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News post type for JDRF
Health Canada has recalled a single lot of Eli Lilly Glucagon, as it may be contaminated. The lot number is D239382A, expiry May 10, 2022. Please check your glucagon kits and return it to the pharmacy if you have a vial with this lot number. All other lot numbers are fine.
For more information, click here: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/76507a-eng.php.
This past spring, the province committed to providing public coverage for advanced glucose monitors, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) for people with T1D up to age 25. The commitment also included expanded coverage under the Manitoba Pediatric Insulin Pump Program by changing the eligible age limit from under 18 to under 25.
Manitoba is now rolling out their commitment and implementation of the program. Those 25 and under can access coverage for advanced glucose monitors effective September 28, 2021, and in November, 2021 for insulin pumps.
The self-management of diabetes can be made easier through technologies such as insulin pumps, CGMs and Flash GMs which improve overall blood glucose (HbA1C) and time in target range (TIR), through more accurate and timely readings – keeping more people out of hospital and reducing longer-term diabetes related complications. In addition, a recent JDRF-funded research study demonstrated that using a CGM reduces neonatal health complications and is a viable option for pregnant individuals with diabetes and their babies.
“JDRF Canada welcomes the expansion of access to insulin pumps and continuous and flash glucose monitoring devices for those living with type 1 diabetes in Manitoba. As these devices are critical in preventing life-threatening complications and improving health outcomes in people with T1D, we’re very pleased that the Manitoban government has stepped up and fulfilled their budget commitment. These devices will help Manitobans with type 1 diabetes to lead healthier, safer and easier lives until a cure is found,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO, JDRF Canada.
“In the absence of government support, people living with diabetes pay out of pocket to manage the rising, additional costs associated with their disease management. This could be upwards of $15,000 per year for one individual and will only increase the divide between those who can and those who cannot afford these technologies,” adds Prowten.
In the past three years, there has been significant commitments from seven provincial and territorial governments to improve diabetes device access as they have realized the cost-benefit and quality of life outcomes these devices undeniably provide.
JDRF will continue to advocate to improve access to advanced glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps for all Canadians living with T1D as part of our Access for All campaign.
To learn more about JDRF’s #AccessForAll campaign check out breakthrought1d.ca/accessforall.
For more information on the Manitoba Pharmacare Program, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare.
JDRF Canada and Brain Canada are pleased to announce the JDRF Canada – Brain Canada Addressing Mental Health in Type 1 Diabetes Team Grants, a new funding opportunity for Canadian researchers that aims to address mental health concerns in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
2021 marks the 100th anniversary since the discovery of insulin in Canada. Insulin has saved and improved millions of lives worldwide, but T1D remains a burdensome disease, with substantial risk complications and a shortened life-expectancy, reported difficulties with self-management, and additional factors such as social stigma. As a result, people with T1D are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders, with a consequent negative impact on diabetes management and health outcomes.
“Solutions within and outside of the health care system are urgently needed to address mental health in people with type 1 diabetes,” says Dr. Viviane Poupon, CEO and President of Brain Canada. “This program is aligned with Brain Canada’s mental health research initiative, which focuses on developing and implementing effective strategies that address the diverse needs for mental health care.”
To help address this gap, JDRF Canada and Brain Canada have forged a new partnership and are preparing a call to the Canadian research community for research proposals related to the development, validation, or implementation of interventions that address mental health concerns in people with type 1 diabetes. The goal is to support the development and testing of sustainable, scalable approaches that will enable improved support for people who live with T1D and are affected by certain mental health disorders, and that will translate into better quality of life and diabetes-related health outcomes for these populations.
“In 2021, JDRF Canada is poised to launch several initiatives focused on mental health for Canadians with T1D, and funding new research in this area is a core component of our plans,” says Dr. Sarah Linklater, Chief Scientific Officer of JDRF Canada.
Launching in July 2021, the JDRF Canada – Brain Canada Addressing Mental Health in Type 1 Diabetes Team Grants is intended to fund two multidisciplinary Canadian research teams with grants of up to $250,000 each over two years.
JDRF Canada and Brain Canada are committed to excellence through equity and encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply.
This funding opportunity has been made possible with the financial support of JDRF Canada’s donors and Health Canada, through the Canada Brain Research Fund, an innovative partnership between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada.
Launch of Request for Applications: July 15, 2021
Webinar for applicants: July 28, 2021, 12:00 ET click here to register
Registration deadline: September 15, 2021 at 17:00 ET
“JDRF is grateful for the leadership the BC government has shown in taking this step towards Access for All and moving to cover continuous glucose monitoring under BC Pharmacare,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada.
British Columbia announced today that it will begin covering Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for those requiring insulin therapy aged 2+ who meet eligibility criteria. This coverage is effective as of June 11, 2021. An estimated 20,000 British Columbians are expected to qualify helping them better manage their disease.
British Columbia joins Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon in covering CGM for some or all with type 1 diabetes. Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and the Yukon also cover Flash GM.
In BC, Dexcom G6 sensors and receivers will be fully covered for those whose family income is <$30K annually or who are on government assistance and mostly covered for everyone else. Eligibility criteria are fairly broad and the government expects some 20K people to qualify.
To obtain coverage people will need their health care provider to complete a Special Authority Request form and issue them a 12-month prescription for the Dexcom G6 which they can take to their local pharmacy. The Dexcom G6 will be subject to the Pharmacare deductible. Until the deductible is reached they can expect to pay $10/day. Once the deductible is reached the cost will vary depending on your Pharmacare coverage (most will pay $3/day on average)
Adds Monica Kocsmaros, VP External Relations: “We’re pleased with today’s announcement, and it is our hope that in the future other CGM products and the Flash GM will be covered in BC as well. Diabetes is a very individual disease that affects different patients differently. We believe in choice when it comes to treatment options, and for patients in consultation with their health care providers to decide on their best course of treatment. Today was an important step towards Access For All.”
For Canadians living with type 1 diabetes, self-management is accomplished through careful measurement of blood glucose and administration of insulin. CGMs and Flash GMs rely on sensors attached to the body which measure glucose in the interstitial fluid just below the skin, replacing the traditional finger prick method. The glucose reading is sent to the screen of a reader device, a smartphone or an insulin pump, providing users with an up-to-date reading of glucose every few minutes – readings which help the user calculate insulin dosage. These devices can also include alarms that alert the user and/or their caregivers if blood sugar levels are rising or dropping rapidly and require urgent action.
Studies show that use of diabetes technologies such as insulin pumps, CGMs and Flash GMs help improve self-management of diabetes, including important measures such as overall blood glucose (HbA1C) and time in target range (TIR), keeping more people out of hospital.
Improving access to advanced glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps for all Canadians living with type 1 diabetes is the goal of JDRF’s Access for All campaign. Type 1 diabetes devices help those living with the disease have better self-management, leading to improved health outcomes and better quality of life.
To learn more about JDRF’s #AccessForAll campaign please visit breakthrought1d.ca/accessforall.
NEWS RELEASE
TORONTO, ON — June 3, 2021 – The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is the largest fundraising event in Canada that rallies the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community to unite and raise funds for T1D research.
This year’s Walk is a family-friendly, virtual, and interactive event that will bring together those impacted by T1D. The Walk aims to raise critical funds for research that will get us closer to giving Canadians freedom from T1D. Join us for a uniquely immersive and interactive experience filled with fun challenges, prizes, entertainment, and the celebration of coming together to change the future of T1D. Our community will experience the Walk within a brand new virtual and interactive world. They will be able to discover the Walk route as if they were physically there, browse our different booths, meet with friends along the way and celebrate with us during the main show.
As we commemorate the 100 years since the discovery of insulin, we are challenging participants to each walk 100km to mark this milestone and to raise funds for T1D research that will move us beyond insulin, accelerating toward a cure. Whether it is a route in your room, a track in your backyard or a loop around your neighborhood, it doesn’t matter where you walk, just that you register. And if walking isn’t your thing – we’re encouraging participants to ‘think 100!’ Like 100 bottle returns, 100 sit ups, or 100 donations.
“Research much be accelerated forward and during this period of uncertainty, it is heartening to see that we can rely on the power of community to support one other,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is a testament to the passion and resolve of a group of people who are inspired by a common goal: to create a world without T1D.”
Sun Life has been involved with the Walk since 2014 as the National Sponsor and increased its already strong commitment to diabetes in Canada by becoming the National Title Sponsor of the Walk in 2018. Since announcing global support of the cause in 2012, Sun Life has committed more than $38 million globally in support of diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives.
“One of the fastest growing health challenges of our time, diabetes and prediabetes affects 11.5 million Canadians,” said Milos Vranesevic, Senior Vice-President, Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life. “As we celebrate the discovery of insulin and the improvements it has had on the treatment of diabetes, there is still no cure. That is why our partnership with JDRF is so important. Sponsoring the Walk is one of the ways we can raise awareness and money to help those with diabetes live healthier lives.”
While we may not be together in person this year, we will still come together to walk the distance for the more more than 300,000 Canadians touched by T1D and their families. It is a movement that empowers people who refuse to be defined by their disease – a way the T1D community can come together and accelerate towards a cure.
Join the 2021 Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF and help us accelerate our research from the comfort of your own home (link).
About JDRF Canada
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Our goal is to raise
funds to support the most advanced international type 1 diabetes research and progressively
remove the impact of this disease from people’s lives – until we achieve a world without type 1
diabetes. 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 type 1 diabetes. JDRF is the largest charitable funder of and advocate for research to cure, prevent and treat T1D in the world. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.
Sun Life in the community
At Sun Life, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives; and mental health, supporting programs and organizations with a focus on building resilience and coping skills.
We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering close to 12,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.
For more information:
Vanessa Parent
Bilingual Marketing & Communications Specialist at JDRF Canada
C: (647) 459-7881
TD Bank Group supports JDRF’s Access for All program through the TD Ready Commitment.
May 26, 2021 – Each day, as many as 300,000 Canadians living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) will make up to 300 decisions about their care. A wrong decision could mean life or death. T1D is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It is not preventable, and its cause is unknown.
Although injecting insulin keeps a person with T1D alive, it is not a cure. Even with insulin therapy, blood sugar levels in a person with T1D can fluctuate to dangerous highs and lows. These swings in blood sugar are life-threatening and can lead to long-term complications such as kidney disease, heart disease and blindness.
Continuous glucose monitoring systems, flash glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps help keep people out of hospital and reduce long-term complications. JDRF is advocating to break down existing inequalities by making these devices accessible for all Canadians living with T1D through its Access for All initiative, a pillar of its larger $100M Campaign to Accelerate launched earlier this year.
“JDRF believes that no Canadian should have to worry about how they will afford life-changing devices that could prevent dangerous diabetes-related events. We believe in Access for All,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also underscored the need and opportunity for virtual and remote care models.T1D technology allows patients to connect with their health care teams online to remotely share real-time data, fostering better disease management from home, which is a tremendous benefit for those living in rural and remote regions where access to health care services are limited. Virtual care provides access that would otherwise not exist – further removing inequities in care, and can be optimized with the use of the new diabetes technologies.
TD has stepped forward to support Access for All with a goal of improving the lives of those living with T1D.
“We know that many people face barriers to accessing quality and affordable healthcare in our country. Through the TD Ready Commitment, our global corporate citizenship platform, we’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship with JDRF and support the Access for All program to ensure more equitable health outcomes for people living with type 1 diabetes and reduce the treatment burden of the disease.” Said Naki Osutei, Associate Vice President, Social Impact, Canada, TD Bank Group.
“JDRF is extremely grateful for TD’s support. Access for All provides critical support to our type 1 diabetes community with its effort to increase and improve access and improve the lives of Canadians living with T1D”, says Ryan MacDonald, JDRF’s Campaign to Accelerate Co-Chair.
To learn more about JDRF’s #AccessForAll check out breakthrought1d.ca/accessforall.
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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 $2.8 billion 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.
For more information:
Vanessa Parent
Bilingual Marketing & Communications Specialist, JDRF Canada
C: (647) 459-7881
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:
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.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021, Toronto, ON – “JDRF Canada applauds this week’s provincial government announcements out of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which are expanding access to insulin pumps and continuous and flash glucose monitoring devices for those living with type 1 diabetes,” says Dave Prowten, president and CEO, JDRF Canada.
In the budget announced Tuesday on April 6th, Saskatchewan committed to creating a new program which will cover the costs of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and flash glucose monitors (Flash GMs) up to age 18 and expand the Saskatchewan Insulin Pump Program to all ages. Said Dustin Halvorson, parent of a child with type 1 diabetes: “Our family is so happy to see the provincial government follow through with their promise to expand coverage for individuals and families living with type 1 diabetes. This week’s announcement shows we’re being heard and that those who have the burden of monitoring their blood sugar levels minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day are going to have access to technology to help them live easier, healthier, safer lives moving forward.”
Manitoba announced Wednesday that it will begin covering CGMs up to age 25 and will expand coverage under the Manitoba Pediatric Insulin Pump Program by changing the age limit on eligibility from under 18 to under 25. Manitoba and Saskatchewan join the Yukon as the only three Canadian provinces or territories to cover CGMs. Ontario and Quebec cover Flash GMs for some with type 1 diabetes.
As for insulin pumps, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, the territories and now Saskatchewan cover pumps for all ages. With today’s announcement, all other provinces, except Quebec, cover until age 25. Quebec is now the sole remaining province that stops coverage for insulin pumps at age 18.
“With type 1 diabetes care having gone online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, technologies such as continuous and flash glucose monitoring are becoming more and more important as they’re helping to drive the transition to virtual and remote care. As well, moving the age limit to age 25 for insulin pumps will help young Manitobans transition from pediatric to adult care and use these important and evolving technologies. We’re grateful for the Manitoba government’s efforts to expand access for Manitobans with type 1 diabetes,” says Dr. Nick Hajidiacos, JDRF board member, internal medicine specialist and parent of a child with type 1 diabetes.
For Canadians living with type 1 diabetes, self-management is accomplished through careful measurement of blood glucose and administration of insulin. CGMs and Flash GMs rely on sensors attached to the body which measure glucose in the interstitial fluid just below the skin, replacing the traditional finger prick method. The glucose reading is sent to the screen of a reader device, a smartphone or an insulin pump, providing users with an up-to-date reading of glucose every few minutes – readings which help the user calculate insulin dosage. These devices can also include alarms that alert the user and/or their caregivers if blood sugar levels are rising or dropping rapidly and require urgent action.
Studies show that use of diabetes technologies such as insulin pumps, CGMs and Flash GMs help improve self-management of diabetes, including important measures such as overall blood glucose (HbA1C) and time in target range (TIR), keeping more people out of hospital.
“Without government support, many adults and children living with diabetes will continue to struggle to manage the cost, or worse, be forced to make do with inferior and out-of-date technology,” adds Prowten. “This will only increase the divide between those who can and those who cannot afford these technologies. We’re urging all provinces to move forward with similar measures to increase access to the technology Canadians need to manage their type 1 diabetes.”
JDRF credits the grassroots efforts of parent groups in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as medical students at the University of Saskatchewan, for elevating the need for provincial coverage for diabetes technologies.
Improving access to advanced glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps for all Canadians living with type 1 diabetes is the goal of JDRF’s Access for All campaign. Type 1 diabetes devices help those living with the disease better self manage it, leading to improved health outcomes and better quality of life.
To learn more about JDRF’s #AccessForAll campaign check out breakthrought1d.ca/accessforall.
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For more information contact:
Vanessa Parent
JDRF Canada
514-262-6346
April 1, 2021
Diabetes Canada is joined by JDRF Canada and Type 1 Together in expressing disappointment with the recommendations recently published by British Columbia’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Committee. The data used to inform the review are out-of-date and do not take into consideration all the evidence, patient voice, or the future health-care environment.
“Diabetes is a complex disease, with no ‘one size fits all’ approach to treatment and care,” says Seema Nagpal, Vice-President of Science & Policy with Diabetes Canada. “Diabetes management varies greatly between individuals and it is the role of the health-care provider and patient to determine individualized therapy and treatment plan based on best evidence. Unfortunately, advanced glucose monitoring devices such as Flash Glucose Monitors and Continuous Glucose Monitors are not accessible to many people living with diabetes who can benefit, which is why Diabetes Canada urges governments to publicly fund these proven technologies.”
“The health of people with diabetes relies heavily on self-management,” says Sarah Linklater, Chief Scientific Officer of JDRF Canada. “Advanced glucose monitoring devices provide both patients and healthcare providers with a more fulsome and accurate picture of blood sugar levels. This allows people with diabetes to stay on top of their disease management and make informed treatment decisions. This means fewer complications, better overall health outcomes and improved quality of life. Government support is urgently needed to ensure the gap in care between those who can access and afford these technologies versus those who cannot do not widen leading to inequity in our health care system.”
Diabetes Canada, JDRF Canada, and Type 1 Together caution the B.C. government on using the HTA recommendations to form healthy public policy. Much of the research cited within the report was published three or more years ago, and there’s been considerable advancement in technology since that time. These results are reported on outdated systems that are inconsistent with the pace of technological innovation in diabetes devices. Additionally, the recommendations do not take into consideration blood glucose ‘time in range,’ which can provide additional information that using A1C testing information alone. The narrow review criteria have resulted in ill-informed recommendations.
“The current pandemic climate has put a spotlight on the critical need for proven digital health resources to support those living with chronic illness such as diabetes,” says Nagpal. “We urge the B.C. government to listen to patients and use the latest scientific evidence to support better health outcomes for British Columbians living with diabetes.”
"I am disheartened by this report and its conclusions. How does PharmaCare expect people living with type 1 diabetes to continuously manage over a lifetime without proper tools?" Jen Alexander, Founder of Type 1 Together
“I cannot really express how heartsick and angry this makes me. These recommendations manage to be even worse than anything I had imagined.” Nadine Pedersen, mom of a child with type 1 diabetes and member of the Diabetes Coalition.
As recently as last fall, Diabetes Canada provided the B.C. government with an analysis of responses from 873 individuals regarding an assessment of advance glucose monitoring devices. This public submission noted patients frequently describe how unrelenting the disease can be and its heavy impact on daily life. A device that can help to lessen the burden as well as improve diabetes management has value and should not be ignored by the B.C. government.
About Advanced Glucose Monitoring Technology
Advanced glucose monitoring gives people living with diabetes an accurate picture of their blood sugar management, which can lead to better short- and long-term treatment decisions. The main purposes for checking glucose include:
Finger prick testing (using a test strip and meter) has been the standard for glucose monitoring but for some, this is not enough. There’s a wide range of circumstances where frequent or continuous monitoring is necessary, which is where other types of testing options and technology are available: Flash Glucose Monitors or Continuous Glucose Monitors. How regularly people must monitor their glucose levels depends on the type of diabetes they have, their current treatment regimen, and their risk of low blood sugar.
About Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is the registered national charitable organization that is making the invisible epidemic of diabetes visible and urgent. Diabetes Canada partners with Canadians to End Diabetes through:
For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
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
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For more information or to book an interview:
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Sherry Calder Senior Manager, Communications Diabetes Canada C: 902-210-1799 |
Monica Kocsmaros Vice President, External Relations JDRF Canada T. 647.354.5598 |
March 31, 2021
Understanding how challenging and unpredictable the COVID-19 pandemic is, especially for those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D), JDRF Canada continues to ensure that you have the credible and reliable information you need to help you better navigate the various and complex issues that are constantly arising.
In the early days of the pandemic, we outlined that children with T1D are not more susceptible to COVID-19 infection than their peers without T1D, and on average, children who developed COVID-19 were not at greater risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes. As the pandemic has progressed, data collection around the world has allowed a closer look at COVID-19 outcomes in different patient populations, and has reassuringly indicated that children, including those with various health concerns, generally experience mild symptoms of COVID-19. Nevertheless, new data presented at the virtual ENDO 2021 meeting on March 20, 2021 suggest some children with T1D and high HbA1c could have an increased risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes, compared with children who do not have diabetes.
The new study used data from 31 countries about 3047 children aged 0-18 with T1D and 502,655 children without diabetes who developed COVID-19. The research measured the risk of three outcomes: intubation, sepsis, or death due to COVID-19. The authors of the study assessed the difference in risk of these outcomes in children with T1D of differing HbA1c levels versus children without diabetes.
The results are reassuring in that the risk of any of these outcomes from COVID-19 in children with or without diabetes is extremely low (<0.5%). However, the results showed that the risk is slightly higher in children with T1D. Specifically, risk of death was 0.328% (ie, less than 1/300) in children with T1D and 0.047% (around 1/2000) in children without diabetes. The risk of intubation was 0.328% in children with T1D and 0.028% in children without diabetes, and for sepsis the figures were 0.492% and 0.114%, respectively.
Importantly, for children with HbA1c of less than or equal to 7% (16% of the children with T1D in the study sample), the risk was not increased: zero of these children experienced any of the COVID-19 outcomes measured. The study authors reported that these COVID-19 outcomes might be a greater concern in children with HbA1c of 9% or greater. However, the study relied on de-identified data from electronic health records, from the TriNetX database, and did not allow examination of patient-level data (e.g. charts) to analyze many potential confounding factors that could also influence risk of the outcomes studied. In addition, at this time, the full, peer-reviewed study has not yet been formally published. Thus, these preliminary results need to be interpreted with caution.
On the basis of these new data about COVID-19 outcomes in children, JDRF Canada does not recommend that children with T1D necessarily alter activities such as attending school or other permitted activities in-person; however, as advised throughout the pandemic, all public health precautions such as social distancing and hand and respiratory hygiene remain especially important. We advise anyone with questions about their individual family situation consult their healthcare provider.
It is encouraging that COVID-19 vaccines are now or will soon be tested in children as young as 6 months old which, pending Health Canada approval, will enable younger Canadians access to COVID-19 vaccination in the near future.
Click here more information on COVID-19 and T1D.
Mississauga, Canada, March 31, 2021 – Canadians living with chronic diseases – like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease or obesity – are reluctant to seek proactive care during COVID-19, a new national survey reveals. While Canadians may think they’re reducing potential health risks, delaying care can increase negative health outcomes and impact demand on healthcare professionals and our medical system.
Don’t Put Your Health on Hold – Canadians are encouraged to engage healthcare professionals safely and efficiently during COVID-19. Every province and territory offers telemedicine and virtual care offerings. For those who need in-person care, Canadians should feel comfortable accessing their healthcare providers who offer safe, sanitized, environments for treatment. Please visit your provincial or territory Ministry of Health website for information to safely contact your healthcare professional either in-person or with telemedicine support.
This survey, commissioned by Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., was conducted using Leger’s online panel between February 26 to 28, 2021 with 1,532 adult Canadians. 492 (35%) of the survey respondents have been clinically diagnosed with a chronic disease (e.g. arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mood disorders, obesity, etc.). Leger estimates a probable margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 44,000 people in 80 countries and markets its own products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca, Twitter, or YouTube.
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Media: |
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Kate Hanna |
905-301-7734 |
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Tammy Alamrieh |
647-395-3445 |
JDRF Canada is hosting a series of virtual community forums to address the need for access to affordable type 1 diabetes (T1D) technologies for the more than 300,000 Canadians living with the disease who are otherwise burdened with crushing out-of-pocket costs that can amount to up to $15,000 every year per person.
Part of JDRF’s #AccessforAll campaign, these ‘Community Consultations on Diabetes and Technology’ events provide an opportunity for residents to come together to discuss public coverage issues and to encourage public coverage of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) devices under BC Pharmacase.
Speakers: Sarah Linklater (Clinician) & Sophia Orth (Advocate)
Register here.
Speakers: Beena Kashyap (Clinician) & Lisa Macdonell (Advocate)
Register here.
Speakers: Katie Fletcher (Clinician) & Alyssa Florence (Advocate)
Register here.
Speakers: Tom Elliot (Clinician) & Miguel Alvarez (Advocate)
Register here.
Find us online: breakthrought1d.ca, breakthrought1d.ca/accessforall, #AccessforAll, JDRF Canada Facebook, JDRF Canada Instagram
With an estimated 40,000 people living with type 1 diabetes in British Columbia, a large number of residents are battling the following realities associated with T1D:
For more information about the Community Consultations on Diabetes and Technology upcoming locations and dates, to learn more about this pressing Canadian health issue, or to arrange interviews and/or photo opportunities, please contact:
Vanessa Parent
Bilingual Marketing & Communications Specialist at JDRF Canada
C: (647) 459-7881
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 $2.8 billion 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.
