, seasonal viruses due to public health restrictions and wearing masks – could potentially affect incidence rates of T1D in the future.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people living with T1D?

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines use new and cutting-edge technology – known as mRNA vaccines. This is different from other vaccines you get from your doctor, like the MMR or flu inoculation, most of which use an attenuated (or ‘weakened’) form of the virus to trigger an immune response in the body.

These new vaccines work by injecting genetic material called mRNA (messenger RNA) into the body. The mRNA carries instructions that direct the body make the “spike” protein found on the outer surface of the coronavirus (the red edges poking out the ball), and in turn generates a protective response against it – or to the coronavirus, if you should later be exposed to it.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has issued preliminary guidance on waves of vaccine roll-out. Prioritized groups will include immunocompromised individuals and those with high-risk conditions. Every province and city will have different vaccine roll-out plans. It’s best to speak to speak to your healthcare provider about your specific community.

There is no information to date to suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine would not be safe for people with T1D, should they choose to receive it. Generally, people with diabetes have been prioritized for vaccines for infectious diseases, such as the flu.

This information should not be taken as medical advice. Every individual is different and will have unique healthcare needs. Speak to your primary care physician and endocrinologist to come up with the treatment plan that works best for you or your child with T1D.

What you can do now

Stick to the basics

The basics are still the best way to keep yourself and your family safe.

Try to find time for hobbies, books, movies and games that bring you joy and relaxation. Turning off devices and taking a break from news can also help. Filling your time with activities that bring you satisfaction and fulfillment can help ease some of boredom and isolation that may occur over the winter months.

How to get support

JDRF offers a series of virtual events and seminars to help foster connection to other members of the T1D community. Our Let’s Talk T1D Education and Connection series are held monthly to bring people together to discuss issues important to families living with T1D and provide the opportunity for social engagement. These series are meant to both educate and help ease potential loneliness and isolation. Both are offered in both English and French.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of incredible emotional and physical strain. The burden has been even greater for those with T1D. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. With each day that passes, we get one day closer to our new normal.

If you don’t already, please follow us on our social media platforms, where we post tips and articles of interest and encourage you to engage and provide feedback.