Category: Uncategorized

September 18, 2019 

Stem cell-based research has the potential to play a key role in developing a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). JDRF Canada is delighted to partner with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes to announce a new funding opportunity that will see $6M awarded to investigators driving stem cell-based therapies for T1D. This funding opportunity is part of JDRF and CIHR’s ongoing Partnership to Defeat Diabetes first announced in 2017.

This tremendous initiative – to be launched in November of this year – is intended to bring together two Canadian research teams with extensive diversity of expertise and a joint structure that goes beyond conventional academic collaborations. The focus of the research will be on expanding, and translating to the clinical trial stage, strategies for delivery and protection of a stem cell-based treatment for T1D.

JDRF has supported T1D-related stem cell research for more than a decade, and today critical knowledge and advances from earlier studies are being applied to develop novel T1D therapies unlike anything currently available. “Stem cell-based therapies are aimed at curing disease and not merely managing its symptoms,” says  Dr. Sarah Linklater, chief scientific officer at JDRF Canada. “The goal of stem cell-based research for T1D is to build on the success of islet transplantation and make beta cell replacement accessible to all people living with T1D. Studies have now shown that stem cells – a renewable cell source – can be used to grow beta cells with the potential to cure T1D , so this goal is now closer than ever before.”

This initiative is intended to capitalize on Canada’s recognized excellence and leadership in areas such as clinical islet transplantation, stem cell biology, diabetes research, immunology, genetic engineering, and cell encapsulation research to overcome the challenges in making a stem cell-based cure for T1D a reality. It will provide grants to two ambitious Canadian teams each aiming to bring stem cell-based approaches for T1D to the clinical trial stage within the next five years.

For more information, visit www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/51687.html.

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

November 26, 2019

 

ViaCyte Inc., a privately held regenerative medicine company, is seeking residents of Alberta to participate in a promising JDRF-funded clinical trial in Edmonton. The purpose of this research is to determine the safety, tolerability and efficacy of PEC-Direct™ (also known as VC-02), an investigational therapy that may provide blood glucose control in a similar manner to what a “replacement pancreas” would do by producing insulin after it is surgically placed.

Eligible recruits include men and women who cannot have children between 18 and 65 years old who have lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for a minimum of five years. They must also have hypoglycemia unawareness and/or glucose variability yet be free of other diabetes complications. The study will last approximately two years, with participants visiting the clinic for about 18 visits during that period. 

The goal is to develop a therapy that can free patients with T1D from long-term insulin dependence (i.e., no insulin injections or insulin pumps needed).

Should you be interested in learning more, please contact the study director to discuss next steps:

Tel.: 780-492-2709

Email: citp@ualberta.ca

September 11, 2019

The first few months after Mirella Gallo’s 11-year-old daughter, Isabella, received a type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis were very hard for her. “We were in shock and had no idea what it meant for her or our family”. With the support of Isabella’s nurses and doctors, the family learned how T1D would impact her day-to-day routine and her future. “We came to the realization that my daughter’s life would never be the same and that until a cure was found, she would be insulin dependent,” says Mirella.

Managing type 1 diabetes can be an isolating experience for everyone involved, but a supportive family can help alleviate these feelings, and the Gallos saw their family come together at the York Region Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF.

“When I was made aware of the event and how funds raised can help support research for type 1 diabetes, I immediately knew that I needed to do my part,” says Mirella. It took no time at all for Maurizio Marini, Mirella’s brother, to join in the fight for a cure.“[Isabella’s diagnosis] played a large part in my desire to take a leadership role for the Ride.”

But Maurizio and Mirella’s leadership at Ride did not stop at their immediate families. Mirella, a Confidence Coaching Manager at TD became Team Lead for the company’s involvement at the event while Maurizio, RBC Regional Vice President, became Team Lead for RBC. By sharing their stories with their colleagues and becoming internal champions for the type 1 diabetes community, they both saw their corporate families look past industry competition to come together, raise critical funds for T1D research and pedal for a cure.

Having two of Canada’s top banks come together is humbling for Mirella, and both she and Maurizio are proud to be part of organizations that support JDRF by attending the Ride. But it’s more than just riding, they say. Raising money is the ultimate goal and successfully doing so starts with a donation. “By personally donating, we lead by example. Every year, I have kicked it off by donating to my own Ride,” says Mirella. Maurizio agrees, adding “it inspires those we ask to do the same.”

There are many reasons why people attend the Ride. For Mirella’s team, it was her family’s experience, “my TD colleagues are aware of the impact that type 1 diabetes has played in our lives,” she explains. But it isn’t just a personal connection to someone affected by this disease that drives people to participate and Maurizio has seen this with his team, “I think those that are joining this year are motivated to support their community ahead of all else.”

Register for your local Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF or set an example and make an online donation to your fundraising.

 

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) occurs when the immune system misguidedly attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells normally produce insulin, a chemical messenger that helps move sugar from food sources into cells throughout the body, which use it for fuel to stay alive. Without adequate insulin, blood glucose levels rise too high and can cause serious damage to all organs.

Dr. Heather Denroche at the University of British Columbia is currently examining a hormone called islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), produced by pancreatic beta cells and released in response to elevated glucose, in order to better understand the role it plays in the loss of beta cells leading to T1D, as well as in transplanted stem cell-derived beta cells.

Recent findings reveal that deposits of IAPP attract immune cells and cause inflammation. Dr. Denroche is investigating how this process occurs, and whether or not it influences the development of T1D and the outcome of beta cell transplants.

“Both the immune system and the pancreatic beta cells actively contribute to the underlying causes of T1D,” explains Dr. Denroche. “With support from JDRF, this research will advance our understanding of how IAPP, a beta cell-derived factor, participates in the progression of the disease, potentially leading to novel strategies to prevent or better treat diabetes in the future.”

“Heather is a brilliant young scientist who has brought new ideas and energy to this exciting project,” says Dr. Bruce Verchere, director of the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia. “We are both very appreciative of her JDRF advanced post-doctoral fellowship support, which not only allows her to pursue this work, but is also a steppingstone towards starting her own diabetes research laboratory in a few years.”

Better characterization of IAPP as a potential therapeutic target to prevent T1D progression and maximize the success of beta cell transplantation could advance knowledge needed for improved treatment of T1D and possibly even inform a cure.

We’re very excited to announce the winners of the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects Award Program for JDRF! Through the generous support of Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects, the Program is awarding $5,000 dollars each for a total of $105,000 to help students living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with tuition and book costs as they pursue post-secondary education in a university, college or trade school.

This is a first-time initiative as part of JDRF’s exclusive partnership with Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects, and it aims to empower young leaders in the T1D community to reach their full potential by providing financial support for education.

The Award Program was open to those aged 17 and over, who live with type 1 diabetes, reside in Canada, and who will be pursuing or continuing their post-secondary, Masters and/or post-doctoral programs.  In its inaugural year, the Award Program received more than 120 applications from across Canada, demonstrating the incredible impact young people are making in the T1D community.

Here are the winners of the 2019 Award Program:

 

Name: Aleksandar Ivovic
Age: 29
Province: Ontario
T1D Diagnosis: since 1998
What this Award means to me: getting some financial support allows me to focus on my study and it motivates me to keep helping the T1D community.
My plans for the future: pursuing my Jurist Doctor degree. I hope to use my degree to practise law in the areas of health, disability and human rights and help people with T1D.

 

 

 

Name: Alexandre Machado-Gédéon
Age: 25
Province: Quebec
T1D Diagnosis: since 2015
What this Award means to me: it will allow me to fulfill my own personal career oriented goals as a young adult and future physician living with type 1 diabetes.
My Plans for the future: to pursue a degree in medicine. As a future physician I hope to be involved in teaching and support and encourage youth living with type 1 diabetes. 

 

Name: Audrey Pépin
Age: 22
Province: Quebec
T1D Diagnosis: since 2007
What this Award means to me: I’m happy to learn that I did a good job at raising awareness of diabetes. I’m travelling to Germany for my student exchange program soon. This Award will help me cover some of the expenses related to my trip.
My plans for the future: to pursue a Masters in Logistics and I look forward to growing and learning in all the projects I undertake.

 

 

 

Name: Austin Shawaga
Age: 17
Province: Alberta
T1D Diagnosis: since 2005
What this Award means to me: this shows that diabetes does not have to be a weakness and can be used as a strength.
My Plans for the future: to pursue a degree in computer science. I’d like to become a network security engineer and help protect people’s data from those who wish to exploit it. 

 

 

Name: Ben Thorne
Age: 18
Province: New Brunswick
T1D Diagnosis: since 2009
What this Award means to me: it will help me ease the financial burden of university and it’s great that JDRF and the Boston Pizza Foundation will be supporting me in my studies.  
My plans for the future: to pursue a Bachelor of Sciences degree in human kinetics and continue to med school to become an endocrinologist. I would also love to continue working with JDRF and have a career that involves research and development of new technologies and managing diabetes using exercise.

 

 

Name: Brittany Epp
Age: 25
Province: Saskatchewan
T1D Diagnosis: since 2009
What this Award means to me: it will allow me to continue my licensed practical nurse diploma with very little financial stress. 
My plans for the future: to continue to be a diabetes educator and insulin pump trainer and provide these services to people affected by the disease.

 

 

 

 

Name: Brooks Roche
Age: 23
Province: Prince Edward Island
T1D Diagnosis: since 2000
What this Award means to me: I feel grateful to see JDRF and the Boston Pizza Foundation support youth living with T1D and recognize the financial challenges of life with the disease.
My plans for the future: to pursue my Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership. I was recently appointed member of the Prime Minister Youth Council and I welcome the opportunity to continue to influence positively. 

 

 

Name: Evelyn Ridell 
Age: 20
Province: Ontario
T1D Diagnosis: Since 2011
What this Award means to me: I’m really thankful to JDRF and the Boston Pizza Foundation for giving me the financial support that I need to ensure that three years of hard work and resiliency is going to result in me holding my degree.
My plans for the future: I’m about to graduate this year from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Historical Studies. I can’t thank JDRF and the Boston Pizza Foundation enough for helping me to have such an amazing future ahead of me.

 

 

 

Name: Josée Daigneault
Age: 50
Province: Quebec
Diagnosis:  since 2004
What this Award means to me:  It recognizes my life as person with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and my involvement in the T1D community. This Award will help cover the costs of my projects related to the Specialized Graduate Diploma and Masters degree in management training that I am currently pursuing at the University of Sherbrooke.
My plans for the future: I would like to develop and oversee a project in partnership with patients in the T1D community. I would like to thank Boston Pizza and JDRF for believing in my journey and supporting the professional development of people with type 1 diabetes.

 

 

Name: Justin Vezina
Age: 21
Province: Quebec
T1D Diagnosis: since 2007
What this Award means to me: I would be able to continue to raise awareness and make an impact in the T1D community while having some financial support to cover some of my tuition fees.
My plans for the future: finish with my Bachelor of Construction Engineering and become Project Manager in big contruction sites or start my own business.

 

 

 Name: Kaleb Dahlgren 
Age: 22
Province: Saskatchewan
T1D Diagnosis: since 2001
What this Award means to me: I’m really thankful to JDRF and Boston Pizza for this award and for allowing me to receive money for education. It’s quite a burden on many people, especially myself as I need to pay for my school. I’m really thankful that Boston Pizza and JDRF can help alleviate some of these costs and provide me the post-secondary education I need to succeed.
My plans for the future: I would love to become a chiropractor and specialize in sports.

 

 

Name: Kristen Eng
Age: 25
Province: British Columbia
T1D Diagnosis: since 2009
What this Award means to me: : It gives me the opportunity to connect with more individuals in the T1D community and I’m really really excited about that!
My plans for the future: I would like to become a dentist. Also, I hope to visit South America and Antarctica in the near future. 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Lianne Adair
Age: 17
Province: Manitoba
T1D Diagnosis: since 2003
What this Award means to me: it demonstrates that hard work truly pays off. I’m able to pursue a higher education at the university of my dream.
My plans for the future: to pursue my Bachelor of Commerce degree. In the future, I’d like to work for a non for profit organization focusing on medical packaging and supporting the environment. 

 

 

 

Name: Madelyn Wells
Age: 17
Province: Ontario
T1D Diagnosis: since 2010
What this Award means to me: I would be able to focus on my academic goals and my health rather than the financial stress of university.
My plans for the future: to pursue a Bachelor Degree in Social Justice and Peace Studies. My career plan is to become a childhood educator to make a difference in children’s life. 

 

 

 

Name: Marley Greenberg
Age: 19
Province: Ontario
T1D Diagnosis: since 2008
What this Award means to me: This Award will allow me to focus on my studies and my career path and also on helping those with type 1 diabetes at U of T and to help those in the broader community through great organizations like JDRF.
My plans for the future: to pursue a degree in Health at U of T. I’m hoping to work in health promotion or health policies. I’m passionate about type 1 diabetes and I hope to improve the health of people affected by the disease.

 

 

 

 

Name: Maryna Ell
Age: 22
Province: British Columbia
T1D Diagnosis: since 2009
What this Award means to me: it’s hard to manage T1D and school and both are expensive. I’m really grateful for the financial support I will be getting with this Award. 
My plans for the future: to pursue a degree in Registered Nursing. I plan to work in pediatrics and ultimately diabetes education. I graduate next year and I’m really looking forward to my future.

 

 

 

Name: Michael Thornton
Age: 19
Province: Ontario
T1D diagnosis: since 2007
What this Award means to me: It means so much to get recognized. This Award will help alleviate the costs of pursuing a post-secondary education.  
My plans for the future:  to pursue a Bachelor of Sciences degree in kinesiology. I’d like to become a chiropractor because I love helping other people and I want people to live a healthy and active lifestyle and recover from any difficult situations in their life. 

 

 

 

Name: Mitchell Aguinaga
Age: 18
Province: Nova Scotia
T1D Diagnosis: since 2008
What this Award means to me: I would be able to graduate with less debt than I would’ve without it. This financial support would also help me with diabetes management supplies.
My plans for the future: to pursue a degree in Marine Biology. I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and I love to promote the conservation of our local ecosystems.  

 

 

Name: Nick Wall 
Age: 21
Province: British Columbia
T1D Diagnosis: since 2000
What this Award means to me: I feel grateful to be recognized for the mentoring work I’ve been doing. 
My plans for the future: to pursue a degree in Chemistry for the Medical Sciences. I hope to get into Medical School. I plan to continue my involvement in the T1D community and I hope to become a doctor. 

 

 

 

 

Name: Oria James
Age: 20
Province: Ontario
T1D Diagnosis: since 2009
What this Award means to me: it would remove some financial pressure and allow me to spend my time and my energy focusing on my passions as well as my coursework. 
My plans for the future: I’m completing a double major in Global Health which is a science degree and Health Studies. I plan to use public speaking as well as policy changes to spread awareness and ultimately improve the lives of people living with chronic conditions. 

 

 

 

Name: Tyson Fiveland
Age: 18
Province: Ontario
T1D Diagnosis: since 2004
What this Award means to me: it’s a huge honour for me as it recognizes people who devote time and effort to be leaders in the T1D community.
My plans for the future: to pursue Police Studies. I would love to be a law enforcement officer with the RCMP to engage with the community and keep people safe.

 

The incredible pool of submissions was reviewed by a cross-functional volunteer selection committee who chose the winners based on their contributions to the T1D community, their ability to raise awareness of the disease, and the work they’ve done to support their peers – all while managing type 1 diabetes.

A huge congratulations to the award recipients! Receiving this financial support will not only make the pursuit of education easier for these students, it will also reinforce how valuable young people’s contributions are to the T1D community. We hope to share some of these students’ stories in the future to see how they were inspired to accomplish great things.

 

Insulin has been the subject of many news stories recently as the high cost of insulin and other drugs has led to two US federal initiatives aimed at allowing the bulk importation of lower cost Canadian drugs. A reliable and consistent supply of insulin enables Canadians with type 1 diabetes to live their lives fully, but this recent news shouldn’t be cause for undue alarm. While these initiatives were recently announced they won’t become law for 3-4 months, and there is no guarantee that they will have the intended affect at that time. Dave Prowten, CEO and President of JDRF Canada, issued a statement  in response to the recent news and rest assured, and JDRF is committed to ensuring everyone living with T1D in Canada can keep their right to reliable insulin access.

 

 

Diagnosed at just nine years old and now 35, Ash Hunkin’s life hasn’t been the same since she invested in the Medtronic MiniMed 670G hybrid closed loop system. It has allowed her to manage her type 1 diabetes (T1D) a lot better.

 “The changes in my diabetes management have been astonishing,” says the BC resident. “Last week I had my first endo visit post 670G. My A1C had dropped an entire point meaning that I’m in range. This is the first time I’ve been able to accomplish that probably since puberty!”

In October 2018, Health Canada approved the first hybrid closed-loop system, Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G advanced insulin pump. This is the only device in the market that offers a hybrid closed-loop functionality which uses glucose readings from Medtronic’s Guardian sensors to adjust or suspend insulin basal delivery. It is called a “hybrid” closed-loop system because the patient still has to enter carbohydrates when they are eating to make decisions about meal-time insulin. As the first partially automated insulin delivery system on the market, it represents an evolution in the self-management of type 1 diabetes.

Days later, Health Canada also approved Tandem Diabetes’ t:slim X2 insulin pump. Designed to integrate with Dexcom’s G5 and G6 sensors, it eliminates the need for finger-stick blood testing today while paving the way for low-glucose suspend technology in the future.

Ash, a community engagement specialist for JDRF, described the emotion she felt when the announcement of the Health Canada approval for 670G came through. “My family had been fundraising for JDRF since the early 90s. Back then everyone was talking about a fantasy future where we imagined that the new test kits and pump technology might someday combine into an artificial pancreas technology that could do the work for us. It seemed completely far away. To be in the office when we got the news was so surreal and honestly brought me to tears.”

Ash would benefit a lot more if the 670G was publicly covered. “Like a lot of T1Ds I’m used to spending money that other people in my career or age would be using to buy a condo, take trips, or eat out,” she says. “I buy clothing at thrift stores and cut corners in other areas like groceries and my personal life so I can invest in diabetes technologies. Lots of people are scrimping and saving that much just to get by even without diabetes. With the health outcomes possible it is unjust that other people living with T1D can’t access this. It shouldn’t depend on how much disposable income you have available to purchase a product like this. It’s not a luxury.”

Having choices in how patients treat and manage their T1D is invaluable and enables them to make better decisions for themselves. These devices represent an important next step toward a closed-loop insulin system and should be accessible options for anyone managing type 1 diabetes.

JDRF has written to the BC government asking that all BC residents living with type 1 diabetes have affordable access to the Medtronic MiniMed 670G and the Tandem t:slim X2  by adding them to the province’s list of approved Tier 2 devices under the province’s insulin program. BC residents can add their voice by using a new online action to reach out to their provincial representative and asking them to include these two devices in the BC Pharmacare program.

 

 

Type 1 diabetes advocate, Samir Dattani, wants to make one thing clear; advocacy isn’t just about talking to members of Parliament. It can come in any form, so long as personal stories are being shared.

The 17-year-old has been sharing his story and advocating for greater government support for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community for almost ten years. Diagnosed at the age of eight, T1D was completely unknown to him and his family, but they took the diagnosis and decided to connect with JDRF and the T1D community right away. “I was diagnosed in December 2010 and we became involved with the Walk the following June,” said Samir. “After a few years I started giving speeches and sharing my story at the Walk, then continued to do so for the Ride,” said Samir.

The experience of speaking in front of crowds and sharing his personal story, made it easy for Samir to transition into advocacy, and in 2012 he joined other young people as a delegate at JDRF’s Kids for a Cure Lobby Day on Parliament Hill. He participated again during Kids for a Cure 2016. “It is basically taking those same messages and conveying them in a way that helps members of government develop a personal connection,” he explains. In July 2019, Samir took his advocacy work international and brought this approach to Washington, D.C. as the JDRF Canada representative at JDRF’s Children’s Congress.

During his time there, he was paired up with another young delegate living with T1D and together they took meetings with U.S. representatives to advocate for greater government support, one of which was with Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, representing Virginia’s 10^th district.

“For our meeting [the goal] was the Special Diabetes Program,” Samir recalls. “We wanted [it] to be extended to 4 or 5 years, with an extra $150-$200 million.” Preparing for a meeting with such a large goal for a critical program that supports T1D research was intimidating but Samir says it always comes down to a simple thing, “We knew what we were pushing for and we supported it by sharing our personal stories about how T1D affects our lives.”

While Samir is a compelling speaker and comfortable sharing his story in public, he knows his approach to advocacy isn’t for everyone and wants to make sure people find the way that works for them. “You can do whatever interests you when it comes to advocacy. Whether it’s participating in Walks and Rides, speaking at Walks and Rides, or writing letters to your member of parliament, whatever you want to do you can do – and it will make a difference.”

You can get involved too! Join our #AccessForAll campaign and help us advocate for affordable and accessible technologies for T1D. However you decide to add your voice, you’ll be joining young advocates like Samir and making a difference.

 

This year marks Miguel Alvarez’s 50^th year living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). To recognize his monumental dia-versary, his sights are set on conquering two century-ride (100 mile) cycling challenges hosted by JDRF. The Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF iRides are destination rides in cities across the U.S. to raise funds for T1D research. Miguel’s journey is a remarkable testimony of how individuals living with T1D take control of their disease to pursue their passion.

Born and raised in Southern Ontario, Miguel is an ex-professional drummer who transitioned to a tech-oriented career upon moving to BC. He had never been interested in cycling, but one day his friend invited him to go for a ride. Miguel was nervous, he knew it was a big risk and seemed too extreme. Worried his T1D would hold back his friend, Miguel declined, but despite Miguel’s persistent refusals, his friend continued inviting him until Miguel finally gave in.

After his first ride, Miguel was hooked.

Cycling quickly became a big part of his life, but not without its challenges. Miguel was frustrated by needing to stop multiple times to test his blood sugar. Not knowing what his levels were between each test left him vulnerable to unpredictable emergencies. A year later, Miguel started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that uses a sensor to test and transmit his glucose levels directly to his smartwatch. With it, Miguel monitors his glucose levels in real-time, enabling proactive management of his T1D while riding. Miguel credits his CGM for inspiring his confidence and granting him the peace of mind needed to take his cycling to the next level. This technology not only revolutionized how he rides, but also how he lives.

Living with type 1 diabetes for 50 years, Miguel has witnessed the evolution of diabetes management first-hand. His earliest memory was when he was 3 years old lying in a hospital bed at the time of his diagnosis. “I can’t say for certain what my parents reaction was, but they must have been scared. I can’t imagine, even with my own kids, having to chase around your toddler with needles.” It was equally frightening for Miguel. During his first 10 years living with T1D, the forefront of affordable glucose monitoring was urine test strips that were dipped into a mixture of urine and water to get an approximate reading of how much sugar was present by the colour appearing on the test strip. Determining insulin dosages was guesswork at best.

Flash-forward to today, parents can monitor their children’s glucose levels through their smart phones and set alarms for when their child is going too low or too high. Insulin pumps eliminate the need for multiple injections and can administer precise amounts of fast-acting insulin as needed. The impact this technology has made on the lives of people living with T1D is why Miguel participates and fundraises for the iRide.

“I am a beneficiary of this research; the technology, new insulins, new treatments. I’ve benefited from it all, and I am at the stage of my life where I want to do something meaningful to give back.” Miguel’s motivation stems from his goal to prove what people living with T1D can accomplish.“I want to prove what I can do with this, but it’s a weird balance. It’s a serious condition that needs to be managed, but you can’t disregard the capabilities of people living with it.”

Miguel sets the bar higher for himself each year he rides. To train for two iRides, he sacrifices weekend sleep-ins and dedicates his time to cycling for over 6 hours to condition his body, in addition to hours in the gym during the week – but the physical aspect of training is only half the battle. A constant risk for Miguel while riding is his blood sugars dropping too low; failing to treat a low can result in (and is not limited to) seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. Exercise increases the reactivity of insulin, so it’s common for people with T1D to go low while being active. Miguel’s friends get a kick out of him when he rides, because with him he carries:

• Gels
• Bloks
• High-quality granola bars
• Fig Bars
• Fruit bars
• Trail mix/Salted nuts
• Water bottle containing 1 cup syrup and the rest orange juice
• Water bottle containing water

When Miguel sees other cyclists carrying nothing more than a cell phone and a water bottle, all he can think is: “Must be nice.”

Miguel rode his first iRide in Tuscan, Arizona in 2017, where he fundraised $2500. “It was a daunting task,” he said, “I’ve never raised money for anything in my life. I basically said, I’m going to do it, so I took the pledge and signed up. I didn’t have any sort of expertise or strategies, but I thought… I have a story I can tell.” Using the template emails provided in JDRF’s iRide toolkit, Miguel wrote his story growing up and living with T1D and sent it to his family, friends, and co-workers. The response he received was overwhelming. “I was totally shocked by the support I received; I ended up raising more than enough to qualify.” Since then, Miguel creates videos to bind imagery to his story and shares them through social media. “Most people don’t really know what it’s like. They get it that you take insulin, but they don’t know or see the ongoing battle day to day.”

Working as a project manager in the Tech-industry for 19 years, Miguel’s coworkers have supported his fundraising efforts for the Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF – iRide. They have donated money and featured him in their community newsletters to share his story and raise awareness of type 1 diabetes.  

“Fundraising for two iRides is challenging”, Miguel says, “If I can’t raise enough for both, I’ll pay my way for one.” Miguel’s priority is raising awareness, proving he is unimpeded by T1D, and inspiring a younger generation. “For parents who are scared or worried, I want to show them that people living with T1D can do whatever they want. Today, if you’re a child with T1D, there is no reason to have doubts to what your possibilities are and what you can achieve.”

We wish Miguel the best of luck on his 50^th dia-versary milestone and thank him for his continuous support. If you want to support Miguel’s mission, please visit his fundraising page and follow him on:

Instagram: miguel_type_none
Facebook: Miguel Type’None

 

“Our Ride first started with 8 stationary bikes and 20 people.”

Peter Oliver, one of the founders of the Oliver and Bonacini Restaurant Family and a passionate leader in the type 1 diabetes community, was there at the beginning, “I was Chair of Fundraising for the JDRF Toronto Chapter,” says Peter “and I’m not exactly sure where the idea of the stationary bikes came from, but we were looking for a way to engage the corporate community.”

One of JDRF’s signature fundraising events to raise money for a cure to type 1 diabetes (T1D), the Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF will see over 12,000 people come together across the country to raise $3.6 million in 2019. But it wasn’t always like this.

“In that first year we raised $12,000,” said Peter. “There was a lot of music, bells, and we quickly realized that this event had potential because people were excited. You could see the excitement on the bike.” After that first year, the Ride saw incredible growth as a fundraising event with both the number of participants and the total dollars raised increasing exponentially. “That first year, about half of the twenty people had a connection to type 1 diabetes while the other half didn’t, they came back because of the spirit of the event.”

The Ride has always been a means to an end – a cure for type 1 diabetes – but making it a fun and impactful event has been of the utmost importance. As the event grew, people from different corners of the corporate world began to participate and all of a sudden the Ride started to evolve. “I’m not sure when we started to establish a ‘banking challenge’ and a ‘real estate challenge’, it was just the natural evolution of the event, ” Peter recalls.  “These changes were just what we had to do. When you’re hustling, you move with ideas that work.”

Peter’s hustle to find a cure for type 1 diabetes is fueled by his daughter, Vanessa, who at the age of 6 was diagnosed with T1D. Like any father, he can’t help but talk about his daughter’s accomplishments, “she actually established the Real Estate Ride and has raised $4-$6 million through that alone. I don’t think there is anybody her age who has done more for JDRF than she has.”

The Ride has since become an important corporate event that mobilizes business leaders to raise money to fund ground-breaking T1D research while offering a fun team-building opportunity and engage employees in corporate social responsibility. Where this event is today is because of the commitment and forward-thinking perspective people like Peter and Vanessa have brought.

So we asked Peter, what’s next?

“There are plenty of people who have been participating for 12 years or more, but we can’t rest on our laurels, says Peter. “The ingenuity in changing the event today has to be the same as what we did that first year.”

Following Peter’s advice, we decided to innovate in the way we recognize our fundraising superstars this year. Because innovation in these types of events isn’t just about staying on-trend, it’s also about recognizing the fundraising success of participants and thanking them in increasingly special ways. That’s why 2019 will be the first year Ride team participants who raise the qualifying amounts below will receive personalized team apparel* to wear on event day.

The Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF is, at its core, a fundraising event and thanking participants for their work is of the utmost importance. Canadians can register for their local Ride today, either as members of a team or as an individual, and as Peter notes, they don’t need to be personally connected to type 1 diabetes, “We’ve been quite successful in engaging people with no connection to diabetes. It’s an opportunity for us to inform people about the disease.”

“[At the Ride] we introduce a notable member of the community – someone who has raised the most amount of money or a child that wants to thank participants for raising money. Constantly reinforcing why participants raise the money that they do.” Be part of Ride as it continues to evolve and help change the future of type 1 diabetes research.

 

Guest contributor, Hannah Breadon

 

My name is Hannah Breadon. I am a Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 20 years. Over the years I have been involved in many diabetes events including JDRF’s Rockin’ for Research Fundraising Gala in Vancouver, and 10 years of work with Camp Kakhamela, a pediatric and family diabetes camp. I have used an insulin pump for 14 years and have recently gone on a “pump holiday”, switching back to multiple daily injections which I have really been enjoying. When I am not working, I enjoy staying active through soccer, softball, and surfing!

Throughout my career as a Diabetes Nurse Educator I have been asked all kinds of questions from people living with type 1 diabetes and their families. I’ve taken this opportunity to answer the most common questions about type 1 diabetes management. Here are just a few of the ones I hear most frequently.

 

How worried should I be about a high A1C during the teen years?

Maintaining an A1C in target can be challenging at times, especially when you are busy being a teenager. Technologies such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) or flash glucose monitors (FGMs) can help to lower A1C and take away some of the extra work with completing blood sugar checks frequently. Overall do your best to maintain an A1C in target range, and ask for help from your health care providers if you are feeling overburdened by diabetes.

Can I consume alcohol? What do I need to know about drinking alcohol while living with T1D?

When of legal age, alcohol consumption is something that people with diabetes can do safely if certain precautions are taken. Depending on the type of alcohol being consumed the blood sugars may rise initially, although can lower into a hypoglycemic range even up to 12 hours later. It is very important to monitor blood sugars closely when drinking alcohol. Please make sure your friends are aware of the signs of symptoms of hypoglycemia in comparison to intoxication, and understand how to treat a low if needed. One very important note is that glucagon does not work if alcohol is in your system. The liver works to detoxify the alcohol, and thus the action of glucagon doesn’t work.

Dawn phenomenon; what do I do about this? Anything I need to know?

Some individuals with type 1 diabetes experience an elevation in blood sugars early in the morning, usually around 3-7am. This is known as the Dawn Phenomenon. If you are wearing an insulin pump you can create a basal rate midway through the night to address this elevation in blood sugars.

How do I navigate an emergency room and ensure I can continue to monitor and administer insulin while healthcare providers are working to take over health care management?

If someone living with type 1 diabetes is brought to an emergency room, the primary thing I would recommend doing is to explain to the health care providers what type of insulin therapy or technology you are using. Depending on the reason for the ER visit, it may not be possible for you to continue to wear your insulin pump, CGM or FGM. As a whole, you may have to act as an advocate for yourself and provide some education regarding your insulin therapy and technology used. If you are clearly able to detail to the health care providers what type of technology you are currently using you may be able to continue wearing them while in the hospital.

I don’t understand the difference between interstitial fluid and blood glucose

Interstitial fluid is the fluid which is floating around your cells. With continuous glucose monitors, the glucose in the interstitial fluid reacts with the coating of the small wire inserted into the tissue and transmits a signal which then converts to a blood sugar value. The important thing to note is that glucose first moves from the blood cells and then goes into the interstitial fluid. In terms of CGMs, this then means that the value presented on the CGM could be delayed if your blood sugar is rapidly rising or falling. In situations where you are experiencing low or high blood sugars, it is best to complete a finger blood sugar check to ensure you are able to react appropriately to your current number.

Do I need to be on an insulin pump?

Insulin pump therapy is a great tool for some individuals living with type 1 diabetes. Pump therapy can provide more precise dosing, more flexibility adjusting insulin, and more steady absorption of insulin. That being said, insulin pump therapy is not for everyone. Some individuals find that working with Multiple Daily Injections can correspond with a great A1C value in comparison to pump therapy. A few considerations when thinking about pump therapy is the readiness to learn, willingness to wear a device 24/7, and finances.

Diabetes management is unique for everybody and it’s normal to have many questions even long after your diagnosis. Do you have any pressing questions that I have missed? Feel free to send them my waythrough JDRF’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts! Just use the hashtag #AskT1DNurse

 

Each time Dessi Zaharieva shares her story about life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) she not only leaves her audience inspired, but in awe. That is because the engaging 30-year-old with an indomitable spirit never let her condition impede her dreams of becoming a consummate academic in the field of diabetes and a highly accomplished mixed martial artist.

Dessi and her family emigrated from Bulgaria to Toronto in 1993. When she was was seven years old, her parents took her to the hospital to ‘pick up some medication’. Little did Dessi know that she would end up spending the day being poked and prodded and later told that she had T1D.

“My parents were quite scared, so they were beside my hospital bed in tears,” recalls Dessi. “English was their second language and not understanding all the doctor’s jargon definitely made my diagnosis one of the most challenging times for them. I was just trying to wrap my head around this new disease and new life requiring daily insulin injections.”

Learning to adjust to her condition proved demanding at first, especially when it came to practising sports – one of her passions.

“Living with T1D is very similar to our blood sugars; there are many ups and downs, highs and lows,” Dessi explains. “My biggest challenges were often related to exercising.”

Prior to her diagnosis, Dessi had enrolled in a Taekwondo class with her brother. Despite not knowing how it would affect her T1D, she was determined to continue.

“When I was a young kid, we didn’t have access to support groups or as many published research studies,” she recounts. “My family also didn’t know that different types, intensities and durations of exercise could impact blood sugar levels and that the risk of hypoglycaemia is elevated for at least 24 hours in recovery from exercise.”

Preparing for national and international martial arts competitions was another learning curve for the aspiring young athlete. At the age of 16, Dessi earned a spot on Team Canada for the World Championships, a biennial athletic competition. For many summers, she returned to her native Bulgaria to train with its National Team. Despite a torn meniscus and two torn ACLs – not to mention a surgeon who told her she would likely never compete again – Dessi pushed through rehab and returned to top form. In 2013, she competed at the International Taekwondo Federation World Championships in Bulgaria and won the bronze medal in women’s individual sparring in her weight category.

“I was trying to lose weight to fight in a lower weight category,” Dessi relates. “This meant that on top of my training, I was also trying to lower my carbohydrate intake, which led to a few scary episodes of hypoglycemia overnight.”

These experiences sparked her interest in T1D research and acquiring a better understanding of human physiology and exercise metabolism. Last year – while working in the lab of JDRF-funded investigator Dr. Mike Riddell – Dessi earned her PhD in molecular, cellular and integrative physiology at the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University in Toronto.

“My research focus has always been related to strategies for improving diabetes management particularly around exercise,” says the recipient of the highly competitive and prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate scholarship for PhD research. “For me, the hardest thing about living with T1D is that no two days are ever exactly the same. We can try and control specific conditions, but there is so much individual variability, which is another reason why more research is needed in the field in order to establish guidelines and form consensus statements.”

Over the years, Dessi and her family have participated in JDRF’s annual Walk to help raise T1D awareness and funds for research. In 2018, she served as Master of Ceremonies at the organization’s national leadership conference.

“Living with diabetes can feel so lonely at times, but being involved with JDRF events has given me an outlet and a support to share my story and also learn from others,” she says.

Today Dessi is a mixed martial artist and a flourishing young scientist. She is also a regular at Dskate, a hockey and diabetes educational camp for youth living with T1D. As well, she is part of the I Challenge Diabetes team, a group dedicated to creating opportunities for people with T1D of all ages to overcome obstacles and find support.

For the past six months, Dessi has been conducting post-doctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. David O’Neal at The University of Melbourne in Australia. Some of the topics range from next-generation closed-loop systems and exercise to implantable sensor technology and faster-acting insulin.

“JDRF has always been committed to raising money to support cutting-edge research,” relates Dessi. “As a scientist and a patient with diabetes, the focus on finding a cure hits really close to home.”

In the future, Dessi hopes to have her own research lab. Yet a cure for T1D remains her foremost wish.

“A cure would mean…freedom and conquering,” says Dessi. “It would mean that for once, we could focus on something other than our diabetes. We would not have to think about whether we have our needles, glucose meters, insulin, pumps, reservoirs, cannulas, snacks, etc. each time we leave the house. It would also mean that as a team, we have succeeded with our research efforts.”

And while that would be a dream come true for many people, Dessi is quick to add that a cure would not detract from one positive aspect that came from growing up with T1D.

 “A cure would not change the incredible community and support system we have around us,” she states. I have made so many lifelong friends who have now become my ‘chosen family’. And a cure would never take that away from me.”