JDRF Canada is grateful to the Government of Canada for its commitment to honouring the centenary of the discovery of insulin in the 2021 federal budget. The budget proposes an investment of $35M for research into type 1 diabetes, surveillance and prevention, and to work towards the development of a national framework for diabetes. Continued investment in diabetes research and care will ensure those living with the disease can live healthier, safer and easier lives. It will also ensure that Canada continues as a world leader in T1D clinical trials and translational research. As we learn more details around this investment, we will be sure to share them with you.
Below is a quote from the Federal Budget 2021:
Establishing a National Framework for Diabetes
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, a Nobel Prizewinning accomplishment by Canadian researchers that has helped to save millions of lives. 3.2 million Canadians live with diabetes, a disease which can lead to a variety of complications, such as heart disease and stroke, blindness, and amputation. Type 2 diabetes makes up 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes in Canada and, like other chronic diseases, is largely preventable. Adults with diabetes are also at greater risk of more severe COVID-19 symptoms, including respiratory distress and pneumonia. Budget 2021 proposes to provide $25 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to Health Canada for additional investments for research on diabetes (including in juvenile diabetes), surveillance, and prevention, and to work towards the development of a national framework for diabetes. This framework will be developed in consultation with provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders, and will help to support improved access to prevention and treatment, and better health outcomes for Canadians.
