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Highlights from ADA 2026 Scientific Sessions

Crowd of people at a conference watching stage

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions are one of the world’s largest gatherings of diabetes researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders. More than 11,000 people came together in June 2026 to share the latest progress.

Here’s what matters most for our community.

What you need to know (30 seconds)

  • Progress in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is accelerating across multiple fronts, including cell therapies, immune therapies, technology and mental health.
  • Some early studies show that cell therapies could one day reduce or even eliminate the need for insulin for some people.
  • Researchers are working on treatments that target the root cause of T1D, not just blood sugar management.
  • Earlier detection and screening are expanding and could help delay or prevent T1D in the future.
  • Technology is improving daily life, but gaps remain, especially around preventing serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • Canadian researchers and the Breakthrough T1D community are helping drive this progress forward.

Many scientific breakthroughs are coming together to improve daily life and bring us closer to cures.

Cell therapies: Moving closer to life beyond insulin

Why this matters

Cell therapies aim to replace the insulin-producing cells the body has lost. One day, this could mean fewer injections, or even the possibility of not needing insulin at all.

What’s new

At ADA 2026, cell therapies were a major focus.

  • Dr. Trevor Reichman (University of Toronto) chaired a key session on how to bring manufactured islet cell therapies to more people.
  • Dr. Sanjoy Dutta (Breakthrough T1D) highlighted the need to include the T1D community in how these therapies are developed and approved. In Canada, our efforts to make sure this happens are called Project ACT.
  • Researchers emphasized that current clinical trials are too limited, and expanding access will be critical.
  • A study using a new immunotherapy approach made by Eledon Pharmaceuticals showed that all 12 participants receiving islet transplants were able to stop using insulin, with no severe safety concerns reported.

There is also a strong focus on overcoming key barriers, especially reducing or eliminating the need for lifelong immunosuppression.

Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action

  • Dr. Alice Carr (University of Alberta) is leading Breakthrough T1D-funded research to understand who is most likely to benefit from islet transplants and how to improve outcomes
  • Pediatric perspectives were also highlighted by Dr. Brynn Marks (Breakthrough T1D), with contributions from Dr. Melena Bellin and Dr. Laura Jacobsen on what cell therapies could mean for children

These advances are being made possible because of the support of the Breakthrough T1D community – people living with T1D, families, and donors – who make this research possible.

Disease-modifying therapies: Treating the root cause

Why this matters

  • Researchers are developing therapies that target the immune system earlier in the disease, offering a way to slow or halt T1D progression.
  • Dr. Christoph Bausch (SAB Biotherapeutics) presented early clinical trial results for a therapy (SAB‑142) that improved time in range, reduced insulin use and may be safely re-dosed, opening the door to longer-lasting effects.

What’s new

This signals a major shift from managing T1D to changing how the disease progresses, which could fundamentally improve outcomes.

Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action

  • Breakthrough T1D, with the support of its community, is helping fund and advance these therapies through its research and investment efforts.
  • This work is helping move us closer to earlier intervention and, ultimately, prevention.

Early detection and screening: Finding T1D sooner

Why this matters

T1D develops over time before symptoms appear. Detecting it earlier could:

  • Reduce the risk of serious complications at diagnosis
  • Allow earlier access to therapies that may delay progression

What’s new

Screening programs are expanding globally using blood tests that detect early markers of T1D

  • Dr. Holly O’Donnell (Barbara Davis Center) presented research showing that families need clear, ongoing support when learning about T1D risk and that better understanding can also increase anxiety if not handled carefully.
  • Dr. Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill (Breakthrough T1D) shared emerging global recommendations for screening and emphasized the importance of participating in clinical trials.
  • Dr. Raquel Lopez Diez (Breakthrough T1D) is helping lead international collaboration on genetic risk scoring to better understand who is most at risk.

Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action

  • Canada is advancing toward wider screening through CanScreen T1D.
  • Breakthrough T1D-funded research is also helping address the emotional impact of early detection on families.

Technology: Making daily life easier while closing gaps

Why this matters

Technology has transformed how many people manage T1D, but there’s still work to do to make it accessible, simple, and safe for everyone.

What’s new

  • Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems continue to expand into more real-world settings.
  • In Canada, clinical practice guidelines now recommend AID systems for all people with T1D who are able to use them.
  • However, challenges remain:
    • Hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) have increased by about 24% over time.
    • Many people are not regularly monitoring ketones.
  • New innovations like continuous ketone monitoring are beginning to emerge, offering a future where ketone monitoring is as easy as continuous glucose monitoring.

Researchers acknowledged that technology also comes with trade-offs, including alarm fatigue, data overload, and emotional burden.

Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action

  • Dr. Alanna Weisman (Sinai Health, Toronto) is leading Breakthrough T1D-funded research to understand why some people face barriers to accessing diabetes technology, especially in underserved communities.
  • This research supports Breakthrough T1D’s work to ensure equitable access to technology across Canada.

Adjunct therapies: Expanding treatment options

Why this matters

Insulin is essential but it may not be the only tool in the future. Additional therapies could help improve overall health and outcomes.

What’s new

  • Researchers are studying medications like GLP‑1 therapies in people with T1D, especially youth.
  • These therapies may help with blood sugar management, weight management, long-term heart health (still being studied) and more.

Future care will likely be more personalized, combining insulin, technology, and other therapies based on individual needs.

Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action

Breakthrough T1D, with the support of the community, continues to invest in research that expands treatment options and improves quality of life for people living with T1D.

Mental Health: Support whenever you need it

Why this matters

Living well with T1D isn’t just about blood sugar. Emotional health matters too, and new tools are making support easier to reach.

What’s new

  • New digital tools are emerging to close this gap, making peer-led mental health support easier to reach.

Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action

  • Dr. Tricia Tang (University of British Columbia) is leading Breakthrough T1D- funded research on REACHOUT, a mobile app that connects adults with T1D to peer-led mental health support. It’s available anytime, day or night, tailored to each person’s needs, and delivered by a peer they choose.
  • In her study, people who used REACHOUT for six months saw greater improvements in their mental health than those still waiting to access it. Full results are expected soon.

Dr. Tang presented results of the wait-list, randomized control trial – meaning that anyone who participated in the trial was randomly selected to either receive the peer support immediately or were put on a waitlist and still answered surveys about their mental health while waiting for access to the REACHOUT app. This style of study allows for all interested participants to access the tool (albeit at various times) but also provides control data to compare to. Using the REACHOUT app for 6 months was successful in improving mental health outcomes compared to those not using the app on the waitlist. The full results are expected to be published

What this all means for our community

ADA 2026 made one thing clear: progress in T1D is not coming from just one breakthrough, but from many advances happening at the same time.

Together, these advances are:

  • Improving daily life
  • Reducing the burden of T1D
  • Bringing us closer to cures

And, importantly, this progress is powered by you.

Through advocacy, participation in research, fundraising, and lived experience, the Breakthrough T1D community is helping drive every step forward.

Clinical trial on GLP-1RA (tirzepatide) to begin in Canada

Image of a doctor and a patient in a consultation with no faces showing. Doctor holding a spring-loaded lancing device

A new Breakthrough T1D-funded clinical trial led by Drs. Ahmad Haidar and Melissa-Rosina Pasqua (McGill University), is exploring whether tirzepatide, a commonly used medication for type 2 diabetes, can improve automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a type of adjunct-to-insulin therapy for diabetes called GLP-1RAs, short for   glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1RAs allows the pancreas to better respond to GLP-1 hormone signals that are released after eating. This hormone helps to manage blood glucose and weight gain by suppressing the release of glucagon, stimulating insulin production (in non-T1D individuals), and slowing the rate at which the stomach empties thereby reducing appetite and increasing the sensation of being full.

Tirzepatide is currently approved by Health Canada for use in type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and weight management (Zepbound) but is currently not approved for use with T1D.

What is Dr. Haidar’s trial examining?

Drs. Haidar and Pasqua’s Breakthrough T1D-funded trial will examine if tirzepatide can help improve glucose management for people with T1D using Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.

AID (or hybrid closed loop) systems consist of an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that are connected via an algorithm to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on blood glucose levels. However, most current systems are still considered “hybrid” because users must manually count carbohydrates and deliver insulin boluses before meals. This step remains one of the most burdensome parts of diabetes management.

This new study aims to take the next step forward: enabling fully closed-loop insulin delivery, where the system manages glucose control entirely on its own, without requiring users to announce meals or count carbohydrates. The trial will assess if tirzepatide can help achieve this goal.

How will tirzepatide replace or reduce meal announcements and carb counting?

With current AID systems, meal-time insulin dosing remains necessary because of a mismatch in timing:

  • Glucose from food enters the bloodstream quickly
  • Insulin delivered under the skin acts more slowly

This delay leads to post-meal (post-prandial) spikes in blood glucose levels if meal boluses are not given in advance. Tirzepatide works to address the timing mismatch by:

  • Slowing gastric emptying which delays how quickly glucose enters the bloodstream
  • Supressing glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose) which will help reduce post-meal spikes
  • Reducing appetite which lowers food intake and daily insulin requirements

Together, these effects may reduce the mismatch between food absorption and insulin action, making it easier for an automated system to maintain stable glucose levels without manual intervention.

Clinical trial details

A Clinical Trial Using Tirzepatide to Help Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Automatically Control Their Blood Sugar (TZP) is estimated to run in Montreal from 2026 to 2029.

The study will involve 105 adults using the Tandem Control-IQ technology, a commercial AID system. In the initial study stage, all participants will use the pump in its hybrid mode, which still requires users to manually give themselves insulin bolus doses before meals. In the final weeks of the study, participants taking tirzepatide will switch to a fully automated (“closed loop”) mode, where the system manages insulin delivery without these manual meal boluses.

This study will be conducted in collaboration with the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) (Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, MD, PhD) and the University of Bern (Lia Bally, MD, PhD; Christoph Grani, MD, PhD; and Maricel Peters, MD, PhD).

To learn about other clinical trials you may be eligible to participate in: Breakthrough T1D – Clinical Trials

How does this study align with clinical practice

Recently updated Clinical Practice Guidelines released by Diabetes Canada recommend that adjunctive therapies may be considered in adults with T1D, based on shared decision-making with the care provider. 

The same updated guidelines also recommended that insulin be delivered ideally by an insulin pump integrated with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in an AID system and that these devices be offered to all individuals with T1D, provided they are willing to wear the device and operate it.

Spotlight on Dr. Patrick MacDonald: Expanding global knowledge of human islets

Image of Dr. Patrick MacDonald
Dr. Patrick MacDonald

To cure type 1 diabetes (T1D), we need to do two things: we need to address the autoimmune response that damages insulin-producing beta cells, and we need to replace lost beta cells to restore the ability to produce insulin.

Beta cells are found in clusters of multiple cell types in the pancreas. These clusters are called the islets of Langerhans – or islets for short.  In order to understand how to protect and replace islets, we need to know as much about ‘healthy’ islets as possible and why they are destroyed in someone with T1D.  Since islets can’t be studied within the body and islets can’t be donated by a living donor, researchers rely greatly on islets that are isolated from cadaveric pancreas donors.

Dr. Patrick MacDonald of the University of Alberta is a world leader in coordinating global islet samples and data for researchers, while fostering national training opportunities. Dr. MacDonald directs the Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) IsletCore, the world’s largest ‘single source’ of human pancreas research tissue.

“Our goal with the ADI IsletCore, and other efforts we are involved in, is to elevate diabetes and transplantation research across Canada and internationally. With human research tissue we feel it is essential to share experimental results widely, to honour the selfless gifts of organ donors and to benefit the entire diabetes community,” says Dr. MacDonald.

ADI IsletCore in Canada

ADI IsletCore isolates and ships islets and pancreas tissue to a network of nearly 200 research labs around the world.  With nearly 50 pancreas donors in 2025, they were able to distribute almost 7 million islet equivalent cells to researchers, bringing their grand total to 75 million islet equivalents distributed to date. This translates into over 300 scientific papers crediting ADI IsletCore for research support.

Islet database

With support from the Breakthrough T1D-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes, Dr. MacDonald and his team have developed a groundbreaking online database cataloguing the molecular, cellular, and physiological functions of islets from human organ donors acquired through ADI IsletCore.

HumanIslets.com allows researchers worldwide to explore islet function, proteins, and pathways comparing between donors with and without diabetes. They have leveraged this work for an additional $1.8M of funding including a Breakthrough T1D International grant for $750k to expand the platform to include stem cell-derived islets and integrate AI and machine learning into the analysis.

Dr. MacDonald’s research has significantly advanced cure research for T1D by integrating massive datasets from hundreds of human donors and making this resource publicly accessible.

International collaboration

Dr. MacDonald is now sharing his expertise internationally through collaboration on development of islet distribution centres.

In April 2026, Australia launched its first national Breakthrough T1D-funded islet distribution centre, which is critical given Australia’s remote location and need to collect local tissue for research. Dr. MacDonald is advising on this important new islet centre, that will further improve both global collaboration and our understanding of human islets.

In addition to his partnership in Australia, Dr. MacDonald is also collaborating on islet distribution programs in Michigan, USA and Sweden to further support a worldwide connected research network. He has recently published a paper in Diabetologia about coordinating global efforts to advance islet research through shared resources.

Training emerging leaders

Not only does Dr. MacDonald oversee IsletCore and run an active research lab, he also co-founded, and was the initial leadership group chair of, the Canadian Islet Research and Training Network (CIRTN). The CIRTN is a world-leading islet research and training network in Canada that looks to build upon Canada’s reputation for excellence in islet biology research by facilitating the exchange of information and ideas with in-person and virtual scientific meetings, enhancing mentorship and trainee career development, and promoting engagement and collaboration amongst islet researchers in Canada and worldwide. Breakthrough T1D has been pleased to collaborate with CIRTN to co-fund four cohorts of trainees. Dr. MacDonald’s work is a crucial piece of the puzzle understanding stem-cell derived islets and demonstrates the power of global collaboration, a key tenet of Breakthrough T1D’s research strategy. His contributions are getting us closer to being able to produce these cells at scale and to Canadians with T1D.

Together on the Hill: Our T1D Community Made an Impact 

To every delegate who walked the halls of Parliament this year, this blog is for you. 

T1D on the Hill 2026 was about more than meetings and metrics. It was about people. It was about families, kids, parents, adults living with type 1 diabetes, and the shared belief that progress happens when we show up together. 

And show up you did. 

BreakthroughT1D delegates on Parliament Hill
May 4, 2026: Breakthrough T1D members on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo by Dave Chan.

On May 4th and 5th, 28 delegates from across Canada met with Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior staff. In total, 49 parliamentarians engaged with Breakthrough T1D Canada and learned about the Breakthrough T1D Network Canada. We can confirm, the reception to our message was overwhelmingly positive. 

What made the difference was you. 

Delegates spoke with confidence, clarity, and heart. You shared personal stories that brought the realities of type 1 diabetes into sharp focus. You explained why 2026 is a critical moment for research and access. You showed decision-makers that T1D is not abstract or theoretical. It is something families live with every single day. 

The feedback we heard again and again was that the message was clear and compelling. Parliamentarians appreciated the materials you shared, the focused ask, and the fact that everything fit into a meaningful conversation. Many asked thoughtful questions. Many requested follow-ups. And many committed to helping move this work forward. 

There were real and tangible wins. We secured commitments from MPs and Senators to champion the Breakthrough T1D Network Canada internally and we identified strong allies across parties. We saw statements made publicly in the House of Commons and the Senate. We opened doors with central agencies and built new connections that will support the path ahead. 

BreakthroughT1D delegates on Parliament Hill
May 4, 2026: Breakthrough T1D members on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo by Dave Chan.

These outcomes matter, but they only happened because our delegates were prepared, supported, and brave enough to speak from experience. Kids and their parents spoke not only about their daily challenges, but about why a cure matters to their future. Adults living with T1D spoke about the daily mental and physical load of managing this disease, the financial burden, but they also shared how a cure would impact their lives. Together, you struck a balance between policy and humanity that left a lasting impression. 

One of the most powerful moments of the week came at our reception. More than 90 people filled the room, including over 20 MPs and Senators. The energy was unmistakable. Conversations flowed easily. Parliamentarians stayed, listened, and engaged. It was a clear signal that when our community gathers, people pay attention. 

BreakthroughT1D delegates on Parliament Hill
May 4, 2026: Breakthrough T1D members on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo by Dave Chan.

This year also marked an important evolution for T1D on the Hill. With new Breakthrough T1D branding, a more centralized government relations approach, and board members working closely with delegates, the effort felt cohesive and purposeful. Kids and adults advocated side by side, showing that T1D affects every stage of life and that solutions must too. 

There is still work ahead. Questions about research funding and science will continue. Follow-ups with offices and committees are already underway. But the momentum is real, and it was built by the collective effort of this community. 

To our delegates: thank you for your time, your preparation, and your courage. Thank you for sharing your story and for lending your voice so that others living with type 1 diabetes may someday live with less burden, and eventually, without this disease. 

T1D on the Hill 2026 reminded us of something powerful. When our community comes together, we don’t just ask to be heard. We are heard. 

If you’d like to help keep this momentum going, we invite you to send a letter to your MP by clicking the link below. https://Advocacy.BreakthroughT1D.ca/page/188437/action/1 We’ll keep you updated on our progress in the months to come! 

BreakthroughT1D delegates on Parliament Hill
May 4, 2026: Breakthrough T1D members on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo by Dave Chan.

A conversation with Aspect Biosystems 

Building next-generation solutions for type 1 diabetes

Vancouver-based Aspect Biosystems recently announced a new $280 million partnership with the Government of Canada. Breakthrough T1D Canada’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sarah Linklater, spoke with Aspect’s Founder and CEO, Tamer Mohamed, about what the news means for the future of type 1 diabetes (T1D) treatment. 

Sarah: For readers who may not be familiar with Aspect Biosystems, can you tell us what the company does and which health conditions you’re focused on? 

Tamer: Aspect is pioneering what we call bioengineered cellular therapies. In simple terms, these are engineered cellular medicines designed to replace the function that’s lost because of disease—and without the need for long-term immune suppression. 

Our main focus is on metabolic and endocrine diseases, with T1D being a major priority. We’re developing a stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy that aims to restore blood glucose control without requiring chronic immune suppression, which has long been one of the biggest challenges in this field. 

We’re also applying our platform technology to other endocrine diseases, including primary adrenal insufficiency and other rare conditions. Across all of these areas, our goal is the same: to bring the full power of our platform to serious diseases that have been extremely difficult to treat—and develop curative medicines. 

Sarah: Aspect recently announced major investments from the Government of Canada. What does this mean for the T1D community? 

Tamer: Canada has a deep and proud history in diabetes research, including the discovery of insulin. More than 100 years later, this partnership is about Aspect Biosystems leading the next wave of curative medicines and building something truly generational, anchored in Canada.  

In 2024, we launched a $200 million partnership with the governments of Canada and British Columbia to advance our platform and therapeutic pipeline. More recently, we’ve deepened our partnership with an additional $280 million project with the federal government to strengthen our clinical development capabilities and help us go the distance. 

For the T1D community, this matters because it accelerates our ability to move therapies into advanced clinical development. It brings us closer to delivering curative medicines to people in Canada and around the world—and it does so by building a generational biotech company right here at home. 

Sarah: Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field, especially in T1D. What makes Aspect’s approach stand out? 

Tamer: We have three elements that are essential to unlocking cellular therapies with curative potential without the need for chronic immune suppression. First, access to high-quality stem cell-derived islets. Second, best-in-class immune evasion technologies that protect those cells from the immune system. And third, the manufacturing required to scale these therapies.  

We took a big step forward earlier this year in our partnership with Novo Nordisk to integrate key stem cell and hypoimmune cell engineering technologies under Aspect’s leadership. Combined with our recent federal investment, this gives us a real opportunity to develop therapies that could be transformative for people living with T1D. 

Sarah: Looking ahead, how does Aspect plan to work with the T1D research and clinical community, including Breakthrough T1D? 

Tamer: Partnership with the people we aim to serve is absolutely central to what we do. As we advance toward first-in-human studies, continuing to deepen our understanding of the patient experience becomes even more important. 

From the early days, Breakthrough T1D played a role in shaping our path – we held an industry grant that enabled us to create a focus on T1D and, later, support from the T1D Fund. Our partnership with Breakthrough T1D was never just about capital. It was about shared mission, insight, connections, and learning. 

We know the challenge ahead is enormous, and we’re humbled by it. But we’re committed. Our job isn’t done until we’ve made a real difference for people living with T1D—and we’re not going to rest until we do.

Between the lines of sugar


Guest post: Soundous Sellam, student living with type 1 diabetes in Montreal

Living with T1D (type 1 diabetes)

I don’t wake up at night because of school stress. I wake up because my sugar dropped, again. It’s 3 am and I have to shove food in my mouth, trying to convince my body not to give up on me. The quiet of the house makes the beeping of my glucose monitor feel deafening and strangely unreal. It’s such a weird reality.

People hear “diabetes” and picture an older person told to stop eating sugar. That’s type 2. I have type 1. I didn’t get this because of what I ate or how I lived. My own immune system destroyed the cells in my pancreas that produce insulin, leaving me to manage something my body can no longer do for me. My pancreas became a battlefield, and my immune system, once protector, turned into the invader, devouring the cells I needed to survive. It felt as if my own body had mistaken its organs for enemies. It tore through the cells that once worked tirelessly for me.

I was diagnosed in May 2022. The doctors told me my blood sugar was 26 mmol/L which is dangerously high. I was on the edge of life and death, nearly in diabetic ketoacidosis. Suddenly, I had to grow up faster than anyone else. I had to learn to inject myself, count carbs with precision, carry supplies everywhere, and cover bruises from needles and sensors. Even when I slept, even when I was sick or exhausted, the calculations never stopped. I had to care for myself constantly because if I didn’t, the consequences could be immediate or long-term, from passing out to risking damage to my heart, eyes, and kidneys.

When I was diagnosed, I didn’t want my parents to carry the weight of my illness for me. I didn’t want to wake them up in the middle of the night every time my sugar dropped or see the worry etched into their faces every time I checked my numbers. So, I stood up for myself. I learned to inject insulin, count carbs, and manage my highs and lows on my own. It wasn’t just about independence it was about protecting them from the fear that came with every spike and crash. In taking responsibility for my own care, I discovered a resilience I didn’t know I had. I don’t vent to them, I don’t stress them out with the endless calculations, the beeping monitors, the sudden lows that knock me off my feet. I keep it all to myself. It’s a quiet burden, one I carry so they don’t have to.

Sometimes it’s lonely, but in that silence, I’ve learned to listen to my body, to trust myself, and to stand on my own even when everything feels unpredictable. Managing diabetes became not just about survival, it became about proving to myself that I could handle whatever life threw at me.

It isn’t just the physical labor; it’s the mental weight. There’s a second voice in my head, always questioning, always calculating: Did I take enough insulin? Did I eat too much? Will I crash during my exam? Will someone think I’m exaggerating? It gets exhausting and it’s a daily pressure, like a hand pushing down on me, reminding me that I can never let my guard down.

Some nights, despite all my planning, my body still rebels. I wake up shaking, sweating, seeing stars, unable to even sit up. Every number feels like a puzzle, and the solution decides whether I feel okay or end up in the hospital. I learned to be responsible, to make the right decisions, and to carry the weight that those decisions can have, not just on myself, but on the people around me.

Every choice, from a small snack to a dose of insulin, is a lesson in accountability. It feels like solving equations that never end, numbers looping through my mind like an infinite maze. Diabetes taught me that my actions have consequences, and that taking ownership of them is both a challenge and a gift.

People tell me to “just accept it.” And sometimes, I have. Until I’m at the pharmacy, staring at a bag full of insulin, needles, and sensors and realize that this bag will never be empty. Not next month, not next year, not ever. I’ve accepted it… until I walk into a restaurant and see people eating without a second thought, no carb counting, no calculations, no fear. I’ve accepted it, until exhaustion and sugar swings make me snap at someone I love, and I wonder who that even was. Acceptance isn’t a box you check. It’s something you lose, and slowly find again.

Type 1 diabetes has taken a lot from me, but it has also given me more than I could have imagined. It has taught me discipline, patience, and self-awareness. It also made me more empathetic. Living with a constant, invisible shadow that walks beside men even when the sun is out, taught me that everyone is fighting their own battles, even when I can’t see them. I’ve learned to notice the small struggles, to listen, and to approach others with patience and understanding because I know what it feels like to carry a weight no one else can see.

And one day, I hope to use what I’ve learned to help others fight in the same way I’ve had to fight for myself. I want to be an anchor for others, someone they can rely on when life feels uncertain. Living with this disease has shown me the importance of steadiness, patience, and care not just for myself, but for the people around me. If I can offer support, understanding, or a calm presence to someone else, I know it can make a difference. I hope I’ll make that difference.

Breakthrough T1D Canada’s Mental Health Strategy: an update of the past year

May is Mental Health Awareness month, an international movement dedicated to reducing stigma, providing education, and promoting mental health as a critical part of overall health and well-being.  The month highlights the need for community support, early intervention, and professional resources for those challenged by mental health issues. 

Having type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects a person’s emotional, social, and mental wellbeing throughout their lifetime, known collectively as psychosocial health. 

Research has shown that people with T1D are at higher risk of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety and disordered eating. These challenges are common in people with T1D and can be treated – but only with the right resources that address the correct gaps in healthcare specific to diabetes.

Launched in 2021, Breakthrough T1D takes a three-pronged approach to its Mental Health Strategy: 1) enabling knowledge generation through new research, 2) delivering a training program for mental health providers, and 3) developing both new and ongoing community supports.

Since then, we have seen significant progress in all three key areas, thanks to the generous support of donors, as well as partnerships with academia, other diabetes organizations, and community partners.

We are pleased to share the updates to this program that have taken place since May, 2025.

Mental Health + Diabetes Training Program
A training program specializing in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

We continued to deliver the Mental Health + Diabetes in both English and French, supporting registered mental health providers care providers to better understand the psychosocial impacts of diabetes.

This year, we developed a companion workbook to the e-learning that includes key takeaways from each module and includes thought-promoting questions. This workbook addresses feedback from learners that have completed the program, as this was a common request of participants.

We made updates and quality improvements to ensure the program remains relevant and evidence informed.

  • 678 mental health providers completed this training as of May 1st 2026

Mental Health + Diabetes Directory
A directory of mental health providers who have completed the Training Program

Mental health providers who complete our training program are eligible to join our Directory of trained providers, allowing the the diabetes community to more easliy find providers in their communities.

We were very pleased to see consistent and continued growth of the Directory and we continued to work to increase the visibility of trained mental health providers across Canada.

We completed ongoing reviews and maintenance of the Directory to ensure listings remain accurate and useful for people living with diabetes and their caregivers.

The Directory now includes trained mental health providers who can provide care in all provinces and territories (please note for the territories they are currently offering virtual appointments and are cross-listed with other provinces).

  • 244 mental health providers listed as of May 1, 2026
Stress Management and Resilience

Research updates
Current mental health research focuses on adolescents, young adults, and those facing care transitions or geographic barriers.

Projects funded in partnership with Brain Canada are developing and testing psychosocial interventions.

A randomized controlled trial, Teaching Adolescents with type 1 Diabetes Self-compassion (TADS) to reduce diabetes distress, led by Dr. Marie-Eve Robinson, Ontariodemonstrated that a mindful self‑compassion program significantly reduced diabetes distress, depression, anxiety, and disordered eating among youth. Full results from this completed study will be presented in 2026.

Dr. Tricia Tang, British Columbia uses a virtual care platform called REACHOUT to deliver peer‑led mental health support to adults with T1D across British Columbia. Participants in Dr. Tang’s recent trial showed reductions in diabetes distress and depressive symptoms, alongside increased perceived social support.

TECC-T1D3: Technology-enabled Comprehensive Care for young adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes Distress, a study led by Dr. Peter Selby, Ontario is using qualitative interviews to inform the design of a technology‑enabled care intervention for young adults experiencing diabetes distress, which is currently in the pilot phase.

Projects funded in partnership with CIHR address key life transitions and unmet psychosocial needs.

Aiming for Something Sweeter: Supporting Youth with Type 1 Diabetes During Transition from Pediatric to Adult Diabetes Care led by Dr. Sonia Butalia, Alberta is testing how to support youth transitioning from pediatric to adult diabetes care by integrating trained non‑medical transition coordinators into the health system.

Adaptation and Pilot Evaluation of a Digital Intervention Targeting the Psychosocial Needs of Individuals with Pregestational Diabetes: A Mixed-Methods Multi Phase Study led by Dr. Deborah Da Costa, Quebec is adapting the HealthyMoms digital platform to support the mental health needs of individuals with pre-gestational diabetes during pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, with a trial planned for 2027.

Type 1 Diabetes, Exercise and Mentoring (TEAM) Trial: A randomized controlled pilot trial using peer mentorship to increase physical activity and quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes led by Dr. Jon McGavock, Manitoba evaluates a peer‑mentorship model to increase physical activity, quality of life, and belonging among adolescents with T1D, with early feedback demonstrating meaningful benefits among participants.

Find Your CommuniT1D: Customized Virtual Peer Support for People Living with Type 1 Diabetes. Dr. Holly Witteman, Quebec established a robust team of individuals with lived and loved experience of T1D as well as digital health experts to create CommuniT1D. The program launched in summer 2025 and are currently recruiting participants that are being placed in small groups based on similar circumstances or needs. 

Updates on Community Grants
An incubator initiative designed to provide seed funding to organizations ready to transform innovative ideas into successful projects to support the mental health and wellness of the T1D community.

We held a virtual symposium for Community Grants in October 2025 where the leads shared their results and learnings to wrap up the 2023 grants.

Through their community grant support, the University of Montreal created videos in French with English subtitles about mental health and T1D, covering a range of important topics. These videos and more T1D specific mental health content are available on the Type 1 Better Support platform.

We also provided a top up grant to Connected in Motion, “Bridging the Gap: Mental Health Integration into Slipstream Programming,” wrapped up in February 2026, an extension and add on to the 2023 grant stream. With this support the organization built a new mental health hub: https://www.connectedinmotion.ca/mental-health-hub/, that expanded digital content and delivered mental health specific sessions at their virtual programming session. session.

The new Hub now brings together:

  • Community-written blogs and reflections on topics like burnout, identity, relationships, aging, and emotional resilience
  • Recorded virtual sessions exploring the mental side of living with type 1 diabetes
  • Community-created tools and gentle visual resources that support everyday well-being
  • Clear pathways to connect with others through events, groups, and additional supports

A 2026 funding opportunity has been announced and will be larger (up to $35,000 each) to allow for even more fulsome projects.

Expanded partnerships and community collaboration
Working with the community to provide outreach and further fill gaps in community resources and care

Breakthrough T1D was pleased to launch a new partnership with You’re Just My Type (YJMT to provide more peer support opportunities, both virtually and in-person.

This partnership will bring two in-person events and one virtual event throughout 2026 – May 30th in Vancouver, Toronto in the autumn, and a virtual event later in the year. These will be YJMT’s first-ever Canadian events and will help to strengthen peer connection and community-driven mental health support for adults living with T1D.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to meeting people where they are with relatable, accessible mental health resources.

We also continue to collaborate with Diabetes Canada on our Training Program and Directory, and thank them for their ongoing efforts to increase awareness and engagement of these initiatives.

Caregiver Support
Recognizing an unaddressed need for parent and caregiver support.

We have also released a new Caregiver Guide for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with T1D. Based on a guide produced by Breakthrough T1D Australia, and with input from Canadian mental health providers and people with lived experience of T1D, we are pleased to release the updated Canadian guide for our audience.

We had frequent feedback that caregiver support was a significant need for the T1D community, and the new guide acts as a practical, compassionate resource to support parents and caregivers of children and youth living with T1D.

The Caregiver Guide will be included in the Bag of Hope and Teen Care Kit in print and is also available online for download.

To further support T1D caregivers, we are planning virtual, interactive sessions for fall 2026. These facilitated sessions will aim to provide parents and caregivers of children and teens living with T1D with a supportive, interactive space to reflect on their experiences, build practical coping skills, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Thank you to our community

Breakthrough T1D Canada remains enormously grateful for the support of our Mental Health Advisory Council, lead volunteers and philanthropic partners, including funding partners Brain Canada and CIHR, without whom our progress in this area would not be possible.

For more information on mental health supports, please visit the Directory at directory.breakthroughT1D.ca or our mental health resources page.

To keep informed of upcoming events with YJMT and the caregiver support sessions, please ensure you’re on our mailing list or follow our social media channels:
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LinkedIn

A new partnership to support mental health in the type 1 diabetes community 

In March 2026, Breakthrough T1D Canada and You’re Just My Type (YJMT) announced a new partnership to build on lived experience support as part of the organization’s mental health and diabetes strategy. 

You’re Just My Type is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health of people living with T1D through in-person events, resources, and community-building. 

The partnership with Breakthrough T1D will bring YJMT to Canadians, through free, in-person mental health events for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), taking place in Vancouver in May, in Toronto and an online event in November that will be available to anyone in Canada. 

Breakthrough T1D had the opportunity to speak with YJMT founder Laura Pavlakovich about what motivated her to start her nonprofit, and her hopes for the expansion into Canadian communities. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself 

I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly my entire life, and I’ve found that the mental toll can often be heavier than the physical. My background is in photojournalism, a path that took me all over the world and ignited my passion for storytelling and human connection. In 2016, I began combining these two worlds – photography and T1D – to share the stories of our community. That work eventually grew into You’re Just My Type, where we now focus on building mental-health-centered, peer-led spaces for those living with this condition. 

What made you start You’re Just My Type? 

You’re Just My Type grew out of realizing how much peer support and in-person community were missing in the Type 1 space. While the photo project began in 2016, it evolved into a formal organization in 2021 when I hosted our first in-person mental health event. 

I kept thinking about what I wished I had growing up; diabetes camp was a lifesaver, but it only existed for one week a year. I wanted that support to be a year-round reality. Since 2021, we’ve hosted over 50 free events across multiple cities. It became clear that people don’t just need better tools—they need each other. 

What makes you excited about the YJMT and Breakthrough T1D Canada partnership? 

We hear from people in Canada all the time asking if we’ll ever bring You’re Just My Type there, so this partnership feels incredibly meaningful. Breakthrough T1D Canada is such a trusted and respected organization, and we share a fundamental belief that caring for people with type 1 means caring for their mental health, too. Partnering together makes it possible to reach more people and begin building community in new places in a thoughtful, sustainable way. 

Why do you think it’s important for people to understand about mental health and Type 1 diabetes? 

Type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 mental experience, even when it looks “under control” from the outside. People often think Type 1 is easy because, as a community, we’ve learned how to make it look easy. 

What they don’t see is the constant decision-making, the math, the planning, the sleepless nights, and the complete exhaustion that comes with managing a chronic illness every single day. Mental health support isn’t an optional “extra” in diabetes care; it is essential. 

Any further message you want to share with the Canadian T1D community? 

You’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way sometimes. You deserve spaces where you can be honest, imperfect, and fully understood. We are so excited to bring You’re Just My Type’s community-based events to Canada and build something alongside you. You belong here. 

Learn more about You’re Just My Type at: https://www.yourejustmytype.org/ and further announcements about upcoming events by following Breakthrough T1D Canada on their social media channels. 

New caregiver guide launched for parents and caregivers of children and youth with type 1 diabetes

There is a saying that many of us have heard soon after boarding a flight: “put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others,” a safety instruction when you’re on an airplane that acts as a metaphor for self-care. Simply put, it means taking care of your physical and emotional well-being before attempting to help others. Because if you don’t look after yourself first, it becomes much harder to look after anyone else.

For parents and caregivers of children and youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) it can feel difficult to put your mask on first. After a diagnosis of T1D, the focus will inevitably be on your child first and getting them through that acute phase of fear and uncertainty, before learning to navigate your new normal as a family with T1D.

But it’s essential to also take care of your health and well-being, even during the period immediately following diagnosis. T1D is a lifelong disease that requires 24/7 management without time off and with no breaks, and it can be relentless. Continually being in a state of high alert without self-care can lead to chronic stress and caregiver burnout.

Published evidence tells us that anxiety, depression and distress are common among parents of children with T1D, especially among female caregivers, single parents, and those with lower income. Caregiving for a child with T1D can also disrupt sleep, employment and careers, which can all affect mental well-being. Moreover, caregiver mental health is closely linked to child outcomes and family functioning – meaning that family conflict and stress often point to more difficulty in diabetes self-management. But the good news is that caregiver mental health burden is not inevitable – it can be prevented or improved with the right help and support.  

Learning to recognize concerning effects on mental health and preventing them before they become serious is especially hard for parents of children with T1D, as they often feel their needs come secondary to those of their child’s.

“I felt overwhelmed by the complexity of managing the disease, along with a deep sadness for the carefree childhood I feared had been lost,” said Mina, a caregiver whose child was diagnosed at 10 years old.

Breakthrough T1D Canada heard from the community that there was a gap in caregiver support. Therefore, as part of its Mental Health Strategy, Breakthrough T1D Canada has launched a new Caregiver Guide to help address this underrepresented need.

Based on a guide produced by Breakthrough T1D Australia, and with input from Canadian mental health providers and people with lived experience of T1D, we are pleased to release the updated Canadian guide for our audience.

The Caregiver Guide is a thorough, chapter-based information guide that details the many different stages of caregiving, including:

  • The immediate aftermath of diagnosis
  • Transitional stages, (i.e. elementary school to middle school to high school)
  • When your child asserts independence in their T1D management
  • Impact on siblings
  • Different types of stress
  • Coping strategies
  • When to seek professional support and help, and much more.

We hope that it will be a useful, compassionate resource to help parents and caregivers of children and youth living with T1D. 

“The T1D community became an extraordinary source of support on our journey. Connecting with other families, social workers, and accessing the resources available through Breakthrough T1D made an enormous difference for our family. Today, my son is doing wonderfully—happy, healthy, and thriving while managing T1D—and we remain deeply grateful for the community that helped us get here,” says Mina.

The Caregiver Guide will be included in the Bag of Hope and Teen Care Kit in print and is also available online for download.

In fall 2026, to complement the Caregiver Guide, Breakthrough T1D is planning free, virtual, facilitated caregiver support sessions. These sessions will aim to provide parents and caregivers of children and teens living with T1D with a supportive, interactive space to reflect on their experiences, build practical coping skills, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

They will aim to translate key themes from the Caregiver Guide into practical, real-world reflection and discussion, encourage parents to seek help when needed, and to foster connections to mental health and peer supports.

The sessions will be in both English and French, with time for a question-and-answer period.

Putting your oxygen mask on first isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial that caregivers also prioritize their own health and well-being in order to best support a child with T1D. And Breakthrough T1D is here with resources to help support parents and other caregivers in their own personal journeys with T1D.

“In the hardest moments, what helped me most was realizing I didn’t have to do this alone… Asking for support is not a weakness, but a vital part of this journey,” says Miriam, whose child was diagnosed age 13.

To download a Caregiver Guide please click here: https://breakthrought1d.ca/community-support/caregiver-guide/

To keep informed of upcoming caregiver support sessions, please ensure you’re on our mailing list or follow our social media channels.

For more information on mental health supports for people living with T1D, please visit the Directory at directory.breakthroughT1D.ca or our mental health resources page. 

From Beta Cells to Bicycles


The Breakthrough T1D Canucks For Kids Fund Centre of Excellence at the University of British Columbia launches new podcast for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community

The Breakthrough T1D Canucks For Kids Fund Centre of Excellence at the University of British Columbia (Centre of Excellence) unites the expertise of global research leaders and partnerships in industry, health care, government, and academia towards a singular goal: curing T1D. The Centre creates an environment for sustained multidisciplinary collaboration between three key sites – UBC’s Life Sciences Institute, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHRI), and Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) – allowing for rapid progress and efficient translation of discoveries in the lab to clinical solutions for people living with T1D.

Part of their work also focuses on knowledge translation and supporting lived experience, including The Breakthrough T1D Canucks For Kids Fund Centre of Excellence at UBC T1D Lived Advisory Group which has a key role at Centre outreach events and enabling dialogue between researchers and people living with T1D.

To augment this and launched in early 2026, the Centre of Excellence teamed up with BC Diabetes Research Network’s (BCDRN) popular podcast From Beta Cells to Bicycles for a special series dedicated to the Centre of Excellence. From Beta Cells to Bicycles is a series focusing on research, community engagement, and collaboration.

Streamed on Simplecast, each episode features a brief introduction by Krista Lamb, science communicator. Krista specializes in turning complex medical science into compelling stories that will help listeners and readers understand why this science truly matters in their lives.

“We are thrilled to share with the public, and especially those with lived experience with T1D, some of the exciting research activities and advances going on in the Breakthrough T1D Canucks for Kids Fund Centre of Excellence at UBC. The Centre has become a hub of excellence in T1D research, training, and knowledge sharing. We learn much through our interaction with persons with lived experience and the insight that they share, and hope this podcast captures for you the promise and challenges of T1D research going on in the Centre, as we work hard towards the development of new cell, gene, and molecular therapies for persons living with and at risk for T1D,” says Dr. Bruce Vechere, one of the Centre of Excellence’s co-research leads.

Content and Episode Themes 
Five episodes have been released, each centered on key themes:

  • Episode 1: Co-Leadership in Research—discussing shared leadership models with Drs. Megan Levings and Bruce Verchere, focusing on partnership, team synergy, and the Centre of Excellence’s collaborative approach to developing insulin protection strategies.
  • Episode 2: Voices of Experience—exploring meaningful engagement and co-design with diverse voices in health research, featuring guests Lindsay Pallo, Ben, Ramya, Beth.
  • Episode 3: From Lab to Life—highlighting translational work by Drs. Francis Lynn and James Johnson on cellular therapies for T1D, emphasizing outreach, fundraising, and public benefit.
  • Episode 4: Navigating Translation—addressing balancing innovation and ethics in research translation, with insights from Drs. Megan Levings and Timothy Kieffer.
  • Episode 5: Research Reflections—featuring Breakthrough T1D Canada’s Chief Scientific Officer and President and CEO, Dr. Sarah Linklater and Jessica Diniz reflecting on lessons learned from participatory and team-based research, and future directions for the Centre of Excellence, and stem cell cure-based research in Canada, and globally.

In their episode of From Beta Cells to Bicycles, Sarah and Jessica explain why Breakthrough T1D Canada invests in team‑based, multidisciplinary research rather than in individual labs, as progress in T1D research requires collaboration across beta cell biology, immunology, bioengineering, and clinical translation research. The Centre of Excellence model provides sustained, flexible funding that helps to mitigate the ‘stop‑start’ nature of traditional individual grants and helps research teams move discoveries more quickly from the lab toward real‑world impact.

The discussion also explores the lessons learned since the Centre of Excellence’s launch, including the importance of strong partnerships, meaningful engagement with people with T1D lived experience, and training the next generation of researchers.

They also discussed promising advances in disease‑modifying therapies, like Tzield, while cautioning against unrealistic timelines and stressing the need to pair scientific breakthroughs with advocacy for equitable diabetes device access and coverage.

The episode concludes with optimism about the future of Canadian T1D research, the work of the Breakthrough T1D Canucks for Kids Fund Centre of Excellence, and a shared belief that the future will offer multiple therapeutic options tailored to the diverse needs of people living with type 1 diabetes.

We thank Breakthrough T1D Canucks for Kids Fund Centre of Excellence for allowing us to be guests on From Beta Cells to Bicycles.

Listen to all five episodes here: https://diabetes-from-beta-cells-to-bicycles.simplecast.com/ 

A Canadian pediatric first for type 1 diabetes

For the first time in Canada, Tzield (teplizumab) has been administered to children* – two  patients at BC Children’s Hospital with early-stage type 1 diabetes (T1D).

This milestone matters because it shows real progress toward something the T1D community has waited decades to see – treatments that can change the course of the disease, not just manage it.

Tzield is designed to delay progression of T1D in people who show early signs of the disease but do not yet need insulin. Clinical studies show it can delay the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes by a median of about two years in eligible adults and children.

For families, that time matters. It can mean fewer medical emergencies and more time to prepare for what comes next.

Further promising news out of the United States is that the FDA has approved Tzield for children aged one year and above with stage 2 T1D. In Canada, Tzield is currently approved for age 8 and above. You can read Sanofi’s press release here.

Why this matters beyond two patients

The fact that Tzield has now been given to children in Canada is an encouraging sign that more people are beginning to benefit from the first disease‑modifying therapy for T1D. While access remains limited, it signals a shift toward earlier action – before insulin is needed – rather than waiting for diagnosis.

A small number of adults have already received the drug since it was approved by Health Canada in 2025. What’s new – and meaningful – is that children are now beginning to benefit as well.

How can Canadians benefit from Tzield?

To be eligible for Tzield, one has to be identified through screening as having early stage T1D. Screening for T1D identifies the presence of certain autoantibodies, which can mean someone is at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

In Canada, family members of someone with type 1 diabetes can be screened through TrialNet (for first- and second-degree relatives anywhere in Canada) and by FEDERATE-Can (for first-degree relatives in Quebec). However, only 10-15% of newly diagnosed individuals have a family history, so familial screening alone will miss over 85% of new cases.

Those without a first or second degree relative with T1D can discuss www.uncovert1d.ca with their healthcare providers for more options.

Although approved as a therapy by Health Canada, in January Canada’s Drug Agency has announced a recommendation not to reimburse Tzield.

Breakthrough T1D Canada will continue to invest in early-detection research and advocate for better access to screening and disease-modifying treatments.

*The medication teplizumab was provided by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi as part of their patient support program.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and ketones 

Why they matter beyond a type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most serious, life‑threatening complications associated with T1D—yet it’s often associated with diagnosis and misunderstood and underrecognized among both people living with the disease and some healthcare providers. 

The good news is: armed with proper knowledge, DKA is largely preventable.  

What are diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and ketones? 

DKA starts because of a lack of insulin in the body – this is why it’s so often present at diagnosis, particularly in children. When a body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow cells to use glucose for energy, it turns to fat instead. This breakdown of fat produces ketones – acids that accumulate in the bloodstream. 

When ketone levels are too high, these acids rise and blood becomes acidic, leading to DKA. Once this process begins, it can escalate quickly and requires immediate attention. If not addressed, DKA will become a medical crisis that can result in further complications, and even death. 

Fortunately, DKA does not typically present without warning. Part of T1D management is blood glucose testing, and testing for ketones should become standard when glucose is trending high. 

If someone with T1D feels sick or unwell, they should also test ketone levels, particularly if blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Ensure there are always unexpired ketone strips on hand, and check for ketone levels whenever blood glucose levels rise above 14.0 mmol/L. 

Note that DKA doesn’t only happen when blood glucose is high. DKA can also occur even when glucose levels are normal or only mildly elevated. This is particularly true for people taking certain SGLT‑inhibitor medications as an adjunct therapy, or following very low‑carbohydrate diets. 

When ketones are present, timely action can prevent dangerous progression. Ensure that you or your child keeps well-hydrated, take additional insulin correction doses as needed and monitor ketone levels every two hours to prevent elevated ketones from becoming DKA. But if symptoms worsen or ketones rise above 3.0 mmol/L, it is essential to immediately seek medical attention.  

Click HERE to download this infographic and print and post in a common area in your home.

Infographic is provided courtesy of Dr. Bruce Perkins (Lunenfeld–Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health) and collaborators.

Why awareness is so important 

Awareness of DKA, not just among the T1D community and healthcare professionals, but also the general public is a key tool to mitigating its incidence. And although DKA is more commonly thought to be an issue at diagnosis, the reality is that anyone with T1D is at risk, regardless of age and how long they’ve had T1D or how they manage it. And when it isn’t recognized early and addressed with urgency, it can become a medical crisis – a point at which it’s harder for the person with T1D to advocate for themselves. 

This underscores why better DKA awareness among not only the T1D community, but the public at large is so important. The right education and resources, access to tools, and consistent messaging can help to mitigate DKA risk in people living with T1D.  

Breakthrough T1D Canada, with support from Abbott, has launched a DKA and ketones awareness campaign to help achieve this.  

Preventing DKA includes having conversations about ketones, even if they can be scary and uncomfortable.  

And we want to hear from you:

We are looking for stories from our T1D community about your experience with ketones and DKA.   

  • Tell us about a time you, or a loved one, experienced DKA 
  • How do you incorporate monitoring ketones into your management of T1D? 
  • What symptoms do you feel when your ketones are high? 

Abbott will provide a donation to Breakthrough T1D for every story submitted, and your story may be included in a future blog post. 

Click HERE to share

Turning your experiences into real action 

With your help, we will turn stories into awareness and action. This means reinforcing early ketone testing when symptoms are present, and more importantly, ensuring equitable access to diabetes devices and supplies like ketone strips and any future monitoring technologies.  

Experiencing DKA when living with T1D is a preventable outcome with the right understanding, awareness and tools. 

And listening to the stories of people who have been there will help everyone better recognize the early warning signs of DKA – and can help save lives. 

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