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This is a significant milestone for the type 1 diabetes community as teplizumab is the first drug that can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in at-risk individuals

Toronto, November 17, 2022 — JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, applauds today’s decision from the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve Provention Bio’s teplizumab. Teplizumab is the first therapy available to delay the onset of clinical T1D in people at-risk of developing the disease.

“Today’s decision by the US FDA represents the first disease-modifying therapy to be approved for T1D in any country,” said Dr. Sarah Linklater, Chief Scientific Officer for JDRF Canada. “Teplizumab can change the course and slow the development of T1D. This is a huge win for the T1D community and the latest example of how JDRF’s research and advocacy contributes to improving the lives of people and families affected by the disease. We will continue to prioritize research into T1D risk screening and prevention. Weare so proud of JDRF’s role in bringing this therapy to the T1D community, and we look forward to working to ensure teplizumab now becomes available to those who need it in Canada.”

There are many responsible for this accomplishment, and JDRF extends our deepest gratitude to all involved – many brilliant researchers including Jeffrey Bluestone, Ph.D., Lucienne Chatenoud, M.D., Ph.D., and Kevan Herold, M.D., the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the clinical trial participants, and Provention Bio for making today a reality.”

By delaying the onset of T1D, teplizumab will allow those at high risk of developing the disease to postpone the disease burden and reduce the risks of eye, kidney, nerve and heart disease–complications frequently associated with T1D. Teplizumab’s approval can mean additional years without the burden of blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration. It also gives families time to prepare for a future diagnosis.

“November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, so the timing of this approval is incredible,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “JDRF’s theme for the month is sharing the realities of what living with T1D means on a daily basis – the time lost to managing blood glucose, recovering from a hypoglycemic episode, hours of lost sleep. By now having a drug that can delay the onset of this disease, potentially by several years, people can get some of that time back.”

Dr. Cory Wirt enrolled her daughter, Claire, who had biomarkers and was at-risk for developing T1D, in a clinical trial for teplizumab 7 years ago. Today, she has yet to progress into clinical T1D.

“As a mom, I appreciate 83 months of not checking blood-sugars multiple times per day, worrying about life threatening lows, and balancing my child/teen’s independence with the importance of tight medical control,” said Dr. Cory Wirt. “Not to mention the significant cost of supplies, office visits, and emotional stress.  We don’t know how long the effects of the treatment will last, but every day without insulin has been a gift!”

Today’s decision would not have been possible without decades of JDRF support, beginning with funding of basic research in the 1980s. JDRF’s involvement culminated in a strategic investment by the JDRF T1D Fund in 2017 that brought Provention Bio into T1D for the first time.  

Currently, teplizumab has only been approved by the FDA for use in the United States. It is our hope that it will be reviewed by Health Canada in the near future for use in Canada.

About JDRF Canada

JDRF Canada is the leading charitable organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research in Canada. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Since our founding in 1974, JDRF has invested more than $80 million CDN in research funding. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our shared vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.  

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to long-term complications which can include highs and lows in blood-sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart; and even death if left untreated. It is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and early puberty, but diagnosis in adulthood is on the rise, and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset is sudden and nothing can be done to prevent it yet—it is not related to diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.

We want to thank everyone who led this incredible effort from Diabetes Canada in their unwavering pursuit of getting the Framework to where it is today, to MP Sidhu for taking this on as a private members bill. 

Thank you to Minister Duclos and the Government of Canada for recognizing the tremendous need for such a Framework and getting the right stakeholders in place to create it.

JDRF is thrilled to see a clear path forward to improve health outcomes for the 300,000 Canadians living with type 1 diabetes. 

As the Framework outlines, we need to continue building Canada’s research momentum. We are seeing incredible results of clinical trials that are testing stem cell solutions that replace daily insulin injections, but we need to support the right infrastructure and talent to launch these life-changing trials. 

The Framework’s holistic approach is also essential as people living with type 1 diabetes are more likely to experience mental health challenges such as depression and can benefit from interventions that prevent or treat mental health disorders.

We are very excited by the tabling of this Framework and look forward to our continued journey in its implementation to ensure those living with type 1 diabetes can live safer, healthier and easier lives until cures are found.

Framework for diabetes in Canada

Government of Canada Announces New Framework for Diabetes in Canada

Release of the Framework for Diabetes in Canada

Canada’s Stem Cell Network and JDRF Canada are pleased to announce Dr. Karoliina Tuomela as the inaugural J. Andrew McKee Fellow in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The announcement was made today in Vancouver at the Till & McCulloch Meetings, Canada’s premier stem cell and regenerative medicine conference.

The J. Andrew McKee Fellowship in Type 1 Diabetes, aims to help accelerate Canadian research, develop talent and enhance Canada’s global leadership in T1D research. The Fellowship Program is named in honour and memory of John Andrew McKee, who was Past President and CEO at JDRF and a long-standing member and Chair of SCN’s Board of Directors. Andrew played a significant role in developing the future of both organizations and believed deeply in the important role of science in making Canada a better place for all.

Dr. Tuomela, who is currently completing post-doctoral research at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, will be joining the JDRF Centre of Excellence at the University of British Columbia for a yearlong Fellowship valued at $60,000 to pursue research focused on treating and curing type 1 diabetes. During her PhD studies at University of Manchester, UK, Dr. Tuomela researched the effects of radiotherapy on immune-cancer cell interactions. Now, under the supervision of Dr. Megan Levings, her research project will focus on the metabolism of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and engineering Tregs to respond better in the pancreatic microenvironment. The goal of Dr. Tuomela’s research is to use Tregs to suppress the autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes, including in the context of stem cell-based therapies as a cure for the condition.

Quick Facts:

• T1D is an autoimmune disease that affects the daily lives of approximately 300,000 Canadians. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
• Stem cell therapy holds immense promise for the treatment of people with diabetes, by offering the potential for the body to one day start producing its own insulin again.
• The J. Andrew McKee Fellowship in Type 1 Diabetes, supported by JDRF and SCN will award one yearlong fellowship per year through 2026, with a value of $60,000 CAD per year, for a fellow working at the JDRF Centre of Excellence at UBC. Applications for the 2023 Fellowship is set to open on November 1, 2022.
• The JDRF Centre of Excellence at UBC was established in December 2021 and is exclusively focused on research to cure T1D. 

“We are honoured to partner with JDRF on this unique, national fellowship opportunity. We are equally pleased to name this fellowship program after an important leader and visionary for both the stem cell and JDRF communities. Andrew McKee understood the power and potential of stem cell technologies in the fight against chronic diseases, such as type 1 diabetes. He also knew that cutting-edge advances would come from next generation talent. As such, naming our joint fellowship after Andrew could not be more appropriate and I am thrilled we can do this as part of his legacy.” – Cate Murray, President and CEO, Stem Cell Network

“We are pleased to partner with SCN to provide new opportunities for trainees at the JDRF Centre of Excellence at UBC, which alongside its exciting research goals has an outstanding multidisciplinary training program. Andrew was an impactful leader for JDRF, and we are honoured to remember his legacy in naming this award program for him. It is fitting since this will continue to accelerate progress in Canada in regenerative medicine, and help people today and tomorrow living with type 1 diabetes.” – Dave Prowten, President and CEO, JDRF Canada

“Andrew held both SCN and JDRF very close to his heart. He would be chuffed by this lovely tribute in his name, however he would say the true honour of this fellowship is the opportunity to encourage and support Postdocs in sharing their expertise. He believed in the power of people. People create change. The recipients of the J. Andrew McKee Fellowship will move Type 1 Diabetes research forward. They will give us hope for the future. That would make him smile.” – Shelagh Allen, Partner of the late J. Andrew McKee

“JDRF and SCN are huge networks of researchers, of scientists across the country, across the continent and across the world. Whenever you start bringing scientists together, particularly from different areas of research, there’s so much opportunity for learning and for creating networks that really support research. It’s just fantastic to be working in an area where there’s so much potential to see my research actually make a clinical impact and make an impact that could really change someone’s life from very early years onwards.” – Dr. Karoliina Tuomela, inaugural J. Andrew McKee Fellow in Type 1 Diabetes

About the Stem Cell Network: 

The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 230 world-class research groups, supporting over 225 research projects and more than 25 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 20 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 5,000 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2021, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continuing trust and support in SCN with an investment of $45 million for the 2022–2025 period.

About JDRF:

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our goal is to raise funds to support the most advanced international T1D research and progressively remove the impact of this disease from people’s lives – until we achieve a world without it. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.ca.

Media contact SCN:
Samantha Rae Ayoub
Vice President, Communications & Knowledge Mobilization
Stem Cell Network
srae@stemcellnetwork.ca  

Media contact JDRF:

Michelle van Vliet
National Director Communications and Marketing
Cell: 514-803-0877
mvanvliet@jdrf.ca

June 23, 2022, Toronto, ON – JDRF is thrilled to announce that the approximately 300,000 Canadians living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can now automatically qualify for the federal disability tax credit. The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities or their support people/family members reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. This will undoubtedly ease the financial burden caused by unavoidable and necessary life-saving expenses faced by everyone with T1D.

This change is as a result of years of advocacy. From testifying at committee, to meeting with MPs and policymakers, to sending hundreds and thousands of letters, JDRF is extremely pleased with this announcement.

T1D is an expensive disease, often requiring financial assistance to cover the devices and supplies associated with the daily management of this chronic condition.

Since 2017, JDRF has been actively seeking change in the Disability Tax Credit when a controversial new tax directive introduced by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) made it virtually impossible for adults with T1D to qualify for the DTC. JDRF and the T1D community across the country came together in a campaign to demand that the new interpretation be rescinded. As a result, the Government of Canada and CRA announced they would rescind the interpretation, making it possible for adults with T1D to qualify for the DTC again.

However, individuals were still being denied due to the arbitrary and antiquated eligibility criteria, namely, the 14-hour requirement. In 2019, The Fairness for Persons With Disabilities Act was introduced and would reduce the number of hours needed to qualify for the DTC from 14 to 10.

In the same year, the Minister of National Revenue formed the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) who produced an annual report that stated: “Instead of having to submit an account of the number of times and hours per week involved in these therapies, the person needing life-sustaining therapy should automatically meet the criteria”.

The previous requirements for the Disability Tax Credit were rife with inequities in access due to arbitrary and outdated practices. The new amendment will automatically qualify Canadians living with T1D, removing a significant barrier to care.

We want to thank everyone who testified, sent letters, attended meetings, shared stories and advocated for this change.

“This is incredible news for the type 1 diabetes community,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “We want to thank the all Members of Parliament and Senators that supported this amendment and know that this will deliver much-needed support to thousands of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes,” he continues.

After many years of meetings with elected officials and policymakers, a budget promise came down in 2021 that would expand the list of activities that could be considered under the 14-hour requirement.

“We celebrated this as a win, hoping this would make qualifying for the DTC easier. However, automatic qualification is what we knew would make all the difference,” says Monica Kocsmaros, JDRF’s Chief External Relations Officer. “So, we decided to push further, lobbied MPs, met with policymakers, and leveraged the Juvenile Diabetes Caucus to get our message across to all decisionmakers.”

In May 2022, MP Jake Stewart introduced an amendment at the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) that would make automatic qualification a reality for everyone living with type 1 diabetes. Members of FINA across all party lines voted unanimously to pass the amendment.

Over the past couple of months, the Bill went through pre-study, first, second and third readings, and was officially given Royal Assent today on June 23, 2022. This is a historic change that will allow everyone living with T1D to automatically qualify for the Disability Tax Credit.

JDRF is incredibly pleased with this announcement and looks forward to continuing to work with the government to make lives easier for the T1D community.

JDRF works every day to change the reality of this disease for millions of people globally—and to prevent anyone else from ever knowing it—by funding research, advocating for government support of research and new therapies, ensuring new therapies come to market and offering support through connecting and engaging the T1D community.

Quotes
“Type 1 diabetes is the cause of undue hardship for over 300,000 Canadians living in this country. By automatically qualifying these individuals for the Disability Tax Credit, this bill will provide meaningful support and reduce the amount of barriers they face. It is with great pleasure to work alongside our government and colleagues of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus in delivering this important change for the type 1 diabetes community.” – Marie-France Lalonde, MP – Orléans, Co-Chair of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus

“As Co-Chair of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus, I am delighted by today’s passing of Bill C-19. As a chronic disease without a cure, type 1 diabetes places a significant physical, mental, and financial burden on the individual and their family. I am proud to see all parties united behind this cause to better support the type 1 diabetes community in Canada.” – Carol Hughes, MP – Algoma–Manitoulin–Kapuskasing, Co-Chair of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus

“Today we join Canadians impacted by type 1 diabetes in celebrating a change to the Disability Tax Credit. Helping these individuals disproportionately impacted by this disease will not only allow them to afford the supports they need to stay healthy, but it will also go towards helping them live the dignified life they deserve. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues from all parties as the Co-Chair of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus to deliver this change.” – Chris d’Entremont, MP – West Nova, Co-Chair of the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus

For more information contact:
Luka Stevanovic, National Director, Government Relations & Advocacy
JDRF/FRDJ Canada
lstevanovic@jdrf.ca

June 16, 2022 – JDRF Canada celebrates the approval of a joint investment of $30M for the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes. We thank the government for this significant investment that will positively impact the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community.

The JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes is a landmark collaboration between the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and JDRF Canada to support transformative T1D research. This unique partnership ensures that T1D remains a priority in Canadian health research and is based on a shared vision of improved care, treatment, outcomes and cures for those living with T1D. All funds donated by the Government of Canada are matched by JDRF through generous support from donors.

Since its inception in 2017, and now with this renewal, the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes will invest a total of $60 million to fund the most promising T1D research. Over the past five years, the partnership has funded several innovative clinical trials and translational research projects focused on accelerating the development of novel treatment approaches for people with T1D. For example, Dr. Maria Cristina Nostro at the University Health Network’s McEwen Stem Cell Institute is leading a team focused on developing new transplantation strategies and universal donor stem cells to develop a superior islet-like product for people with T1D that will require little or no immunosuppression.

JDRF’s pre-budget submission for the 2021 Budget focused on the key recommendation that: The Government of Canada should honour the centenary of the discovery of insulin through a renewed research investment of $15M in the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Diabetes to be matched by JDRF and its partners for a total impact of $30M.

In fall 2020, JDRF youth ambassadors took to Parliament Hill virtually as part of our Kids for a Cure lobby day. Delegates met with Members of Parliament and Senators to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by those living with T1D and the need for more Canadian research in this field – specifically through the Partnership.

JDRF would like to recognize the support received from MPs and Senators to move this recommendation forward. We’d especially like to acknowledge our All-Party Caucus Co-Chairs, Marie-France Lalonde, Chris d’Entremont, Carol Hughes and Senator Nancy Hartling for their hard work and effort securing the Partnership renewal.

JDRF is excited to move forward with supporting additional cutting-edge T1D projects as a result of receiving renewed funding that will address areas of shared strategic interest including general population screening for T1D risk, precision medicine for T1D, and novel interventions that address mental health in people with T1D.

Quotes
“Receiving this crucial funding through the CIHR partnership will ensure Canada continues as a world leader in T1D clinical trials and translational research – especially as we marked the centenary of the discovery of insulin in 2021. We are fortunate to be working alongside our partner, CIHR, to reach our ultimate goal of finding a cure and moving beyond insulin.”
Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada

“The discovery of insulin over 100 years ago has kept us alive with this disease. Now we need to take action so that we can live a near normal life by using new technologies while we accelerate our focus on finding a cure for the next generation. A cure would mean that me, my son and all the rest of us living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes would no longer live the burden of managing this disease.”
Dr. Michael C. Riddell, T1D researcher who was diagnosed with T1D at age 15, and whose son was diagnosed with T1D in May 2016.

“I am very proud to see the federal government renew the partnership between JDRF and CIHR. This $15 million investment, to be matched by JDRF, is a landmark collaboration between the Government of Canada and JDRF Canada to support innovative T1D research. Ce partenariat, fondé sur une vision commune de l’amélioration des soins, des traitements et des résultats, vise également à trouver un remède pour les millions de Canadiens qui souffrent du diabète de type 1. For the other co-chairs of the All-Party Caucus on Juvenile Diabetes and myself, this is proof that through advocacy and partnership we can make great things happen. We firmly believe that by working together, the government of Canada and JDRF can better the lives of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes and turn type 1 into type none.”
Marie-France Lalonde, MP for Orléans

“As one of the Co-chairs of the All-Party JDRF Caucus I am pleased of the work we have done to support JDRF’s request for renewed research funding. I look forward to seeing how Canada’s $15 million commitment over the next five years helps support those who live with condition today while driving the work that will create a brighter future with hope for the eventual eradication of the condition.”
Carol Hughes, MP for Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing

“Canada is home to outstanding diabetes researchers. CIHR is very proud to partner with JDRF Canada to support excellent new research that will provide insights into how we can improve care and ultimately prevent and cure type 1 diabetes.”
Dr. Norman Rosenblum, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes

Unanimous vote of members of the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) brings equitable access to the Disability Tax Credit closer

Thursday June 2, 2022, Toronto, ON – This week we saw a major step forward in the effort to ensure all Canadians living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can access the federal Disability Tax Credit. Members of the Federal Government’s Standing Committee on Finance (FINA), representing all parties, voted unanimously to pass an amendment that will ensure all Canadians living with type 1 diabetes can access the tax credit and ease the financial burden caused by unavoidable and necessary life-saving expenses. Over 300,000 Canadians currently live with T1D.

T1D is an expensive disease, often requiring financial assistance to cover the medications, devices, and supplies associated with the daily management of this chronic condition. The motion to amend the Budget Bill (C-19) was unanimously approved by the FINA committee and is intended to address longstanding issues with how the Disability Tax Credit has been accessible to Canadians with T1D.
The current requirements for the Disability Tax Credit are rife with inequities in access due to arbitrary and outdated practices. The proposed amendment before Parliament to the Income Tax Act would automatically qualify Canadians living with T1D, removing a significant barrier to care.

Members of the Standing Committee on Finance discussed and unanimously passed the motion on Monday, May 30 after hearing from experts in the medical community and families impacted by T1D about the need for change.

The committee heard personal stories, like that of Matt Stimpson, who lives with T1D and applied for the Disability Tax Credit at the same time as his 14-year-old daughter Tilly. Tilly was approved, and Matt was not, even though they live with the same condition and their costs incurred are relatively the same.
Among the witnesses, Dr. Alanna Weisman, an endocrinologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital implored the committee to address the problem of arbitrary hours of weekly care required to access the Disability Tax Credit. “People with type 1 diabetes should not have to worry about how they are going to pay for insulin, supplies, advanced glucose monitoring devices or insulin pumps. Those costs exist regardless of how much time is spent per week on the management of their disease,” she explained.

Individuals with T1D report spending up to $15,000 per year out of pocket on these unavoidable, life-saving costs.

“It has been really sad to see people with type 1 diabetes denied the Disability Tax Credit due to how forms were filled out, or because of an arbitrary number of hours it stipulates they must spend managing the particularities of their disease,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “This motion moves forward a correction to an injustice that people with type 1 diabetes have been living with for too long. We are looking forward to watching Parliament debate the amended bill C-19 and are hopeful the bill will carry and deliver much-needed support to thousands of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes,” he continues.

Since 2017, JDRF has been actively seeking change in the Disability Tax Credit.

“The T1D community is elated with this progress and support from all FINA members. We look forward to continued support across all party lines for much-needed amendment,” says Anne Pettigrew, National Youth Champion with JDRF Canada.

JDRF works every day to change the reality of this disease for millions of people globally—and to prevent anyone else from ever knowing it—by funding research, advocating for government support of research and new therapies, ensuring new therapies come to market and offering support through connecting and engaging the T1D community.

“We must keep up the pace of funding and policy change so progress doesn’t slow or stop entirely, and we can turn type one into type none,” added Pettigrew.

For more information contact:
Michelle van Vliet
National Director, Marketing and Communications
JDRF/FRDJ Canada
mvanvliet@jdrf.ca

Thousands will Step Up to raise funds for type 1 diabetes research

TORONTO, ON — June 1, 2022 – The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is the largest fundraising event in Canada that brings together the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community to unite and raise funds for T1D research with the goal of raising $2.8M this year.

During the month of June, Walk events will once again be held in-person across the country, bringing together those impacted by T1D. A fun-filled family and community celebration, the Walk is in its 29th year and has raised more than $135M to date. Funds raised will help support and create a difference for the 300,000 Canadians living with T1D.

This year marks the centenary of the first successful injection of insulin in a human. Insulin has saved millions of lives but those living with T1D still require it to stay alive. That is why continued investment in ground-breaking research, such as stem cell-based treatments that can produce insulin in those living with the disease, is crucial for improved treatments and cures.

“We are thrilled that we can once again reunite the type 1 diabetes community at in-person Walks across Canada. It is truly inspiring to see the passion and dedication of these families and their resolve to both support each other and to create a world without type 1 diabetes,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “Every step is a step closer to a cure, and funds raised from the Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF will help to accelerate the pace of the most promising type 1 diabetes research.”

Sun Life has been the National Sponsor of the Walk since 2014 and increased its already strong commitment to diabetes in Canada by becoming the National Title Sponsor of the Walk in 2018.

“Type 1 diabetes continues to be diagnosed in more and more Canadians every day and there is still no cure. That is why we have committed over $42M globally in support of diabetes awareness, prevention, care, and research initiatives since 2012,” said Milos Vranesevic, Senior Vice-President, Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life. “The work JDRF is doing is critical to raising awareness and funds to help those affected. Sun Life is committed to the health and wellness of everyone in our communities and we are proud to sponsor the Walk for the seventh year to help those with type 1 diabetes live healthier lives.”

Learn more about the 2022 Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF and help us move T1D research forward faster: jdrfwalk.ca

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $3 billion CAD in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

Sun Life in the Community

Sun Life is committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of its sustainability commitment. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organization can help build a positive environment for Clients, employees, advisors, and shareholders. Its philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives. Mental health is also a key priority, with support for programs and organizations with an emphasis on building resilience and coping skills. Sun Life also partners with sports properties in key markets to further its commitment to healthy and active living.

For more information:

Michelle van Vliet
National Director Communications and Marketing
Cell: 514-803-0877
mvanvliet@jdrf.ca

Toronto, ON – The provincial government of Prince Edward Island made a historic announcement today about providing better access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people living with diabetes in the province. Complete public coverage for CGM devices will now be provided for people with type 2 and type 1 diabetes (T1D) age two and over who rely on multiple daily injections of insulin (three or more) or use an insulin pump, through Prince Edward Island’s Diabetes Glucose Sensor Program. This announcement complements the existing Diabetes Drug Program and the Insulin Pump Program that helps in covering costs of insulin and insulin pumps in the province.

“JDRF Canada joins Prince Edward Island’s T1D community in celebrating today’s exciting news,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO, JDRF Canada. “Advanced glucose monitoring devices are truly life-changing and live-saving technology for people with diabetes. They allow better control of daily self-management, and for those who rely on remote or virtual care, these devices are critical in providing patient data to clinicians, allowing for better virtual care. Coverage for these devices in Prince Edward Island reduces the one of many out-of-pocket costs associated with T1D, he continues.

Measuring and managing blood glucose is an essential aspect of daily management for people living with T1D. Advanced monitoring systems such as CGM and Flash GM demonstrably improve a person’s quality of life. These devices help by continuously measuring glucose levels and transmitting real-time data to users, their parents, or caregivers. Users are notified in advance if they are at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), which carries symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, sweating, increased heartbeat, mood changes, fainting risk and more.

Being able to check blood glucose levels in real-time improves self-management, reduces the risk of long-term complications, and can provide relief for some of the anxiety associated with living with T1D. It also allows people with T1D to exert better control over the activities of daily living.

JDRF is incredibly pleased with Prince Edward Island’s decision to offer complete and comprehensive coverage, being the first province to offer public coverage for advanced glucose monitoring devices in Atlantic Canada. This is encouraging news for many living in the region who are hopeful to see government support in their own province to help alleviate significant financial burdens brought on by T1D. While there has been progress made in recent years to provide equitable access across the country, many Canadians living with T1D are still without coverage and are at risk. That is why JDRF Canada launched its Access for All campaign to support the T1D community and advocate for the thousands of Canadians who must pay out-of-pocket for life-sustaining technology due to lack of coverage. Until a cure can be found, JDRF Canada will continue to engage with legislatures from coast to coast and advocate until such time as there is universal access for all Canadians who need it.

For more information, visit: P E.I. Glucose Sensor Program or contact diabetesadminofficer@ihis.org or call 1-833-355-0538.