Canada’s federal election is underway, and Breakthrough T1D Canada is calling on our T1D advocates across the country to come together and make sure that research and device coverage is part of the discussion.
There are an estimated 300,000 people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Canada and diagnoses are growing more rapidly than general population growth. Over 70% of new T1D diagnoses are in adults and over 80% of Canadians living with T1D are aged 18+
But research works: in the last 50 years of progress, 25 years have been added to the lifespan of a person with T1D receiving the latest care in Canada. Canada has been a world leader in T1D research from the discovery of insulin and stem cells to the creation of the Edmonton Protocol (method of implanting pancreatic islets to treat T1D). Breakthrough T1D has played a pivotal role in nearly every major T1D breakthrough in history—from how HbA1c (a blood glucose measurement) came to be more than 40 years ago to recent advancements like artificial pancreas/hybrid closed-loop systems.
We currently help to fund 65 active research grants in Canada with a total grant value of $63.9M – we invest in the most promising research (e.g. research into new treatments that can halt autoimmunity, stem cell-based therapies that can restore insulin production and more precise diabetes technologies for improved self-management.
And our advocacy efforts have resulted in improved device access in all provinces and both territories, automatic qualification for the disability tax credit and $30M of government funding directed at T1D research through the Breakthrough T1D Canada -CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes.
Great progress has been made, but we won’t stop until we achieve our ultimate goal, cures for T1D and a world free from this disease.
That is why we need your help to put issues concerning the T1D community at the forefront of this election. Consider meeting with your local candidates, sharing with your T1D journey, and advocating for federal support towards critical T1D research.
To assist volunteers in meeting with local candidates, Breakthrough T1D Canada will be hosting a webinar in both official languages to share best practices and how to make the most successful impact with candidates. This includes information on where to find candidates, how to connect with them, what message we are delivering, and what candidates can do to show their support for Canada’s T1D community.
Together, we can raise awareness of the issues faced by people living with T1D in this country and ensure it remains top of mind for those who will represent us after the election.
If you have any questions or require any assistance, please reach out to Joey Wong at jwong@breakthroughT1D.ca.
