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Halloween day will never be the same for Conrad Pow as that was the day in 2018 when his daughter Chloe was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Determined to find the best possible tools to take care of his daughter’s diabetes, Pow says everything changed when Chloe started using the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. By wearing a sensor and carrying a phone with her, she would get relief from all the finger pokes* and could be alerted if her glucose levels crossed certain thresholds and needed attention. For Pow, the Dexcom Follow app† was a real game-changer, allowing him to see Chloe’s glucose levels at any time of day or night – even when he wasn’t with her.

“Being able to see Chloe’s levels remotely allowed us to give Chloe more freedom, and gave our family more peace of mind. It’s been amazing.”

Pow said it was a priority for him to ensure Chloe could participate in everything her big sister Kaitlyn did, and allow her to have a fun childhood.

“When the girls go off together on a bike ride or head to a friend’s house for a sleepover, I can still keep an eye on Chloe’s levels from home. I want to protect her, but I also just want her to be a kid.”

For the Pow family, having adventures and making memories has always been the core of their approach to life. “The Dexcom G6 has given us more confidence to live life to the fullest, while still doing what needs to be done to manage Chloe’s diabetes. I simply couldn’t be more proud to have such a strong and happy six-year-old.”

For more information about the Dexcom G6, go to www.dexcom.com or ask your healthcare provider for a free sample.

*If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.

†Following requires the Dexcom Follow app and an Internet connection. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 app before making treatment decisions.

This past month, as part of JDRF’s #AccessforAll campaign, British Columbians impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D) came together with patient advocates, clinicians and elected officials to discuss the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) devices, and the need to cover these technologies under B.C. Pharmacare. 

Nearly a dozen Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) participated in the four-part series alongside other participants, which made for a lively and engaging discussion.  

Dozens of people of all ages and backgrounds shared their personal experiences using CGM and Flash GM devices, and the power these technologies have to be not only lifesaving, but lifechanging.  

“We have the technology that allows self-driving cars, yet we are so behind in devices that can save lives.”

 Their testimonials were emotional and impactful, and reaffirmed one more time the crucial need for provincial coverage of these devices:  

Sophie Orth:  

“I was diagnosed when I was 3 years old. Throughout my life, I had the luxury of having CGM and Flash GM devices to help me manage my diabetes. But due to unforeseen circumstances, my family struggled to afford CGM and Flash GM technology which forced me to reverse back to using the finger pricking method. Now, I have to see my doctor every week which is extremely difficult for me being in my graduation year. We don’t know what to do.”  

Alyssa Florence: 

“One night, my mom couldn’t wake me up. I was pale, freezing, had a massive headache, lost my vision, and could not move. My mom brought me to the hospital and the doctor told her that every organ in my body was getting attacked by the acid in my blood. If my mom had not brought me to the ER, I don’t think I would be here to tell you this story. All it takes is a CGM device to avoid all this. We have the technology that allows self-driving cars, yet we are so behind in devices that can save lives.” 

Lisa Macdonell:  

“CGM costs me $300 a month which adds up to $8000 a year to manage my diabetes. I am retired and struggling to afford CGM. My body doesn’t tell me when I’m low, so without CGM, I’m unable to participate in normal activities such as hiking or driving. I pay for CGM out of pocket because it’s a necessary device to keep me alive. The CGM alerts allow me to sleep through the night and feel safe.” 

Miguel Alvarez:  

“Living with T1D, no two days are the same and it’s a relentless condition that you have to monitor day and night, for the rest of your life. Reflecting on my past 51 years with this disease, CGM has been the most significant improvement to my treatment. CGM is not only a game-changer to help me manage my disease, but it helps practitioners make better-informed decisions with accurate data. I am lucky enough to get good coverage from my employer to cut costs, but how can it be that only those who can afford it live a better life? The benefits are clear and it’s time to do something about it.”   

What’s next? 

Access for All, our campaign to make CGM and Flash GM affordable and accessible for everyone living with T1D, is ramping up in British Columbia. Currently, neither CGM nor Flash GM are covered under B.C. Pharmacare. The B.C. government has been studying reimbursement for these devices and Minister of Health Adrian Dix has in the past suggested that coverage could be coming this year. We will keep you updated on the progress of this campaign.  

If you haven’t already done so, please write to your MLA and tell them Canadians need access to Flash GMs and CGMs. Sophie, Alyssa, Lisa, Miguel and thousands more Canadians living with type 1 diabetes need your help to live easier, healthier, safer lives. 

Take a few minutes and send them a message now then share this action with family and friends. 

Contact your provincial representative today.

Here is an overview of our most recent efforts to demand affordable and accessible diabetes technologies for all Canadians living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

You may remember from our last update that Yukon received #AccessForAll, thanks to the advocacy efforts of adults, parents and others touched by T1D. The Yukon government has moved to fully reimburse continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) for people of all ages.

We were also pleased that all the Saskatchewan parties agreed on more coverage. This was great news for those with T1D living in the Yukon and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba

Our advocacy efforts in Manitoba continue to centre around extending age coverage for insulin pumps to 18+ learn more about this issue here.

JDRF is calling for a Made-in-Manitoba plan to support Manitobans in our upcoming budget submission.

In it, we ask that the government remove the current age restrictions for insulin pumps and extend coverage to all ages. We also ask that it invests in public coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and flash glucose monitors (Flash GM) for all ages. This plan would significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for Manitobans with T1D, but also allow for a more equitable and innovative health care system on par with other provinces and territories.

We hope to build on the success from parent and student led advocacy efforts in both the Yukon and Saskatchewan, so that Manitoba doesn’t get left behind.

British Columbia

We hosted four online community events from Jan 26th to Feb 4th that invited members of the BC T1D community and JDRF donors to show their support for #AccessForAll. These events were held to send a clear message to the B. government to cover CGM and Flash GM under B.C. Pharmacare.

The BC government is actively considering coverage for these technologies, and these events were held to ensure that the issue remains front and centre to ensure coverage that those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) need.

The events were held in Fraser Valley, Northern & Island, the Interior – Tues. Feb 2 and Vancouver Coastal. Healthcare professionals and members of the T1D community shared their stories about the coverage issues and why access to T1D technology is so important. Elected officials were in attendance to connect with and learn from their constituents. We hope that by sending a strong message to BC representatives, we will see a commitment to funding these devices in the next provincial budget.

Pre-Budget recommendations submitted to the Government of Ontario

We are still advocating to the Ontario government to expand device access beyond Flash GM (currently covered for those under age 25, on disability or receiving social assistance who have no private insurance coverage and those over age 65), and also include funding for CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) devices.

Included as well in our pre-budget submission was the recognition of how virtual care has expanded during COVID-19 and is likely to continue once the pandemic ends. Virtual care tied to access to Flash GM and CGM devices reduces both impact on the healthcare system and hallway medicine. This has health and economic benefits for the province.

Update from Brooke Roche, MBA, BEDS – Prime Minister’s Youth Council Member

JDRF volunteer advocate Brooks Roche has been extremely busy, reaching out to both members of the PEI and NFLD governments and federal MPs advocating for full coverage of Flash GM, CGM and insulin pumps in Atlantic Canada.

In September, the Prime Minister’s Youth Council met to discuss a wide range of topics with the PM – including the implementation of a national diabetes strategy. Brooks presented a fiscal, social, and celebratory case for comprehensive action, and in response the Prime Minister has committed to advocate in favour of implementing Diabetes 360 and to discuss the matter with Ministers Hajdu and Freeland in their coming meetings. He will also be involved in upcoming discussions with the PM and Minister Qualtrough on the Canada Disability Benefit referenced in the Speech from the Throne.

Brooks is doing amazing advocacy work and we’re very grateful to him.

Read his opinion piece published on CBC News to recognize the milestone anniversary of a 100 years since the discovery of insulin and the call to action for a national diabetes strategy here.

Watch Brooks’ full presentation to PEI Legislative Standing Committee on Health & Social Development

If you’d like to take action, send an email to your provincial representative, requesting accessible and universal CGM and Flash GM coverage today.

Our youth ambassadors took to the Hill virtually in 2020

Our Kids for a Cure Lobby Day-Home Edition was a great success. During the week of November 2nd, delegates joined JDRF for its annual Kids for a Cure Program. This year, due to COVID the event was held virtually.

Kids for a Cure is an initiative designed to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by those living with type 1 (T1D) diabetes and the need for more Canadian research in this field. Throughout the week, our youth ambassadors share their personal stories of what it is like to live with T1D with Members of Parliament and Senators.

Click here to read some of their stories.

Federal Budget Submission

JDRF’s federal budget submission highlighted the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the insulin hormone– and emphasized how this remains the only treatment for people with diabetes and is not a cure. While technology has greatly improved the lives of people living with T1D, it is now time to more aggressively pursue research into cures.

The following three recommendations were submitted, with supporting evidence both to their demonstrated benefit to the health of Canadians living with T1D and economically.

Recommendation 1: The Government of Canada should honour next year’s centenary of the discovery of insulin through renewed research investment of $15M in the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Diabetes to be matched by JDRF and its partners.

Recommendation 2: As recommended in the Disability Advisory Committee’s (DAC) First Annual Report, Canadians requiring life-sustaining therapy, including insulin therapy, should automatically qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Recommendation 3: As recommended by the Standing Committee on Health in A Diabetes Strategy for Canada, the Government of Canada should invest in the implementation of a national diabetes strategy (Diabetes 360o) with specific outcomes for the different types of diabetes.

March 8, 2021

March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD) globally. This 2021 campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge:

‘A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.’ https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

JDRF is pleased to rise to the challenge by celebrating the achievements of our women researchers. We are the leading charitable funder of research into cures and disease modifying therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Among the many people working tirelessly to help create a world free from T1D are a number of exceptionally talented women.

Meet some of our women researchers:

Dr. Gillian Booth, a JDRF-funded scientist at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions within the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and a team of researchers are aiming to improve glucose control and patient experiences by using modern technologies to optimize the way health care is delivered to people with T1D.

Dr. Yi-Chun Chen is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan, her Master of Science in cell biology at the University of Connecticut and her PhD in cellular and integrative physiology from Indiana University School of Medicine in the United States.

Dr. Jayne Danska holds the Anne and Max Tanenbaum Chair in Molecular Medicine. She is a professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and a senior scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children. Her research addresses the idea that the dramatic increase in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases over the past 50 years results, in part, from changes in our exposure to microbes. She is studying the role of the community of microbes that inhabit the human intestine (the microbiome) in altering risk for, and the progression of, T1D. The ultimate objective of her work is to identify new therapeutics to prevent the disease.

Dr. Heather Denroche (BC) – is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia who is currently examining a hormone called islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), produced by pancreatic beta cells and released in response to elevated glucose, in order to better understand the role it plays in the loss of beta cells leading to T1D, as well as in transplanted stem cell-derived beta cells.

Dr. Suheda Erener is a research associate in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Her study focuses on developing biomarkers that can predict the development of T1D. She is also investigating the role of non-coding RNAs in beta cell demise during T1D pathogenesis to unravel signaling pathways to stop beta cell destruction and/or enhance beta cell survival and function.

Dr. Kirsten Ward Hartstonge is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in human diseases such as T1D. She is investigating how Treg number and function may be used as a biomarker to predict if a patient is going to respond to a treatment or not.

Dr. Ya-Ching (Amanda) Huang, PhD, MSN, RN, a researcher focused on diabetes self-management and public health issues affecting underserved populations. She is studying the association between physical activities, sleep, and diabetes management; their psycho-social mechanisms; and programs that are culturally tailored to help enhance patients’ quality of life as well as caregiver effectiveness.

Dr. Megan Levings, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute in collaboration with Dr. Jan Dutz (BC) are investigating whether the administration of an antibody called ustekinumab (include blog link here when ready) among adults and children newly diagnosed with T1D can protect insulin-producing beta cells.

Dr. Despoina Manousaki is a postdoctoral fellow at McGill University and a researcher at the Jewish General Hospital (Lady Davis Institute) in Montreal. Her recently published study has shown that low levels of vitamin D are not associated with increased likelihood of T1D.

Dr. Kathy McCoy is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, a member of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, and director of the International Microbiome Center at the University of Calgary. She is interested in the dynamic interplay between the gut microbiota and the innate and adaptive immune systems at mucosal and systemic sites. Her research aims to understand how exposure to intestinal microbes, particularly during early life, educates and regulates the immune system and how this can affect susceptibility to diseases, including T1D.

Dr. Adriana Migliorini, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University Health Network, working as part of Dr. Nostro’s team researching islet transplantation and universal donor stem cell therapies.

Dr. Maria Cristina Nostro (ON) Senior Scientist at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute at University Health Network and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and her team have received funding to use new transplantation strategies and apply universal donor stem cells to develop a superior islet-like product for people with T1D that will require little or no immunosuppression.

Dr. Tricia Tang is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine.  She is also a registered clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist with over 20 years experience in developing and evaluating low-cost and sustainable models to improve long-term diabetes-related health outcomes in high-risk and medically underserved patient populations. Recently, she was awarded a JDRF Telehealth in Type 1 Diabetes Behavioral Health and Psychology grant to work on the implementation of a virtual care platform to improve mental health for people living with the disease in British Columbia’s rural and remote regions.​ Click here to watch her recent FB Live on Mental Health and T1D.

“Mental health is the cornerstone of self-management for any chronic illness, especially diabetes. Although an overwhelming number of adults with diabetes report experiencing diabetes distress, less than half seek counselling. Health care providers are not formally trained about the psychosocial and behavioural aspects of diabetes, and therefore lack the skills to raise these concerns with patients. More problematic, there is a shortage of clinical psychologists with an expertise in diabetes in Canada. It is critical that we develop and implement training initiatives to meet the mental health needs of the diabetes community.” – Dr. Tricia Tang

Helping us navigate our research funding priorities, which are shaping T1D research both in Canada and globally, while communicating the latest updates to our donors, supporters and T1D community is our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Sarah Linklater.

“I am so proud to be part of this change-making organization working at the interface of global, cutting-edge research and the T1D community. Every day is rewarding, as I truly feel that we are making real and rapid progress towards improving lives and, ultimately curing T1D.”
 -Dr. Sarah Linklater

We also acknowledge the many other women working at JDRF, volunteering and fundraising. Together we #ChooseToChallenge T1D and work towards turning type 1 into type none.

March 4, 2021

For anyone impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D), the term ‘biosimilars’ is one that will become increasingly familiar now that the patents of some biologic insulins are expiring. This means that biosimilar versions of these insulins may be approved, and some are already on the North American market. But how do they differ from insulins already on the market? And are they right for managing your 1 diabetes (T1D)?

Read more to find out what this means for you.

What is a biologic drug?

To fully understand what a biosimilar is, we need to first explain what a biologic drug is. A biologic drug is a product that is produced from living organisms or that contains components of living organisms, so it is more complex than a chemically synthesized drug. An originator or reference biologic drug is the first version of a biologic drug approved for use by Health Canada.

Examples of biologic drugs include insulin, other hormones such as growth hormones or thyroid hormones, and antibody treatments. Biologic drugs are used to treat many different conditions including anemia (low iron), cancer, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or colitis), psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition) and rheumatoid arthritis.

Once the patent for a biologic drug has expired, a biosimilar version may be approved to be introduced into the market.

What are biosimilars?

A biosimilar biologic drug, more commonly referred to as a ‘biosimilar’, is a drug that may enter the market after the expiry of pre-existing drug patents.

A biosimilar is a drug that is highly similar to a biologic drug that was already authorized for sale. The biologic drug that was already authorized is called a reference biologic drug because it is the drug that the biosimilar compared against. This is similar to a generic over the counter pharmacy brand counterpart to the brand name drug.

However, a biological copy cannot be said to be identical to the reference biologic drug. Health Canada authorizes biosimilars for sale based on a thorough comparison to a reference biologic drug. There should be no clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety between a biosimilar and the reference biologic drug.

What are biosimilar insulins?

Biosimilar insulins (also called follow-on insulins) are designed to be highly similar to reference biologic drug product described in a patent.

Three biosimilar insulins currently on the market are:

• Basaglar (biosimilar of Lantus [insulin glargine]) – Lilly
• Admelog (biosimilar of Humalog [insulin lispro]) – Sanofi-Aventis
• Truapi (biosimilar of NovoRapid [insulin aspart]) – Sanofi-Aventis

Biosimilar insulins as a treatment option

The entry of biosimilar insulins into the market presents both opportunities and risks that need to be properly weighed before a person with diabetes begins on or moves to a biosimilar insulin.

Biosimilar insulins can be a safe and effective treatment option for people with T1D. Their introduction to the market is also helping to reduce the cost of insulin in Canada and around the world, making insulin more affordable for patients and payers. Thus, biosimilar insulins will ultimately increase accessibility of insulin treatment and provide more treatment options to people living with diabetes.  

However, some of these benefits of biosimilar insulins will be negated if reference biologic insulins are no longer available or accessible alongside biosimilar insulins – ie, if people using insulin are “forced” to switch from their existing insulin to a biosimilar insulin due to changes in availability or coverage.

JDRF supports and advocates first and foremost for choice in all aspects of diabetes management. The decision to start on biosimilar insulin, or to switch from a biologic to a biosimilar insulin – must be made by the person living with diabetes in consultation with their endocrinologist or diabetes team.

More information on biosimilar insulins can be found here.

March 5, 2021

Like most parents after their child has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Cindy Voss found herself overwhelmed, anxious and exhausted. With an active 10-year old whose glucose levels would drop quickly and unexpectedly, Cindy found herself constantly worrying and would get up every couple of hours throughout the night to prick her son Mathew’s finger to get a blood sugar reading. It is a story familiar to many parents in the T1D community.

After doing some research and consulting with Mathew’s doctor, they decided to try the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System – and their life hasn’t been the same since.

Now, Mathew wears a sensor on his abdomen that continuously measures his glucose levels, without him having to prick his finger* to get a reading. His glucose data is displayed on his phone^†, and he can be alerted if his glucose levels are heading too high or too low so he can take action, especially since he doesn’t always feel his symptoms coming on.

Meanwhile, Mathew’s Mom Cindy has the Dexcom Follow app^‡, which allows her to see Mathew’s glucose levels remotely – whether he is at school, out riding his bike, or over at a friend’s house. Cindy also gets glucose level alert notifications on her phone, which she says have been enormously valuable – particularly when she can’t be with Mathew, and especially overnight. It has allowed her to sleep better and to give her son more freedom to be a kid, which has been such a blessing for their whole family. 

“Dexcom CGM has given Mathew so much more confidence now and allowed me to worry so much less. It has changed our whole family’s life and I can’t imagine trying to manage Mathew’s diabetes anymore without it.”   

To see if the Dexcom G6 could be a valuable tool for you and/or your child’s diabetes management, ask your healthcare professional for a free sample.

Visit www.dexcom.com for more information about the Dexcom G6.

*If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.

^† For a list of compatible devices, go to www.dexcom.com/compatibility.

^‡ Following requires the use of the Follow App and an Internet connection. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 App or Receiver before making treatment decisions.

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March 1, 2021

A JDRF-funded clinical trial is examining whether a drug currently (ustekinumab; pronounced oos·teh·KIN·yoo·mab) used for the treatment of psoriasis (which affects the skin), Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease), and other autoimmune conditions can also work for type 1 diabetes.

Manufactured by Janssen and sold under the name Stelara®, it is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits two molecules that regulate the immune system.

Many autoimmune diseases have disease-modifying therapies; treatments that can slow, halt, and reverse disease progression. Currently, T1D remains one of the only major autoimmune diseases that does not have a licensed disease-modifying therapy.

Clinical trial overview

The researchers are investigating if the simultaneous inhibition of two immune cell pathways—interleukin-17 and interferon-gamma, believed to drive T1D can halt the progression of, or reverse, disease in participants who have been recently diagnosed with T1D.

The hope is that if the drug can block immune cells soon after the development of diabetes, any remaining insulin-producing cells may be protected and regenerate. This would ideally lead to the remaining beta cells producing enough insulin that people with T1D require less external insulin for a longer period of time, or at all.

As the drug is already approved for use in Canada, if the trial results are positive, moving forward to clinical use would not only be feasible, but rapid.

The phase II/III trial is taking place at BCDiabetes in Vancouver, under the leadership of Tom Elliott, MBBS, and the University of Toronto, under Bruce Perkins, M.D., MPH, both in Canada. There will be a total of 60 participants enrolled between the ages of 18-25 years old.

There is also a trial testing ustekinumab in teens aged 12-18, and within 100 days of diagnosis in various locations of the United Kingdom.

A JDRF grant to Megan Levings, Ph.D., at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, will harmonize the biomarkers of response in both the Canadian and UK clinical trials, increasing the sample size and more rapidly identifying whether this is an effective therapy for T1D.

A pilot study by Jan Dutz, M.D.—who is also the lead on the phase II/III study—demonstrated that ustekinumab is safe in the treatment of participants with recent-onset T1D.

You can contact Marla Inducil, B.Sc. Pharm, M.D., CCRP, at 604-628-7253 ext. 7011 or minducil@bcdiabetes.ca. She is responsible for managing and executing all clinical trials at BCDiabetes located in Vancouver.

Updated on April 1, 2021:

As of March 29, 2021 NACI advised a temporary pause on administering AztraZeneca to people under the age of 55. For more information, click here.

Please know that we continue to monitor how this might impact prioritization of those with T1D for COVID-19 vaccination. We will share more details as they become available.

Updated on March 24, 2021:

The Government of Ontario for their updated COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan which prioritizes people living with diabetes. Ontarians with diabetes are now included in Phase 2 of the plan.

People living with type 1 diabetes aged 16 and up can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as per Health Canada approvals, and are now in Phase 2B of Alberta’s vaccine rollout plan. The vaccine priority list was also updated to include high-risk medical conditions, including: “Diabetes requiring insulin or other anti-diabetic medication to control.”

People with diabetes have now been prioritized for Phase 2 in Manitoba. Please refer to this link for more info.

The BC government announced that those who are “extremely vulnerable” can start booking their vaccine appointments as of Monday, March 29th. This includes people with diabetes who are on insulin. Details are here.

Updated on March 4, 2021:

We’ve received many questions about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in provinces and territories across Canada, and specifically at what stage people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) should expect to receive theirs.

The first two COVID-19 vaccines, from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, began being administered to Canadians in late December, 2020. On February 26, 2021, Health Canada approved a third and fourth SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, one of them being more commonly known as the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Both the newly approved vaccines are the same formulation, but manufactured in different locations. They also both require a second booster shot as part of the inoculation scheme.

This vaccine is different from Pfizer and Moderna, and is based on an adenovirus vector, not mRNA. For more info: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/astrazeneca.html

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends this vaccine for people with diabetes, although they have not specified or distinguished between type 1 and/or 2. This vaccine has an efficacy rate of 62 per cent and Health Canada has authorized it for use in all adults 18 and older. All currently approved COVID vaccines reduce severe disease and hospitalizations.

Vaccine roll-out plans are still being developed and vary in different provinces and territories. Vaccine roll-out plans are guided in part by recommendations provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), who provides guidance on use of vaccines approved for use in humans in Canada.

Original post:

February 26, 2021

We’ve received many questions about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in provinces and territories across Canada, and specifically at what stage people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) should expect to receive theirs.

The first two COVID-19 vaccines, from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, began being administered to Canadians in late December, 2020. Vaccine roll-out plans are still being developed and vary in different provinces and territories. Vaccine roll-out plans are guided in part by recommendations provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), who provides guidance on use of vaccines approved for use in humans in Canada.

Both vaccines approved for use in Canada have data to date demonstrating the vaccine is safe and effective for people with T1D. If you have specific allergies, please discuss with your healthcare provider.

Vaccination will not be mandatory in Canada. However, for people living with diabetes, we encourage you to consult with your doctor about your specific health condition with regards to vaccination.

Will the vaccine work just as well in people with diabetes?

People with T1D are not immunocompromised, and previous research indicates that the immune response to fighting coronavirus in people with diabetes is no different to people without the disease. The length of protection any of the vaccines will provide is still unknown as we are in the early stages of the rollout.

For more information, please refer to this blog: https://breakthrought1d.ca/blog/covid-19-vaccines-and-t1d/

Should people living with T1D be prioritized to receive the vaccine?

Compared with people without underlying conditions, adults (especially older adults) with diabetes are at greater risk of severe disease and death if they develop COVID-19, and vaccines are the most effective way to prevent the disease. Thus, JDRF believes that people living with diabetes should be prioritized for vaccination, and we have been advocating with this message to the federal government.

How has JDRF Canada advocated on behalf of people living with type 1 diabetes?

In early January 2021, JDRF sent a joint letter with Diabetes Canada to Health Canada detailing concerns about guidance from NACI that may have resulted in people with diabetes being excluded from COVID-19 vaccination.  

In mid-January 2021, JDRF also sent a letter to NACI, highlighting that high-risk groups, including those with T1D, should be prioritized.

In these communications, we:

• Asked for clarification on ambiguous guidance provided about COVID-19 vaccination for those with autoimmune disease, which may have resulted in people with T1D being excluded from COVID-19 vaccination
• Provided clear rationale for those with T1D to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination
• Emphasized that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should be prioritized (not only type 2 diabetes, as occurred in the USA), as the risks of severe COVID-19 outcomes are similar or even greater in the T1D population.

Progress to date:

On February 12, 2021, NACI updated two key issues that are relevant to the T1D community:

• NACI has now clarified their definition of ‘persons with an autoimmune condition’ so that those living with T1D should NOT be excluded from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

NACI has now also outlined the key populations they are recommending receive the vaccine in stages 2 and 3 of the rollout. Stage three now includes “Adults 16-59 years of age with an underlying medical condition at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and their essential primary caregivers”.

It is our hope that provinces and territories will soon communicate their roll-out plans for the next stage of vaccination, with timelines. We will continue to stay on top of updates and share any major developments as they become available. Our ongoing advocacy efforts will be based on whether and how provinces and territories are prioritizing people with diabetes for vaccination.

How you can advocate to your provincial and municipal governments.

If you want to voice any concerns you may have related to the vaccine roll out with your provincial or territorial government, consider writing to your province’s Chief Medical Officer, the Minister of Health, your MLA/MPP or all three.

At the municipal level you can also connect with your city/town’s– Chief Medical Officer/ Chief Public Health Officer – or your local representative (Councillor/ Alderman.)

Please find attached this letter that you can fill out and email or mail to your provincial or local health authority to make your voice heard.

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For further information about the availability of COVID-19 vaccination in your community, refer to your Provincial or Territorial Health Authority. We advise everyone with diabetes considering COVID-19 vaccination to speak with their healthcare team to help make an individualized decision.

For more information on COVID-19 and T1D, please visit breakthrought1d.ca/coronavirus. 

February 1, 2021

On January 15, 2021 Sernova announced that patients in their ongoing clinical trial show persistent islet function and clinically meaningful improvement in glucose control.

Sernova, a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company, has continued to demonstrate promising results in a JDRF-funded clinical trial of its cell replacement therapy, using the Cell Pouch System™. This system has shown that it can produce insulin in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and help patients to maintain more consistent blood sugar levels. The study now shows sustained clinical benefit in study participants with type 1 diabetes and ongoing safety and tolerability of the system.

The Cell Pouch System™ technology involves purified islet cells (the cells that produce insulin and that are destroyed in people with T1D) transplanted into the Cell Pouch™, an implantable medical device that provides a vascularized environment for the therapeutic cells. This is a form of cell replacement therapy that has the potential to be a T1D cure. Cell replacement therapies aim to replace lost or damaged beta cells with insulin-producing cells, in people with T1D. In Sernova’s current clinical trial, patients must take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the implanted cells.

The detection of C-peptide (a biomarker of insulin production) in the bloodstream of their first transplanted patients was an important success in this study.  

Sernova also plans to develop an unlimited source of locally immune-protected insulin-producing cells – removing the need for immunosuppressive drugs.

The overall objective of the current trial is to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the Cell Pouch in people with T1D. In addition to other criteria, patients must demonstrate long- standing T1D with severe hypoglycemic unawareness episodes and no glucose-stimulated C-peptide already in their bloodstream.

The leading researcher of the study, principal clinical investigator Dr. Piotr Witkowski MD, PhD, and a leading expert in islet transplantation, provided an update that focused on the first transplanted patients who are furthest in the study and who have received a second islet transplant.

These patients are showing sustained benefit from the transplants, including meaningful reduction in daily injectable insulin requirements and:

• Absence of life-threatening severe hypoglycemic events
• Sustained blood levels of C-peptide
• Reduction in HbA1c (a measure of long-term glucose control)
• Improvement in overall Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) measured glucose control (e.g., blood glucose ‘Time in Range’).

One patient has now been insulin free (requiring no injectable insulin) for nine months with optimal glucose control.

Funding cell replacement therapies research is one of JDRF’s most critical undertakings globally, and between our partner organizations we have invested more $140 million USD to date.

This study is another example of the incredible Canadian innovation in diabetes research that is accelerating us towards cures.

January 27, 2021

Every year, Bell runs its #BellLetsTalk campaign, in an effort to raise awareness and combat stigma surrounding mental illness in Canada.

Living with T1D, whether it’s you, your child, or another family member, both at the time of diagnosis and throughout managing this chronic condition —affects more than just physical health. T1D can also impact social, behavioral and emotional well-being, known as psychosocial health. Mental health issues are common for people with T1D, at any age.

January 28, 2021 marks this year’s #BellLetsTalk day. This provides us the opportunity to talk freely and safely about mental health issues, and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with T1D daily – and how JDRF Canada is looking to do more to address mental health in this community.

Life with T1D

T1D is an all-consuming chronic condition that currently has no cure. Once someone is diagnosed, disease management becomes a 24/7 task that lasts throughout a lifetime.

This means frequently checking blood sugar (at least 5-6 times daily), insulin doses that must be administered many times per day and calculated carefully based on food intake, exercise, stress, illness and other frequently unpredictable factors.

No matter how strict and careful someone is with their diabetes management, they likely will still experience frequent blood sugar highs and low – sometimes to dangerous levels.

T1D never gives you a day off. It can be exhausting. And it takes a toll on mental health.

How living with T1D can impact mental and psychosocial health

Throughout their lifetime, people with T1D often experience mental health issues that can include mild depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and “diabetes distress” – a term describing the powerlessness, stress, guilt, relentless worry and denial that comes with living with diabetes and the burden of self-management.

Compared to those without the condition, kids, adolescents and adults with diabetes are at greater risk of developing these mental health issues.

Yet despite this, and our growing understanding that unaddressed mental health issues correlate with higher HbA1c and higher risk of complications in people with T1D, management of T1D most often focuses on glucose control, without sufficient attention given to psychosocial health needs.

It can become a continuous cycle, so T1D management should include a holistic approach that ideally includes psychosocial health needs as well. However, psychosocial issues in T1D are under-researched and underappreciated, and our healthcare system does not currently have the capacity to fully address them.

What is JDRF Canada doing to help?

In January, 2021, JDRF Canada launched its $100 Million Campaign to Accelerate, which includes a six-pillar approach to funding research and other programs that accelerate towards cures and improving lives for people living with T1D today. One pillar of the campaign is dedicated to addressing mental health issues and expanding support to the T1D community.

As we work towards developing a more fulsome approach to mental health support within the T1D community and healthcare system, we are actively engaged in offering programs that help foster connection and support for people with T1D today.

From the day of diagnosis to daily life decades later, we know that connecting with others who have been impacted by T1D can be an important source of support.

Our Let’s Talk T1D series, which moved virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, helps to make these connections.
In this series, we bring experts from across the country to you for virtual educational events and community hang outs to help you and your loved ones live well with T1D. Participants can hear from new speakers, engage with other families and individuals with T1D and expand their knowledge on important topics – all from the comfort of home.

Our Connection Series is a national conversation held virtually for adults and parents in the T1D community to form new connections and engage in conversations across province lines. These series aim to help parents develop relationships with their peers who may share similar experiences, and understand the ever-changing demands of living with T1D.

Talk T1D is a mentorship program that provides one-on-one support to families who are impacted by T1D from trained volunteers who have been there. Our volunteers understand the daily challenges of living with T1D and are there to provide emotional support and connect you with resources across Canada.

On #BellLetsTalk day, and every day, we recognize the need to reduce the stigma around mental health issues. When we reduce the psychosocial challenges of T1D, the result is better overall health outcomes for the T1D community.

Sponsored by Omnipod

For years, Rebecca Redmond’s mantra was to “stick to the devil you know” when managing her type 1 diabetes (T1D). That meant injecting herself with insulin numerous times a day, even after developing a phobia of needles, resulting in debilitating anxiety attacks and sometimes even forgoing meals.

“It wasn’t until my son said, ‘If there’s a simpler way to do this or a way that wouldn’t be so hard on you, shouldn’t you do it?’ Kids have a funny way of motivating,” Redmond says of her decision to switch to Insulet Canada’s Omnipod® Insulin Management System two years ago.

The wearable, waterproof* pump – called a Pod – freed her from the injections she had been giving herself since being diagnosed with T1D in 1989 at the age of 17. “It totally changed my life,” the London, Ont. artist and blogger says. “I can switch my insulin pump out faster than I could ever give myself an injection, so it has given me the gift of time. It has also given me mental freedom because I’m not giving in to those fears of doing my needles.”

The innovative technology has special meaning to Redmond, whose grandmother’s cousin, Sir Frederick Banting, co-discovered insulin and was the first to use it on people to treat diabetes.

As this year marks the centenary of the discovery of insulin, she celebrates the advancements in life-saving technology for insulin delivery making it available for people like her who need it to survive.  “Without my cousin’s discovery, I wouldn’t be alive today,” she says.

The Pod has had such a positive impact on her life, Redmond is excited to be among the first in Canada to adopt the new Omnipod DASH® Insulin Management System, which recently earned Health Canada’s approval. It provides up to three days of non-stop insulin** delivery and combines the Pod with a Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM).

“This means users can tailor their insulin needs much more precisely now,” Hulton says. The Pod can be worn almost anywhere you’d give yourself an injection and the Pod site tracker helps you rotate your pod sites to make insulin absorption more effective.

“The DASH System is the next step in our mission to make diabetes a smaller part of your life by simplifying insulin management,” says Hulton.

Insulet Canada is launching the Omnipod DASH System on a province-by-province basis throughout 2021 to coincide with reimbursement by provincial health programs. Visit www.omnipod.com for more information.

Legal:

*The Pod has an IP28 waterproof  rating for up to 7.6 meters for 60 minutes. The Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is not waterproof.

**Up to 72 hours of insulin delivery

©2020 Insulet Corporation. Omnipod, the Omnipod logo, DASH, the DASH logo, Simplify Life, and Podder are trademarks or registered trademarks of Insulet Corporation. All rights reserved. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Insulet Corporation is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The use of third-party trademarks does not constitute an endorsement or imply a relationship or other affiliation.

Disclaimer: This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of JDRF.