Author: John

Hypoglycemia is a common occurrence and one of the greatest fears among many people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It is defined by a low glucose level with symptoms such as trembling, sweating, confusion and dizziness. The condition can limit a person’s ability to achieve optimal health goals related to diet and physical activity, and can have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life.

Dr. Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, a JDRF-funded endocrinologist at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal best known for his work on the artificial pancreas, is collaborating on the development of a province-wide registry of people with T1D in Quebec. The registry will enable clinical trials aimed at measuring the impact of new therapies and cost-effective technologies to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Known as the BETTER Study (Behaviors, Therapies, Technologies and Hypoglycemia Risk in Type 1 Diabetes), the project will track the incidence of hypoglycemic episodes among patients and employ innovative therapies, such as the use of an online platform that provides educational resources and support tested by registered participants. The study was developed in partnership with individuals with T1D to ensure that it is relevant to their needs.

Dr. Rabasa-Lhoret, along with Dr. Anne-Sophie Brazeau (co-leader) and his team, hope to identify successful measures that can be implemented into the daily care of patients to improve overall blood control, thereby decreasing the risk and burden of hypoglycemia. One of the goals will be to expand this approach to other health care systems to leverage their findings.

Should you wish to access the registry or participate in the BETTER study, click here.

For more informative articles on health and type 1 diabetes, visit our JDRF Blog.

In recent years, researchers have been testing beta cell replacement as a treatment option for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The therapy can often prove challenging as it involves implanting functional, insulin-producing beta cells into individuals whose beta cells have been destroyed by autoimmune attacks, and protecting them without the use of immune-suppressing drugs.

Thanks to a grant from JDRF, Rice University (TX) bioengineers, Drs. Omid Veiseh and Jordan Miller are combining cell-based therapy applications with sophisticated 3D-printed technologies to help the cells continue to flourish and produce insulin. Their work focuses on fabricating and testing 3D-printed hydrogel chambers that house transplanted cells and an underlying vascular network. The encapsulation device, designed to mimic the pancreas, is expected to encourage the long-term production of islet cells that control glucose levels without requiring immuno-suppressing drugs.

According to Dr. Veiseh, implanted biomaterials naturally lead to foreign body responses, such as inflammation. In order to enhance the survival and performance of implanted beta cells, the encapsulation device must have the capacity to encourage the growth of capillaries and provide oxygen to the cells within.

For this project, Dr. Miller will introduce new 3D-printing approaches to create molds that can be filled with a gel containing beads full of cells that are protected by a coating made from algae.

“Our 3D-printing system will enable the construction of semi-permeable cavities for seeding an alginate hydrogel with entrapped islet cells, which shield the maturing cells from the foreign body response and promote engraftment processes as vessel networks form between host and graft,” he explains.

The duo is hopeful their findings will lead to the development of islet production for wide-spread clinical application in the future.

For more informative articles on health and type 1 diabetes, visit our JDRF Blog. 

This blog is sponsored by 

With Kids for a Cure Lobby Day just a few weeks away, we’re getting ready to head to Ottawa with our delegates.

During their trip, they’ll be meeting with Canada’s decision-makers to help them understand the daily challenges they face in living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), bringing home the importance of accelerating progress towards a cure, developing new treatment options and improving access to new diabetes drugs and devices.

People all across Canada are helping us get loud about type 1 diabetes sharing their message to Canada’s decision-makers using the hashtag #TeamT1D.

One of them is Kaleb Dahlgren, former Junior A level hockey player with the Humbolt Broncos, founder of Dahlgren’s Diabeauties and JDRF Ambassador.

Kaleb has been living with type 1 diabetes since he was four years old, and he’s now joining the #TeamT1D initiative by sharing his thoughts on misconceptions about T1D and the role the Canadian government can play in supporting those living with it.

Primary sponsor Lobby Day

What’s the biggest misconception people have about type 1 diabetes?

The biggest misconception with type 1 diabetes is that you develop it from unhealthy eating/lifestyle and that you are not able to do the things you were doing before because of it. Both of those are false!

You’ve become a big advocate for the T1D community through the Dahlgren’s Diabeauties program. What would you say to someone who’s just been diagnosed?

You will get used to managing your diabetes and it does become easier. Don’t let people tell you cannot do/achieve things with diabetes…it is NOT true! Make sure you manage your diabetes and do not let it manage you!

What should the Canadian government do to support those living with type one diabetes?

They should fund all diabetic supplies for type 1 diabetics; all insulin, needles, pumps, CGM’s, etc., should be covered. Effective treatment of type 1 diabetes decreases the potential of health complications and hospital admissions. Lower hospital admissions mean less burden on taxpayers and better quality of life for the person with diabetes.

Technology has really changed the way diabetes is managed, however, it is not available to everyone due to cost, this is unfair and should be available for all people with type 1 diabetes.

The Government should allocate more money for T1D research. JDRF is doing a great job but cannot do it alone. A cure is right around the corner and with more funding, we can turn type one into type none.

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Want to share your message with Ottawa’s decision-makers?

Post a photo or a video on social media with your message to Canada’s decision-makers using the hashtag #TeamT1D, or check out our latest Instagram story and submit your reply there!

Your message can be something as simple as why access to medical devices and treatments is important to you, the challenges associated with living with type 1 diabetes, or any other message you’d like to share with politicians in Ottawa.

We’ll be bringing these messages with us to Ottawa to help support the Kids for a Cure Lobby Day delegates and to share the stories of fellow Canadians who live with type 1 diabetes or want to see their loved ones get the support they deserve.

Let’s get loud for #TeamT1D!

Long weekends, warm nights, and outdoor get-togethers mean that BBQ season is back! There’s no shortage of things to do in the summer, but when you have type 1 diabetes (T1D) activities such as travelling or indulging in some of your favourite barbecued foods require a bit more planning. While this can seem like a daunting task, having a strategy in place will allow you to feel more confident in your ability to manage changes in your blood glucose levels.

Whether you’ve been invited to a BBQ or you’re intending to host one soon, we’ve got you covered. Here is our Guide to Navigating BBQ season:

BYOD or Bring Your Own Dish

When you’re not at home, it’s more difficult to control your food options, which is why carrying your own dish is always a great idea. Most hosts will be thrilled to see that you’ve brought something, and you can familiarize yourself with its nutritional content ahead of time. Food items supplied by other guests, whether they’re homemade or store-bought, can have hidden sugars and fats, which can lead to blood sugar surprises later.

Circulate, circulate, circulate!

Walk by the buffet a couple of times and decide how many carbs you will be consuming that day. If you find it difficult to keep track download an app on your smartphone that counts carbs, displays glycemic index (GI), or reveals fat content. There is no shortage of apps that show the nutritional information of processed foods, produce and homemade foods, too.

Stay hydrated

On hot days, you run the risk of dehydration, which can spike your blood sugar levels. At a BBQ, you’re more likely to eat salty foods and protein, which can increase the unwanted effects of heat. If you drink an alcoholic beverage it can further increase your risk of dehydration, so be sure you’re making informed decisions before you sip. Drinking water doesn’t have to be boring – dress up your water with lemon, cucumber, or try sparkling water!

Keep your meds cool

You’re not the only one that feels the heat. Insulin should be kept out of the sun and at room temperature, or stored in a fridge. To prevent your insulin from going bad while outdoors bring along a cool pack. Insulin needs to be cool – not frozen –as freezing kills it.

Get moving

Moving around in any form helps to counteract high blood sugar. You’re at a BBQ – dance to a perfectly curated playlist, walk around to mingle, or play lawn games! These are just a few great ways to get active and offset highs.

Have fun!

At times, it can feel like you’re constantly thinking about managing type 1 and forgetting to enjoy yourself. Keep these tips in mind to help you enjoy the great food and company at your next barbecue!

Happy BBQing!

Visit our JDRF Blog for more informative articles on type 1 diabetes and health.

by Patrick Tohill, Government Relations Director at JDRF

It’s that time of the year again! We’re opening submissions for Kids for a Cure 2018, an exciting advocacy initiative in which JDRF gets youth from across Canada together to impact the future of diabetes research.

We are seeking 24 youth delegates to represent Canadians with type 1 diabetes on Parliament Hill this fall. Delegates will help Canada’s decision-makers better understand the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes and the importance of funding research to help those with the disease live easier, healthier, safer lives until a cure can be found.

Our ideal delegate is articulate, outgoing and passionate about creating a world without T1D. Applicants should also fall between the ages of 4-18 at the time of the event.

So how does it work?

JDRF will cover the costs of airfare, accommodation, meals and ground transportation for those applicants selected as Kids for a Cure 2018 delegates and one parent or guardian.

Those selected as Kids for a Cure youth delegates are expected to complete a scrapbook designed to help them tell their T1D story and participate in mandatory training sessions (two online and one in person on the day of arrival in Ottawa).

Here are the details:

Event Date: October 28-30^th, 2018

Location:  Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Eligibility: Aged 4 to 18 on October 30^th.

Application Deadline: Tues., July 31^st, 2018 by MIDNIGHT EDT.

Application Process:

1. Complete the application.
2. Record and upload a one minute video telling us why we need you on Team JDRF.
   

Is this you? We’d love to hear from you? Do you know of anyone who would be a great fit? Share this article with them!

Please note that we expect to receive four applications for every one delegate chosen. While we appreciate everyone’s effort in completing the application, we cannot guarantee participation. All applicants, successful or otherwise, will be notified in late August.

And remember, you can support JDRF Advocacy even if you’re not selected. Simply tick the box saying you’d like to join our Advocates list when completing your application.

We welcome any comments, questions or concerns you may have about this event, so please reach out at ptohill@jdrf.ca.

Good luck to all applicants!