July 24, 2020

Sponsored content by Ascensia Diabetes Care Canada Inc.

 

 

If on January 1, 2020 you were told that life would change drastically as it has this year, you probably wouldn’t have believed it. However, here we are. The coronavirus pandemic has swept us into an unprecedented global health emergency and forced us to make significant changes to our way of life. The office is now downstairs instead of a short (or long) commute away; the children need to be homeschooled or entertained; and, we no longer have easy access to groceries, family and friends and our favourite restaurants. Is there a silver lining in the dark cloud? Yes, the adoption and a greater appreciation of technology.

 

With visits to healthcare professionals (HCPs) now mostly virtual, tele-health and Zoom meetings now the norm, there comes a heavier reliance on self-monitoring. For people with diabetes, this is where the benefit of having digital tools, such as an app, starts to become appreciated. Whether you use a blood glucose monitor (BGM) or a continuous glucose monitor(CGM), using a software or an app, such as the CONTOUR®DIABETES App, is a welcome part of the diabetes management jigsaw puzzle.

These technological gems can help you monitor and recognize patterns in your blood glucose levels, which you can share with your HCP.  But that’s not all, apps also alert you about critical highs and lows and advise on how to avoid these and get back into a safe range. Personalized testing schedules based around your daily routines are also provided, and the app can detect patterns in your glucose readings and help identify possible causes behind them.

As the battle with this virus continues, it is important to remember that you are not alone. We are here to support you and help you manage your diabetes effectively. For information about the highly accurate CONTOUR®NEXT family of blood glucose monitors^1,2 and test strips and to learn about our CONTOUR®DIABETES App, click here. Remember #togetherwecan!

 

July 24, 2020

This past June, we came together and rallied to get loud and raise funds for a world without type 1 diabetes. Despite the physical distance between us, our digital world allowed us to reach out to you through our biggest virtual house party yet – Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF as the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure, presented by Omnipod.  

Thanks to your incredible support, you helped raise over $2 million dollars for critical funds that will support cutting edge research and meaningful community programming. A HUGE thank you!  

By joining the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure you helped support breakthroughs that get us closer to a cure and provide hope to the millions affected by this disease. Your fundraising dollars are helping support remarkable research projects, including a 3D-printed bio-artificial pancreas, stem cell technology and transplant advances.   

YOU joined a community dedicated to uniting to support the millions of people living with T1D. And together,  we made a difference.   

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, who helped make the House ParT1D a success and allowing us to surpass our fundraising goal. With their support, we were able to offer an incredible day filled with entertainment, celebrities, inspirational stories, research updates from the experts and so much more. 

Thank you to all of our sponsors who allowed us to host Canada’s largest house party turning type one diabetes into type none.  

We are incredibly grateful to our partners, and the entire T1D community for their commitment and support as we work together to move type 1 diabetes research forward faster than ever. All funds will move us further along our journey of uncovering better treatments and cures for those living with T1D and bring us closer to a world without T1D. We can’t wait to see you next year!  

Thank you to our corporate champions…  

Ascensia

BMO JDRF Mastercard

Capital Ford Lincoln

Capital GMC Buick Cadillac

Cascades

Cavendish

Diabetes Care Guelph

Dr. Anthony Wiens Medical Corporation

Enterprise

Gateman Milloy

Giant Tiger

Harvard Developments

James H. Brown

Lawton Drugs

Lions Club of Bedford

Pizza Hut

Redhead Equipment Ltd.

Sobeys

Stump Fire Protection

TD Asset Management

TrialNet

Universal Collision Centre

WestJet

Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation

Ypsomed

  

 

 

Here’s why these families are In to End Diabetes 

July 17, 2020

At JDRF our mission is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications through the support of research. Every dollar we are able to direct toward this critical research comes from our donors. Some of them have joined our exclusive giving club “In To End Diabetes” by committing to a monthly donation. With their ongoing generosity and dedication to ending T1D,  monthly donors are accelerating the pace of research for this invasive, and demanding disease which affects over 300,000 Canadians – children and adults alike. This month, we wanted to recognize some of our amazing monthly donors and thank them for their support. Their stories will help you understand why they’re In to End Diabetes. Check them out below.

Shelagh. Calgary, AB.

Shelagh’s nine-year-old son Graham was diagnosed with T1D two years ago. After feeling unwell for some time, he was eventually given an official diagnosis and now remains resilient as ever – bearing a tough exterior while rocking his ‘I have diabetes and I’m allowed to have candy’ t-shirt.

“I worry about him all the time,” said Shelagh, who says she’d do anything to take this 24/hour disease away from him and believes that nothing in his life should be restricted because of T1D.

Being a monthly donor for Shelagh means helping kids make this disease livable and manageable, and eventually turning type one into type none. She says aside from the research JDRF avidly funds, JDRF events also keep her son excited, and hopeful.

“The first gala we ever went to was a blast,” she said. “As we were leaving [Graham] turned to us and said ‘See? I told you diabetes can be fun!’”

Jill. Halifax, NS.

Watching her niece deal with the stressors that came with her T1D diagnosis back in 2016 was tough for Jill. Observing how she manages her disease every day, she says, is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and served as a trigger point for Jill to give back in any way that she could.

 “I heard of JDRF through the radio and thought I’d find a way to get involved.” Jill added that monthly donations provide her with the opportunity to regularly fund T1D research for people like her niece.

Jill says she wants to get to a place where her niece could go to bed at night, not having to worry about managing a 24/hour disease. Through monthly donations, she hopes to one day help find a cure for her, and give her a life free of worry.

“JDRF is an international organization – [they’re] all over and working hard to help people who live with type 1…I’ll do anything I can to make her life a little simpler.”

Michelle. Regina, SK.

Several years ago, Michelle used to spend most of her days in the air. She flew as a commercial pilot until she began to feel unwell. It wasn’t until she had an aviation medical examination done that she discovered she was living with type 1 diabetes. 

As a result, Michelle was forced to change careers, and now works as an engineer.

“I almost don’t remember life before diabetes,” she said, adding how much of the day she spends thinking about, managing and monitoring her diabetes.

She decided that JDRF was an organization she wanted to give back to, and on top of being a monthly donor, she now volunteers. “JDRF does such important work…having a sense of community is a huge, and just normalizing the physical and mental side of type 1 is something I want to help with – supporting families and people [with T1D] the best I can.”

Giles. Toronto, ON.

Giles describes his fourteen-year-old son as the ‘poster child for T1D.’

Between school and AA hockey, he maintains stellar blood glucose levels and continues to adapt to the ever-evolving diabetes technology, rocking his pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on and off the ice.

“He doesn’t really like doing T1D-specific things,” says Giles, “He likes playing regular sports, and doesn’t want to be defined by [his disease].”

The family has been part of JDRF’s monthly giving program for yearsand while they are lucky to have coverage for their son’s diabetes equipment, Giles recognizes other families aren’t. “Everyone should have access to that kind of technology…we know JDRF is advocating for that.”

“This is a disease that can be cured, and we will give as much as we possibly can to help achieve that.”

Feeling inspired by these amazing monthly donors? You can also join the movement to help drive diabetes research forward. Join us today and tell the world that you are In to End Diabetes.

Join us today and tell the world that you are In to End Diabetes. Become a monthly donor by September 15 and thanks to a generous family from Vancouver, your first 6 gifts will be doubled!*

June 23, 2020

Your stories make all the difference.

The COVID-19 pandemic we’ve all been living through presents both a problem and an opportunity in terms of JDRF’s advocacy efforts.

As quarantine restrictions are lifted and we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the stark reality we’re facing is that all levels of government have had to expend vast sums of public money on unbudgeted COVID-19 relief efforts. In the post-pandemic world, securing public funding for diabetes technologies is sure to be an uphill battle.

At the same time, these governments are increasingly seeing the value of virtual care models to help deliver health care at a distance.

The crisis has also demonstrated the important role that remote monitoring technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) can play in reducing physical contact between frontline health care workers and their patients.

Working together, we can still achieve public funding for these technologies, making them affordable and accessible for all and helping reduce the out-of-pocket costs for Canadians living with T1D.

Please email your provincial or territorial representative today in support of JDRF’s #AccessForAll campaign.

When submitting your email it’s important to personalize your message by explaining how public coverage for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and/or flash glucose monitoring (FGM) would be life-changing for those living with type 1 diabetes. This will ensure you are sending an impactful message to decisionmakers.

Before approving public spending, elected officials want to know about the difference that spending will make in the lives of their constituents. Your personal story will make all the difference. It’s the impact the technology will make on your life that will move them to action.

Personalizing your letter is easy. Here are a few examples of Advocate emails sent this June:

“Our daughter was diagnosed at age 4 1/2 in January of 2018…[S]he suffered a severe hypoglycemic event where she was losing consciousness and ended up in the hospital. We got a CGM days after this happened and have had much better results… [CGM] allows us to keep her in range longer and have a better A1C. This will prevent long term health complications and is more cost effective than hospital visits and complications from T1D.~Susan Sinclair, Vancouver, BC”

***

“Our daughter has had type 1 diabetes for 10 years and her continuous glucose monitor has been life changing. It helps keep her safe – she doesn’t always feel her low blood sugars and used to have problems during the night. The continuous glucose monitor allows our family to get much needed rest during the night with the comfort of knowing she is safe. ~Michele Patton, Misssissauga, ON”

***

“This device allows my daughter the independence she deserves, while keeping her safe. Something as simple as going to bed for the night, isn’t simple with diabetes. A CGM with it’s alarms is a game changer! ~Ann-Marie Hulse, Newmarket, ON”

***

“I’ve been a type 1 diabetic for 27 years, always struggling with low blood sugars with no symptoms… Five years ago I seized, again, and I knew if I wanted to live I needed to get a CGM… I have had perfect blood sugar… [and] two healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies with the help of the CGM… CGM and FGM is not just life changing, its life saving. It needs to be covered! ~Jennifer Dyck, Winkler, MB”

***

“Myself and two of our three children live with Type 1 diabetes. Having the Dexcom cgm for all of us helps me to sleep at night knowing that I’ll be woken up if any of us go low. It makes a super stressful life a little bit easier! ~Robyn Devine, Blackfalds, AB”

Help us continue to advocate for the T1D community

June 19, 2020

Last year, at the American Association for Diabetes (ADA) Scientific Sessions, a drug, called teplizumab, was able to significantly delay—for over two years—the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in participants with a high risk of developing the disease. This was the first ever study in humans to show a delay in the onset of T1D. But it doesn’t stop there. JDRF has very promising updated results. Over the past year, the investigators were able to follow up on the individuals who didn’t develop clinical diabetes, and the effect of teplizumab had been sustained: 50% of those treated with teplizumab remain diabetes-free, compared to only 22% of those taking placebo, and the delay in diabetes onset was close to 3 years (35 months). These were presented by Emily Sims, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics at Indiana University and a JDRF-funded investigator, at ADA’s Scientific Sessions.

Additionally, the participants, both the teplizumab and placebo groups, had had a progressive decline in the biomarker that measure’s the body’s ability to produce insulin—C-peptide—preceding the trial. But the study team found that production of C-peptide actually went up following treatment with teplizumab, especially in the first 6 months after treatment. Teplizumab could reverse the downward trajectory of C-peptide loss that was there before the trial.* And there’s more: the increases in C-peptide were correlated with induction of a state of “exhaustion” in “bad” immune cells.

So, could the exhaustion of “bad” immune cells result in not getting T1D or significantly slowing down the time to getting it or even stall or reverse the progression of T1D once you have it? Well, we’re not there yet, but we’re close, and closer to a day when T1D might be prevented or cured, forever.

JDRF Leadership: JDRF co-funded one of the first clinical trials of this drug, results of which were integral to the teplizumab prevention trial. The trial took place internationally including some Canadian sites. The study in this report was conducted by TrialNet, a T1D trial consortium funded by NIDDK and by the NIH’s Special Diabetes Program for which JDRF is the leading advocate. Multiple studies involving samples and data from teplizumab trials have continued to receive JDRF funding. Teplizumab (now called PRV-310) is currently being tested in a phase 3 clinical trial in people recently diagnosed with T1D, headed by Provention Bio, a company with an investment from the JDRF T1D Fund. If successful, this could become the first immune therapy approved for T1D.

*In the placebo group, C-peptide still declined.

June 9, 2020

The type 1 diabetes (T1D) community has always embraced new technology – with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), flash glucose monitors (FGMs), and a variety of T1D-focused apps rapidly becoming essential tools for many people. It’s no surprise, then, that the T1D community has quickly adapted to accessing healthcare virtually.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare providers no longer prefer to see patients in person, as reducing the number of patients attending clinics, hospitals, and labs reduces risk of exposure for patients and healthcare providers alike. So, what are the options for interacting with healthcare teams remotely? And are these options here to stay?

Virtual care explained

Virtual care is defined as any remote interaction between a patient and any members of their care team, using various forms of communication or information technologies. Means for interacting with care teams can include phone calls, text messages, online communication portals, video calls on a computer or mobile device, apps – or a combination of these methods. Like care delivered in person, virtual care can involve interacting remotely with different types of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and many other types of professionals.

By interacting with your healthcare provider through these digital technologies, they can hear, see, and discuss symptoms with you and offer solutions for many concerns. They can diagnose many common ailments, discuss lab results, and order prescriptions for you.

Virtual care has been evolving for many years, and in Canada has mostly been used to interact with patients who have difficulty accessing care in person, such as people in rural or remote locations. The COVID-19 pandemic means that virtual care is suddenly being used in different ways and by a much wider range of people.

Virtual care is now being used to support people with T1D for needs such as:

• Reviewing blood glucose and making insulin dosing adjustments with a doctor
• Reviewing food logs or blood sugar records with a diabetes educator
• Troubleshooting diabetes device issues
• Remote insulin pump starts and support
• Addressing mental health concerns

How do I access virtual care?

During COVID-19, medical clinics across Canada have adapted to provide virtual care for interacting with patients. If you have a non-urgent health concern, the first step is to contact your usual healthcare team to ask about what options are available to you under the current circumstances. Different clinics will differ in their approach to booking and holding appointments and providing follow up – but the important thing to remember is that they are still there to support you, even if from a distance.

If you can’t access your usual healthcare team virtually, or you have a concern that does not require your usual healthcare team, there is an increasing number of virtual care providers available, some of which offer services that are covered, at least in part, by provincial healthcare plans. These providers include: Maple (multiple provinces), Babylon by TELUS Health (BC), MCI Doctor (Alberta, Ontario), and CloudMD (BC, Ontario), among others. Notably, Maple can provide remote access to diabetes educators (for a fee; Ontario only).

In addition, the Government of Canada has recently announced a new virtual platform to support mental health and substance use concerns for all Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can virtual care address all medical concerns?

Not every medical concern can be addressed remotely. Procedures, surgeries, and certain physical examinations must be done in person. Lab tests – such as HbA1c – usually need to be attended in person, although many tests can be deferred unless your doctor advises that they are essential at this time. Virtual care options may also not be available for new patients (unless related to COVID-19). Finally, some people may require or prefer an in-person consultation, which can still be arranged, especially at this time with many provinces preparing to relax restrictions.

Importantly, urgent concerns that require prompt medical treatment, such as possible diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), must be seen in person at an emergency department. Virtual care cannot substitute for emergency care, and Canadians should be reassured that hospitals are implementing all measures possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

How can I best prepare for a T1D virtual appointment?

Once you’ve successfully booked a virtual appointment, ensure that you are all set to make the most of your time with your healthcare provider.

• Check with your healthcare team, or the virtual care provider, about coverage and any associated fees
• If using an online portal or app, log in at least 10 minutes before your appointment to ensure your technology is working well
• If you use a CGM, FGM, or insulin pump, download the relevant data and share them with your healthcare provider in advance. If you are unsure how to download or share your data, visit your data platform website for instructions, or reach out to your healthcare provider for help
• Create a list of questions before your appointment and prioritize those you would like to tackle first so that you can make the most of your time
• Allow for extra time – just like in an office setting, virtual appointments might run late, and some clinics are finding that virtual appointments are taking longer than usual
• Remember that virtual care is new to many of us – if your experience is less than perfect, keep in mind that virtual care will improve rapidly in the near future as clinics adapt to delivering care in this way

Is virtual care here to stay?

COVID-19 means that virtual care options will continue to evolve rapidly, and probably remain an important part of healthcare from now on – probably as a complement to traditional care, rather than a replacement. Many people with T1D are finding that virtual appointments fit better with their lives than traditional appointments. It’s a safe and efficient way to have regular follow-ups, without the hassle and expense of travel, parking and waiting rooms. In some cases, video calls can even help clinicians get to know their patients a bit better.

There’s also been a big increase in the number of people who are sharing CGM or FGM data with their healthcare team electronically – something that clinicians have been encouraging for years. Increased use of virtual care and the power of blood glucose data to optimize care when delivered remotely means that better access and affordability of CGMs for people with T1D is more urgent than ever – a need that JDRF is addressing through advocacy in our #AccessforAll campaign.

Thanks to generous donor support, JDRF is also funding several research projects that seek to inform how virtual care for T1D can be delivered to ensure the best health outcomes. Please consider making a donation to help us sustain this crucial investment in research.

 

By Rebecca Redmond

May 26, 2020

My name is Rebecca Redmond, and I am #MoreThanT1D.

I’m a writer, a public speaker, a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend…and Sir Frederick Banting’s cousin.

Not that long ago, my cousin and a team of amazing researchers in Canada successfully created insulin – the drug that keeps me, and millions of people around the world alive every day.

Before insulin, people living with T1D had a life expectancy of just over one year, following their diagnosis. One in five people lived 10 years long, but experienced severe complications including blindness, kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks and the potential of amputation.

Today, our life expectancy is almost normal.

I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for over 20 years, experiencing highs lows, frustration and pain. When I discovered JDRF and attended one of their events last year (coinciding with my 20^th diaversary) I was so moved by the sense of community I felt. I spent the day with thousands of others who live with T1D, making me feel so much less alone, and understood.

In these times of social distancing, we have to think differently about how we can connect families living with T1D together. We have found a virtual way to come together from the comfort of our own homes to accelerate the pace of T1D research at the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure presented by Omnipod.

On June 14^th, you can join the largest house party in Canada for those touched by T1D. Celebrities such as NHL player Max Domi, country superstar George Canyon, former NHL player Bobby Clarke, endurance athlete Sébastien Sasseville, DJ MC Mario and more will be in attendance. You can also win prizes and hear inspirational stories from the community, as well as research updates.

My cousin never gave up. He and his team pushed through adversity together – and we must do the same. We are #MoreThanT1D! Let’s come together, have some fun and turn type one into type none!

I’ll be there, supporting people like myself who live with a 24/hour/365 day disease. Will you register and fundraise with me?

 

May 27, 2020

If you haven’t yet heard, you’ve been invited to Canada’s largest virtual house party turning type one diabetes into type none…the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure, presented by Omnipod!

This one-day, family-friendly event is intended to bring the T1D community together (virtually) and bring us closer to a world without type 1 diabetes. It’s an opportunity to get loud and raise funds to accelerate the pace of T1D research. And did we mention we have an amazing lineup of celebrities joining us? Read more about our famous attendees below!

Max Domi, NHL Player

JDRF Ambassador Max Domi is a young, up-and-coming NHL superstar.

In his 20 years as a professional athlete, Max has won a Gold medal in the 2015 World Juniors Championship, drafted 12^th overall by the Arizona Coyotes, held a captain position of the London Knights, and now proudly sports #13 for the Montreal Canadiens. Max is a prominent figure in the T1D community – inspiring youth athletes to follow their dreams, and not let anything – especially a disease like T1D– get in the way.

 

Gloria Loring, Actress

Singer, entertainer, recording artist and Academy Award nominee Gloria Loring is a woman with many talents.

The Days of Our Lives TV star is also the mother of actor Brennan Thicke and pop singer-songwriter Robin Thicke. Gloria dedicates her time advocating for type 1 diabetes as a JDRF spokesperson, as a result of Brennan’s diagnosis at age four. So much so, that she created and self-published two volumes of the Days of Our Lives Celebrity Cookbook, and donated over one million dollars to T1D research. Following the success of those reads, she published two more Kids, Food and Diabetes, and Parenting a Child with Diabetes. Her dedication to the arts, as well as her role as a mother of someone who lives with T1D makes her the perfect House ParT1D guest.

 

Brennan Thicke

Born into a family that is no stranger to the spotlight, Brennan Thicke is an inspiring actor who lives with type 1 diabetes – advocating for T1D alongside his family.

Son of Canadian actor Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring, and brother of Robin Thicke, Brennan is best known for his roles in MASK, Dennis the Menace, and Unusually Thicke. He’s been active in a number of diabetes charities including JDRF, and the self-born charity, Thicke Centre. Being diagnosed shortly after a family vacation in the 80’s, Brennan persevered and found strength through managing T1D, while living his dream as an actor.

 

Bobby Clarke, Former NHL Superstar

Former NHL superstar Bobby Clarke can be best recognized by his golden smile.

The talented professional athlete was one of Canada’s first notable T1D warriors on the ice – inspiring the country with his strength and leadership. Bobby never let T1D stop him from skating circles around other players, executing impeccable stick-skills, or becoming an NHL legend – playing over 1,000 games, scoring almost 400 goals, and over 1,000 points on the ice.

 

George Canyon, Country Superstar

National JDRF Canada spokesperson and famed Canadian country singer George Canyon has overcome plenty of adversity – singing his heart out while doing it.

After giving up his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot following his diagnosis as a young teen, he turned to his passion, country music, to inspire others like him who battle the stigma of T1D every day. The two-time Juno Award Winner is a hero to music fans, and people living with T1D across the globe.

 

Sébastien Sasseville

Endurance athlete Sébastien Sasseville is an exemplary case of turning adversity into strength and opportunity.

Years after his diagnosis of T1D in 2002, Sébastien successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, completed multiple Ironman triathlons, and finished the legendary Sahara race. In 2014, he put his limits to the test, and completed the biggest marathon of his life: running across Canada – a 7,500 kilometer journey equivalent to running 180 marathons in nine months.

 

DJ MC Mario

DJ MC Mario knows a thing or two about a good house party. That’s why the Canadian Dance Hall of Famer is joining us – bringing his acclaimed DJ skills learned from his radio show, House Party, along with him.

Mario has celebrated 3 million albums sold in Canada, and he’s still counting! The Juno Award nominee knows how to raise spirits, get a party started and have a good time.

 

Kaleb Dahlgren

Kaleb Dahlgren is nothing short of a hero.

The young, talented hockey player manages type 1 diabetes on and off the ice and is a brave survivor of the horrific 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Kaleb did not let his experience stop him from pursuing his dreams. Every day, he continues to manage T1D, while defying odds, and does it with a smile on his face, while cheering his teammates on. Founder of Dahlgren’s Diabeuties – an outreach program for kids with T1D – he continues to work towards his goal of turning it into a non-profit, with proceeds going to a camp that he envisions for children who live with T1D.

 

So what are you waiting for? Our House ParT1D will be filled with these incredible celebrities, entertainment and so much more. You can tune in anytime and even live stream your own house party. It’s a party you won’t want to miss! Register at jdrfparty.ca

 

May 25, 2020

We are sharing information that addresses some of the top concerns of the T1D community. Note these responses are not intended to be medical advice, for that—as always—you must consult your own healthcare team.

The declining numbers of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across Canada are positive news. But as provinces begin to release guidance as to how schools, workplaces, and public spaces can reopen, many people may be feeling anxious. People living with T1D and their families may have extra factors to juggle when making decisions and planning for return to work or school.

Each province or territory is outlining public health guidance on practices such as social distancing, and a locally relevant approach for returning to schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Familiarize yourself with guidance from your provincial or territorial health authority, and keep up to date on changes.

Regardless of where you live, maintaining practices of social distancing and good hygiene will continue to be crucial to minimize exposure for ourselves and those around us, as restrictions are loosened. Universal practice of these measures will help to minimize risk of infection and mean we continue to “flatten the curve”. In these early phases of loosening restrictions, everyone should continue to practice:

• Frequent handwashing or, when in public places, frequent use of hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol base
• Avoid touching face, mouth, nose and eyes
• Minimizing trips to grocery stores and other locations visited by a high volume of people
• Maintaining a 2m (6 foot) distance from others when you do need to leave home
• Wearing a face covering when physical distancing is not possible (e.g. when shopping, on public transit, etc). A non-medical face covering will not protect you from COVID-19, but it can protect others by reducing the spread of droplets from the wearer. For more information on non-medical face coverings, see Health Canada guidance.
• Adhering strictly to local guidance on joining social gatherings with others, and applying the above practices during social gatherings wherever possible.
• Staying home for a minimum of 10 days if you have cold or flu symptoms.
• Familiarizing yourself with local COVID-19 testing practices and get tested if you are eligible – testing capacity in Canada is expanding, which is crucial for tracking cases and preventing spread during early phases of re-opening.

Will it be business as usual when we return to school or work right now?

As they prepare to reopen, schools and workplaces are putting safety procedures in place to minimize risk of exposure to the coronavirus. These can include:

• measures to ensure social distancing in classrooms or workplaces
• policies around how to interact with others
• cleaning procedures
• in some cases, provision and use of personal protective equipment

Reaching out to your school or employer to understand exactly what practices are being implemented may help to make decisions about and prepare for your return.

Is it safe to return to work or school with T1D?

Even with safety procedures in place, returning to work or school may mean an increase in risk of exposure at this time. It’s important to understand what the risks of COVID-19 are for people with T1D in planning to return.

Evidence thus far indicates that children and adults less than 65 years old with well-controlled T1D and without other health conditions are not at greater risk of getting COVID-19 and do not necessarily have worse outcomes of COVID-19 than their peers without T1D. Thus, T1D itself may not be a medical reason to delay return to work or school.

Recent data from the UK indicates that older age, high HbA1c (e.g. >10%), and obesity (BMI>30) put people with T1D at increased risk of death from COVID-19. Although similar data are not yet available from Canada, this new information indicates that older people with T1D, and those who live with them, should take every possible precaution to reduce their risk of exposure.Each person with T1D is different and if you are concerned about your health status and have questions about your own situation, seek guidance from your healthcare team. Factors that may mean a person with T1D is at higher risk of the consequences of COVID-19 include:

• Age 65 or older
• High HbA1c (>10%)
• BMI >30
• Complications or other conditions that have been associated with poor outcomes of COVID-19, including heart disease, hypertension, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer
• Immune compromised status due to medical treatment, such as immunosuppressive drugs (for example after a kidney or islet transplant), chemotherapy, or a medical condition (note that T1D itself does not cause immune suppression)

If one or more of the above applies to you or someone you live with, and your school, workplace, or commute does not allow you to practice all of the social distancing practices recommended, consider delaying returning to work or school for a period of time – if you can. It’s best to discuss your individualized plan with your healthcare team and your school or employer.

If going back to school or work, is there anything we should do differently?

• In the short-term, if you can work or attend school effectively from home, you may choose to continue doing so while safety procedures are being established.
• If you physically return to work or school, ensure to practice all of the recommended safety measures at all times to minimize risk of COVID-19 to yourself and others. This is also important to remember during break times such as recess.
• If you usually take public transit, consider adapting your commute to minimize social contacts – for example by driving, travelling at low-peak times, or walking or cycling if possible.
• Avoid bringing items to school that would be quickly shared with other children, such as stationery (pencils/pens), books, or toys.
• If your child has T1D and is returning to school, add a good supply of disinfectant wipes, gloves and face coverings (ideally well-fitting medical masks for adults and children, if you can obtain them) to their T1D supplies kit and communicate with teaching and support staff in advance. This means that if your child needs physical assistance at school, the person assisting them will have quick access to protective equipment. More information on diabetes at school can be found here.
• If you have T1D and are returning to work, bring your own disinfectant wipes, gloves and face coverings (ideally well-fitting medical masks, if you can obtain them) along with your usual T1D supplies, and communicate with your employer in advance. This means that if you need physical assistance while at work, the person assisting you will have quick access to protective equipment. In communicating with your child’s school, or your employer, take the opportunity remind them about the life-saving potential of glucagon in the event of severe hypoglycemia.

If a person has had COVID-19, are they immune to getting it again?

Because the coronavirus is new, researchers cannot say for certain that an initial infection guarantees lasting protection. But based on the experience with other viruses, including other coronaviruses, they expect that people who recover will be shielded for perhaps at least a year or two, and from there the immunity might start to wane (but not disappear). Evidence suggests they would also be less likely to pass the virus on to others.

How long will it take to develop a vaccine for COVID-19?

A vaccine for COVID-19 is still many months away, and restrictions are being loosened at this time in Canada without availability of a vaccine. However, intensive research into prevention and treatment of COVID-19 is ongoing around the world, with many trials being led here in Canada.

If you have additional concerns not addressed here, write to us at T1Dquestions@JDRF.ca  or check out jdrf.ca/coronavirus for more information.

May 20, 2020 

TrialNet—an international JDRF-supported network of leading academic institutions, endocrinologists, physicians, scientists and healthcare teams dedicated to finding cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D)—has a new in-home test kit that makes screening far easier and more convenient and at no cost to you!

If you have a relative with T1D, you can detect your risk of developing this disease today through the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study. Here’s how:

• If you are eligible (the eligibility requirements are below), go to trialnet.org/participate to request a test kit
• When it arrives in the mail, collect about 10 drops of blood using a finger prick
• Place it in the collection envelope
• Call FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 to schedule a pickup, or go online to FedEx.com, where you can schedule a one-time pickup or find a drop-off location (this needs to be done within 24 hours of the blood collection)

That’s all!

Results are typically reported in 4-6 weeks. However, due to COVID-19, results may be delayed. If your results show you are in the early stages of T1D (defined as testing positive for T1D-related autoantibodies), there may be an opportunity to participate in a T1D prevention trial.

TrialNet screening can sometimes detect T1D years before symptoms occur. Detect your risk today.

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify for free screening if:

• you are between the ages of 2.5 and 45, and have a parent, brother/sister or child with T1D
  OR
• you are between the ages of 2.5 and 20 and have an aunt/uncle, cousin, grandparent, niece/nephew or half-brother/sister with T1D
  AND
• you have not been diagnosed with diabetes.

 

If you have questions, contact the Canadian TrialNet team at 1-866-699-1899 or e-mail trialnet.diabetes@sickkids.ca.

 

 May 19, 2020

When Sarah Ayers and her boyfriend returned from a trip to Europe in early March, talk of an impending pandemic in Canada was flooding the media and travelers were being advised to self-isolate as a precaution. The Toronto couple did just that upon reaching home and everything seemed fine – at first. As a nurse living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), Sarah was in tune with her body and nothing felt amiss. Yet things took a turn for the worse three days later when she started manifesting symptoms of COVID-19.

“I had classic symptoms (of the virus) except shortness of breath, so I ended up getting tested,” recounts Sarah. “It was scary and stressful because I had to wait over a week for my results.”

During that time, Sarah remained in bed for six days battling major exhaustion, along with daily headaches and body aches. She also experienced an intermittent sore throat and a fever.

“Just walking to the bathroom down the hall was a huge effort,” she says. “Yet I am lucky my T1D wasn’t impacted by the virus. I only had one day of no appetite where I ate very little, so I kept an even closer eye on my blood sugars to make sure they were staying in range (while I wasn’t eating).” 

Thanks to a strong support system – “lots of love and good wishes from friends, co-workers and family” – Sarah was able to manage at home and avoid hospitalization. Her boyfriend helped care for her and and her parents dropped off groceries while the two remained in isolation for three weeks. She also credits JDRF with getting her through the difficult period.

“The organization has been on top of updating everyone on COVID-19 relating to T1D, so having that knowledge really helped,” she relates. “They also bring a lot of hope to people and do a great job of keeping the community informed of the research they’re funding.”

“One thing that I personally enjoy about JDRF is the sense of community it creates.”

 

Diabetes runs in Sarah’s family, with several of her paternal relatives in England having the disease. While she was never exposed to the day-to-day reality of T1D management until her own diagnosis in 2001, Sarah is no stranger to JDRF, having been involved with the charity ever since the age of 11. Her family not only participates in the annual Walk, but her father also used to rally a corporate team to sponsor the fall Ride prior to his retirement.

“One thing that I personally enjoy about JDRF is the sense of community it creates,” says Sarah. “I don’t know many people with diabetes so when you go to a fundraising event and see a big crowd of people with the disease, it reminds you that you are not alone.”

Over the years, Sarah has maintained a good attitude towards living with a chronic illness.

“At the beginning it was obviously a little overwhelming with a lot to learn, but I quickly adjusted to a new normal life,” she relates. “Though always at the back of my mind, my T1D is not something I constantly think about or that stops me from doing anything – it just requires a lot more planning.”

Symptom-free for several weeks now, Sarah is back at work helping others who have contracted COVID-19. She says her experience with the virus served as a reminder of her strength.

“Even though I have diabetes my body is still strong and able to fight disease,” she affirms. “So, I’d like to tell others with T1D that it is completely possible to get COVID-19 and fully recover.”

May 14, 2020

JDRF invited a leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) expert to discuss the probability of young people contracting COVID-19 and the necessary precautions they and their families can take to ensure their well-being during the pandemic.

Dr. Mahmud shared this information and more during our Facebook Live Q & A event, which you can watch below. 

Dr. Mahmud also answered several live questions from the audience. Here are the top themes:

Q. Are people living with T1D at greater risk of getting infected by COVID-19?

A. No. Individuals with T1D are not at inherent higher risk of getting COVID-19 or other viral infections.

Q. Is COVID-19 a common occurrence in young people with T1D?

A. No, we are not seeing that in Canada, although there have been a few cases here of young people with mild symptoms that resolved after a few days with appropriate management. These are experiences that are helpful to us in order to be prepared. And I think of preparation as a balance of being reasonable, but not being fearful, and being patient, but not panicky. And filling this uncertainty with education and knowledge as much as we can. Health care professionals are still here and while we may have different ways of communicating with our patients and families and are limiting face-to-face interactions, we can still connect with them through virtual means. It is really important that we adopt that model.

Q. Will people’s fear of going to the hospital lead to further T1D complications?

 A. It is a fear that health care professionals are worried about and of which we must be mindful. If a person living with T1D is unwell or has concerns, he/she should reach out to his/her health care team and be prepared with knowledge about how to manage the virus with T1D.

Q. Should teenagers with T1D who have part-time jobs still go to work?

A. If their jobs are non-essential roles, then no. If they are assisting in a family business, for example, then best to take precautions like wearing a mask, disinfecting everything and washing hands frequently. However, if going to work can be avoided, that is preferable.

Q. Is a return to school safe?

A. Yes. Young people without complications and normal blood sugar control would not be immune compromised. We must trust that the school system will have appropriate sanitizers and structures in place. There’s going to be that element where we are going to go over this complete lockdown and I think mentally we have to be ready for that, be it how we think of our days and balance COVID-19 – in the absence of a vaccine– in our lives. And as parents, we must be open to sharing our concerns with our educators.

Q. Where can blood work be done?

A. Blood work can be done certainly in the hospitals or in an outside lab as most of these areas have instituted significant precautions. It is recommended to wear a mask when you come in and wash hands regularly.

Q. Do we need to assess A1C levels?

A. You probably don’t need to come in for an A1C check unless there are other health concerns. Health care teams can host virtual visits where they can assess measures that are equally valuable for individuals using continuous glucose monitoring, such as time in range. We can also use records to discuss blood sugar management in patients who are monitoring glucose by standard methods.

Q. How do we empower ourselves and our children?

A. With reason. Instill the habit of handwashing and the fear of getting sick. The vast majority of young people with T1D who contracted COVID-19 recovered and remain relatively healthy.

Q. Can high blood sugar levels negatively impact your immune system?

A. If an individual has properly managed T1D and is without complications, he/she is not at risk. No one has perfect blood sugar levels throughout the day, and we would not be seeing significant alterations to the immune system (during this pandemic) that would make the person or his/her child immune compromised.

Q. Will insulin be readily available?

A. All the major manufacturers/pharmaceuticals have reassured us that there will be no problems with insulin supplies during this time. The Canadian Pharmacists Association has addressed the issue by having a one-month supply for all medications so that we can ensure there is enough for everybody.

Q. Should health care professionals working on the front lines move out and stay elsewhere if they have a child with T1D at home?

A. No, but they should take safety precautions before, during and after work. They should not wear jewelry on the job, only use disposable containers for lunch, leave shoes outside upon returning home, and launder their clothes and disinfect their mobile phone every day.

Q. What do you suggest to lower anxiety, worry and stress during this time?

A. Diet and exercise, self-compassion and self-forgiveness. Like kids, adults will have both good and bad days. They are struggling with everyone under the same roof. So, it is important to have some type of schedule, but at the same time to be spontaneous and look after themselves because they have been thrown into a situation that isn’t perfect and that they didn’t plan for. They have to practice self-compassion and understand that they are doing the best job they can to make decisions in real time. I think exercise, activity and having time to be alone with their thoughts are very important because with all of these stresses they have to be careful to not be overly reactive and to be nurturing to their children who are going through this as well, and temper what they’re hearing 24/7 re – news.

Q. Are diabetes complications more likely among individuals with T1D once they contract COVID-19?

A. No, that is not an outcome we are seeing; the virus is not affecting any organs like the kidneys, eye, etc. among these people. And the experiences from Europe and China must be very much shared as they have had some good outcomes stemming from the significant hardship. Thankfully, our hospitals here in Canada are coping and are not jam-packed.

Q. How do we keep children on routine re – their diabetes management?

A. Parents and their children should work with their health care team to get structure. I think this is an opportunity to optimize as much as we can.

Q. How can parents prepare if they contract COVID-19 and they can not access their network of grandparents/older relatives to care for their children?

A. In this situation, they should communicate with their medical team as they may have to be hospitalized. Their condition may also be able to be virtually assessed and family-centred care may be provided by the institution.

Q. Would patients with T1D be the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

A. No. Older adults are at highest risk, so they would likely be the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

For more info on T1D and COVID-19 please visit jdrf.ca/coronavirus.