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As the incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) continues to grow, Canadians have long speculated whether environmental factors – namely pollution – could be responsible for triggering an autoimmune attack.

While a number of chemicals, including those found in pesticides and some of which are now banned, have been linked to type 2 diabetes, exposure to pollution is not a significant factor in the development of T1D, according to a new study. In fact, researchers from the University of Helsinki have excluded 27 common pollutants and chemicals as possible causes after analyzing hundreds of blood samples from Finnish and Estonian children at genetic risk of T1D. The young participants, who were part of two existing studies, were tracked to see if they had developed the condition by 2017. The researchers also looked at cord blood samples from the children’s mothers following delivery in order to determine whether exposure to pollution in the womb and in early childhood plays a role.

Among their findings, children who lived in the larger, capital city of Helsinki had higher levels of chemicals in their blood than those residing in smaller cities or the outskirts. As well, there was no connection between the levels of chemicals present in the blood and an increased risk for T1D.

The use of harmful substances has grown considerably among industrialized countries in recent years, and researchers will continue to explore environmental factors with the hope of discovering a link to T1D.

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

 

While the winter season can be a fun time filled with skiing, sledding and mugs of steaming cocoa, it can also be marked by not-so-fun events like the flu, sick days and visits to the clinic.

Although many Canadians embrace the cold weather like experienced pros, people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) tend to have more difficulty managing their condition when the temperature drops. This is due to fluctuating sugar levels often stemming from a weaker immune system and slower circulation during the winter months that reduce the effectiveness of insulin. As a result, these individuals are more susceptible to a common cold, which can pose additional problems since their bodies rely on hormones to combat the stress associated with being ill.

However, T1D should not keep anyone from getting outside and enjoying the pleasures of the season. With a little foresight and a plan of action in the case of extreme weather conditions, your blood sugars can be managed without worry!

Below are a few tips for surviving winter with T1D:

Boost your immune system

Stay healthy by eating well, drinking lots of water and sleeping 7 to 8 hours each night. Consider taking vitamin supplements and getting the flu shot as per your doctor’s recommendations.

Monitor your sugar levels

Monitor your blood sugar often and carefully because you can get false hypoglycemia (low sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) readings in extreme temperatures. Elevated ketone levels may also occur when blood sugar readings are above normal. This can be a sign that the body is using fat and muscle for energy and could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous medical condition that can be fatal.

Keep moving

A little activity each day will improve insulin sensitivity by allowing the body to better regulate blood sugar levels. Exercise also lets you stay warm and helps your mind to better cope with the challenges of your self-management. Just keep in mind that activity can affect blood glucose for up to 48 hours.

Take care of your feet

People who suffer from neuropathy may not realize just how chilly their feet are, which can pose a risk for frostbite. Warm socks that keep feet dry are especially important this time of year. Winter can also make skin more susceptible to drying and cracking, leading to infections. Moisturize your feet daily and limit their exposure to the cold.

Protect your insulin and medical supplies

Fluctuations in temperatures and power outages can put injectable insulin at risk since it must be refrigerated and is only be safe for use between 0°C and 30°C. Diabetes equipment like blood sugar monitors can also stop working in cold weather conditions, so be sure to plan ahead when traveling and/or participating in any outdoor activities.

We hope these tips help you enjoy good times with your family and friends during this season while keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Wishing you a safe and happy winter!

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

 

 

In April, 10-year-old Grace Bull boarded a plane in Vancouver with her parents, David Bull and JoAnne Strongman, on the way to Palm Desert in California. She was planning to spend her spring break relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sun. She had no idea that when she arrived back home, her life would never be the same.

When the Bull family arrived in Palm Springs, Grace became very ill. “I was so hot and tired… I couldn’t get out of bed. I had spots all over my legs.” After being rushed to the emergency room at Eisenhower Hospital, Grace was transferred to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). “I had no idea what was happening. I just felt really, really scared.” The first question she asked the doctors was, “Can I still dance? I was so clueless…I didn’t know anything about T1D.”

 

Since then, Grace, and her parents, who live in West Vancouver, have been avid supporters of JDRF. “We love JDRF… supporting them gives us the chance to feel like we can make a difference, where otherwise we feel helpless,” David and JoAnne said. "They have so many people working for them who have devoted their lives to finding a cure… they’ve given us hope. And made us feel like we’re not alone. JDRF is our light at the end of the tunnel and we’re proud to support them" says David and JoAnne.

In June, less than two months after learning of her diagnosis, Grace participated in the Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF. “I went door-to-door all around Vancouver with my friend who has T1D. And I made so many phone calls to family and friends. We explained what T1D was and asked to donate to help fund research.” And she was one of the top 10 fundraisers nationwide! “I’ll keep going to events and do my best to raise money. It’s just what I can show in return for all that JDRF has done for me."

 

Grace and the Bull family didn’t stop there. She asked her father, the President and CEO of John Bull Investments, to become a corporate sponsor for the JDRF Gala and they worked together to invite all of her family and friends to attend and donate. “I’ve seen how hard JDRF is working to find a cure… and I want to do everything I can to help them."

In November, during National Diabetes Awareness Month, she was one of 28 young delegates who attended JDRF’s Kids For A Cure Lobby Day in Ottawa, where she represented JDRF in the House of Commons and in front of Members of Parliament. “It was really cool meeting them… talking to them and sharing my story. They were so nice. Because of us, the MPs are going to join the All Party Caucus for T1D and write to the Minister of Finance in support of the recommendation for JDRF’s pre-budget submission."

And, recently, she shared her story with Prime Minister Trudeau. "He told me to keep doing what I’m doing, that I can make a big difference in the world… that I already have. It’s motivated and inspired me to keep working hard to raise awareness for T1D."

 

After forming a special bond with Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, the current MP for West Vancouver and a strong advocate for T1D, she was invited to meet with Prime Minister Trudeau at a fundraising event. Grace, proudly wearing her JDRF Kids For A Cure jersey, spoke with the Prime Minister about her experience with T1D and how JDRF has helped those living with it. “He asked me a bunch of thoughtful questions and was really engaged. He even signed my scrapbook, ‘Thank you, Grace, for sharing your strength and leadership with us all.’"

“Grace wasn’t just speaking for herself, she was representing every child in Canada with T1D,” says her father. “I have never been more proud."

“At the end of the day, having T1D isn’t the worst thing. Life only gives you what you can handle,” says Grace. “And with JDRF’s help, we’re going to find a cure in my lifetime."

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging, and many people have difficulty committing the time and effort required to manage their blood sugar levels with their other competing life demands. While frequent meetings with a health care provider result in better glucose control, it is often hard for individuals and families to commit to the traditional health care’s rigorous schedules and long waiting lists. At times this can result in patients not getting the support they need to ensure they’re managing their diabetes correctly and responsibly.

Dr. Gillian Booth, a JDRF-funded scientist at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions within the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and a team of researchers are aiming to improve glucose control and patient experiences by using modern technologies to optimize the way health care is delivered to people with T1D.

She and her colleagues are conducting a clinical study in several adult diabetes centres using a combination of brief and frequent virtual ‘face-to-face’ visits with the person’s diabetes care team and a web-based platform to provide patients with readily available self-management education, tools and resources. The virtual visits will use videoconferencing technology that can be securely accessed free of charge from any personal device (PC, tablet, smart phone). These interventions will facilitate discussions around blood sugar patterns, diabetes self-management, coping strategies, personalized goals and action plans.

Since young adults face unique challenges in managing T1D (particularly as they transition from pediatric to adult care centres), the supports and services afforded through this study will be tailored by age group—young adults will receive additional aids to help them transition to adult clinics, as well as customized web-based content. The researchers will seek feedback from participants and health care providers throughout the study to make sure this program meets the patients’ needs and can be easily adopted in real-world settings.

If successful, this modern approach to delivering T1D care and self-management support has the potential to enhance glucose control, while at the same time improve patient experiences within the health care system.

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

 

 

This blog is sponsored by

 

By Caroline Lewis, National Manager of Planned Giving at JDRF

 

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a part of my family.

Blood sugar testing, carb counting, site changes, insulin doses…They are a way of life in my house because my husband, son and daughter all have type 1 diabetes (T1D). 

My family has benefitted from many of today’s T1D advancements, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and diabetes screening through TrialNet (a clinical trial research network dedicated to the prevention of type 1 diabetes). I understand the importance of research because T1D is a 24/7 disease that knows no boundaries. It is a condition that affects more than 300,000 Canadians and millions of people worldwide. 

I am grateful that JDRF Canada was founded by a group of dedicated families with a personal connection to T1D who were looking to make a difference in the lives of their loved ones. At the same time, I am inspired by the work that JDRF-funded researchers have accomplished to date, and I am hopeful for continued progress in the future.  

I have always been a donor, so it was a natural progression that I would one day become a volunteer and eventually start working for JDRF. Spending time with other families who live with T1D, and explaining how their contributions can assist JDRF in its mission to cure, prevent and better treat the disease is something I enjoy very much.

Being a mom of 2 children living with T1D, I have always thought about ways we can accelerate research for the generations to come. That’s why I’m proud to help lead our efforts in launching the Canadian BETA Society, which honours donors who have chosen to leave a planned gift to JDRF. BETA society members help advance T1D research by providing JDRF with sustainable support, helping us plan for the future and invest more into potential lifesaving treatments and therapies. You can help us on this journey by including JDRF as a beneficiary in your estate plans. Your participation in the BETA Society will not only help further our mission, but also bring us one step closer to our goal of creating a world without T1D.

Between November 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, you can include a gift to JDRF in your will or trust, or name JDRF as a beneficiary of a retirement account or a life-insurance policy. This will allow you to qualify for the JDRF Global Legacy Challenge, generating a $1,000 donation to JDRF for ongoing research projects.

If you have already included JDRF in your estate plans, but have not yet notified us, your gift also qualifies for the Legacy Challenge. Remember: In order to be eligible, you must confirm JDRF is in your estate plans by June 30, 2019.

As someone directly touched by type 1 diabetes, I hope you will join us on this journey as we continue to invest in the advancement of T1D research. Please consider leaving a legacy to JDRF Canada, and help us turn type one into type none.

 

Learn more about Planned Giving and JDRF Canada

Learn more about the JDRF Legacy Challenge

Meet the 2018 JDRF Legacy Challenge Sponsors

 

 

 

 

In a fast-faced world where technology is forever evolving, it is not always easy to stay abreast of the latest apps* designed for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). So here are some of this year’s top-rated, free diabetes apps to help you better navigate the world of carb counting, glucose monitoring and  other necessary tasks performed on a daily basis:

 

Glooko

Glooko helps track food, medications, insulin, exercise and more to create a digital logbook, which you can review online at my.glooko.com in the comfort of your home. It also lets users set reminders for important tasks. As well, the app allows the integration of data from most continuous glucose monitors, blood glucose meters, insulin pumps and fitness trackers. 

 

Health2Sync

Users can keep a full record of their blood glucose data and daily activities with this app, as well as link to their care team, family and friends for additional support. The Health2Sync app can be synced with Bluetooth health devices, and also gives reminders and tips to assist you in making timely adjustments.

 

Glucosio

Glucosio is an app built with feedback from people living with diabetes. It helps monitor important metrics such as weight, hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure, and also includes glucose target tools and an HbA1c conversion  calculator. Glucosio app gives users the option to opt-in to sharing anonymized diabetes data and demographic information with researchers.

 

Glucose Buddy

This app allows users to keep track of their weight, blood pressure, HbA1c levels, carb intake and workouts, as well as monitor trends for optimal T1D management.

 

Diabetes:M

Diabetes:M is an app recognized for its extensive nutrition database, and calculating normal and prolonged insulin boluses. As well, it has a reminders system, works with different glucometers and insulin pumps to analyze values from imported data, and can send detailed reports to your doctor.

 

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So now that you’re up-to-date on some of this year’s recommended T1D apps, we’d like to hear from you. Which app(s) do you use? Feel free to share your favourites with us:  Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*Disclaimer: As T1D is very individualized, it is recommended that you consult your health care practitioner to discuss the most appropriate app for your T1D management and device.

 

In 2002, RBC executive Matt Varey returned to Canada with his family, after working for the bank in Switzerland. He didn’t know it yet, but his life was about to change – and not just because of the move. “When I got back, my job was national in nature and I travelled the country to get to know our Canadian team,” says Matt. “I noticed something right away. I’d meet people, and of those who looked tired, nine times out of ten, it turned out they had a child with type 1 diabetes (T1D).” 

For someone whose connection to type 1 diabetes (T1D) up until that point had been non-existent, it was a powerful introduction to the impact this disease has on families. “My wife Andrea and I have four very healthy kids – two sons and two daughters – who are now between the ages of 19 and 25,” says Matt. “We still have no truly direct connection to T1D, but when we saw the impact of this disease, and started to get to know JDRF and the people who work for it, and their incredible passion, we knew we wanted to get involved.”

 

What is the JDRF Global Legacy Challenge?   JDRF’s Global Legacy Challenge is an exciting initiative that offers donors considering making a planned gift to JDRF an opportunity to do even more for T1D research. It works like this:  Every planned gift commitment made to JDRF between November 2018 and June 2019 will unlock an immediate $1,000 donation to JDRF-funded T1D research by a Global Legacy Challenge sponsor. If you’ve already included JDRF in your estate plans, but have not yet notified us, your gift will also qualify. To take part in the challenge and trigger the additional $1,000 gift, please let us know about your commitment by June 30, 2019.

 

Fast forward 16 years, and Matt’s commitment to supporting people with T1D through JDRF has been extensive, including serving as Chair of JDRF Canada’s board of directors from 2014-2016 and now as a member of JDRF International Board of Directors. Matt is also a member of the national council for JDRF Canada’s Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes, and most recently, he and his wife have made a gift to JDRF in their estate plans – becoming Canadian sponsors of JDRF’s Global Legacy Challenge.  

 

Matt cites his mother, Fran, as one of the people who taught him the most in life about being generous. “She is the kindest person to this day on this earth," he says. "She was a great example of being humble, being kind, treating others with respect, and giving back without expecting anything in return. She was a lifelong volunteer.”

He sees that same spirit of kindness at JDRF Canada. “It’s an incredible, purposeful organization that makes quality of life better for people and does it in such a caring way.  It also does it in a very intelligent way. When you’re asking people for parts of their savings, you have to make sure that the process and discipline is there so you can credibly tell someone their hard-earned money is going to the very best research bar none. Yes, I’m confident about that. JDRF funds the very best research, from a global network of researchers and a centralized screening process, and it is trusted and recognized throughout the world.”

So what inspired Matt and Andrea to take their commitment further, to include JDRF in their estate and sponsor the Global Legacy Challenge? “Yes, we’re all in,” Matt laughs. “Being a Challenge sponsor is the clearest way we can think of to inspire more people to get excited and get more involved. Plus, giving is one of the greatest forms of self-fulfillment. That’s what I’d tell someone who was thinking of doing this. You will feel an incredible sense of fulfillment for giving. And it never wears off. Ever. In Canada, there are 300,000 people living with T1D, and there’s no question in my mind that, thanks to JDRF’s work over the years, they wake up a little better each day.”

 

 

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what to get those special people in your life. To help with your shopping, we’ve put together a gift guide with a few creative ideas for people living with type 1 diabetes and for just about everyone on your list. So whether you choose to go simple or splashy, or get crafty at home, remember: It’s the thought that counts.

 

 

For the health-conscious:

 

Group exercise classes

Make exercise a part of the holiday season by giving your friend or loved one a set of yoga, Pilates or spin classes. You might even want to join a session to lend your support.

Fitness trackers

Maintaining an active lifestyle is an important part of effectively managing diabetes and trackers can be great motivators. Help a friend monitor his/her progress with a tool that counts steps and calories burned, observes heart rate and sleep patterns, and syncs it all to a smartphone.

Socks and slippers

Nothing says the holidays like cozy socks and comfy slippers. Foot care is important for everyone, but especially for people living with diabetes.  Non-skid, seamless, moisture-wicking socks, along with a pair of slippers with a hard sole and a closed toe can make a world of difference in preventing injuries at home.

Body cream

Dry skin and winter go hand in hand, so consider a gift of body cream. Glucose monitoring is made easier when skin is moisturized, which can be helpful to someone living with diabetes.

Massage

In today’s fast-paced world, rest and relaxation are often pushed aside by stress. Whether or not a person lives with diabetes, a massage can be a wonderful way to unwind physically and mentally.

Tea

Want to encourage a close friend to cut down on soda and replace it with a beverage that boasts a variety of flavours for every taste?  Then a tea set may be the perfect gift. Think about a decorative box filled with a shiny kettle, a pretty cup and saucer, and a selection of specialty teas.

 

For the foodie:

 

Cooking classes

A cooking class makes a great holiday gift for the foodie in you circle who appreciates different cuisines and new techniques. Whether a novice or a seasoned cook, they will surely enjoy the experience!

Cooking gadgets

Healthy eating is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. Consider buying a slow cooker or an indoor grill so your loved one can make wholesome meals all year round without the fuss.

Olive oil and balsamic vinegar

A good salad is only as good as the condiments used to prepare it. Treat your friends to a set of the finest imported olive oil and balsamic vinegar within your budget.

Homemade goodies

Are you renowned in your circles for the best apple muffins that put store-bought brands and mixes to shame? Maybe you make your own bread, or a delicious jam to serve at breakfast. Whatever your culinary talent, consider offering a gift from your kitchen this season to show a family member how much you care.

 

For the reader:

 

Books

The holidays are the perfect time to catch up on some reading and a good book can be a welcome gift. Pair it with a pretty bookmark for that special someone.

Magazines

Surprise those closest to you with a year-long subscription to their favourite magazine. With so many categories to choose from, there is something for everyone!

Journals

A personalized notebook can inspire loved ones with diabetes to keep track of his/her blood sugar readings, food intake and exercise. It can also serve as incentive for them to record innermost thoughts,  their personal journey with diabetes, or even family anecdotes to pass down to future generations.

 

For the artist:

 

Music

The gift of music is a great tool for exercise and stress management. Spoil your loved one this holiday season with a cool portable media player.

Concert tickets

Whether it’s the opera, a rock concert or a ballet, friends and/or relatives will certainly enjoy tickets to a show. Look for group discounts and seasonal specials, if available.

Paint nite

The ‘paint nite’ craze is still going strong in cities across the country. Grab some buddies and sign up at a studio near you for an evening of instructional art, music and fun!

 

For the fashionista:

 

Supply bags

People living with diabetes have much to carry around, so why not buy your friend one of many stylish supply bags currently on the market to tote insulin and medical necessities? These fashionable accessories are often designed by people who have diabetes, making them the perfect choice.

Diabetes awareness jewelry

Medical alert jewelry can be practical and chic with select stores offering high-end engravable bracelet options, as well as stainless steel versions. For more affordable choices, the MedicAlert Foundation has bracelets, necklaces and accessories for men, women and children in a variety of styles and materials.

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Of course, should you prefer a more philanthropic approach this season, how about a DYI fundraiser whereby the proceeds from your event are donated to diabetes research? By helping others, you will undoubtedly be giving one of the best gifts ever.

By Patrick Tohill, Government Relations Director at JDRF Canada

JDRF’s Kids for a Cure Lobby Day was held from October 28-30 and what an impact our youth delegates made – engaging with more than 100 Members of Parliament and senators in just two days! Wow!!

Every two years, JDRF sends youth who live with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to Ottawa to put a human face to the disease and help Parliamentarians understand just how challenging it can be. This year, 28 kids between the ages of 4 and 17 were selected out of 135 applicants – more than ever before!

Our 28 young lobbyists wowed everyone they met with their knowledge, communication skills, poise and charm, including some very important decision makers such as the Honourable Ginette Petitipas Taylor, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Dianne Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue. Using a scrapbook they’d put together, the delegates helped bring into focus the struggles and needs of Canadians living with T1D with the hope that government will prioritize our issues and recommendations.

It was testament to the impact of our Kids for a Cure Lobby Day when Pam Goldsmith-Jones, the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus Chair, MP for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea-to-Sky Country, rose to acknowledge our youth delegates in the gallery during Members’ Statements, and sparked off a standing ovation from both sides of the House.

This not only speaks to the success of our lobbying effort, the influence of our champions in Parliament and, our degree of alignment with our federal political parties, but also most of all it speaks to just how powerful it is to put children living with diabetes in front of Canada’s decision-makers and simply let them share their stories.

Naturally, it is not just about telling stories, but also about garnering support. Every MP or senator we met with was asked to do two things: 1) join the All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus and 2) write a letter to the Minister of Finance in support of the five recommendations in JDRF’s 2019 Pre-Budget Submissions.

But stories do matter! Your stories matter! Thinking about the impact that just 28 kids can have, can you imagine if it were hundreds? And we need the voices of adults living with diabetes to be heard, too! Why not take a few minutes and reach out to your local Member of Parliament to request a meeting the next time he/she is in your riding. We have Advocacy resources available and would be happy to assist you.

A huge THANK YOU to all 28 Kids for a Cure youth delegates! We are extremely fortunate to have assembled such a well-spoken, persuasive group of advocates. Thanks to the parents as well, for supporting them in their activism. Your efforts and those of your children will have a real and lasting impact on our government relations program.

Learning you have diabetes is never welcome news, but it can be even more disconcerting when you’re mistakenly diagnosed with the wrong type.

A new study by Dr. Nick Thomas and his colleagues at the University of Exeter (UK) reveals that 20% of adults who develop type 1 diabetes (T1D) over the age of 30 appear to be initially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes instead.

While the research was largely based on self-reported diagnoses, distinguishing between the two conditions has often proved challenging for clinicians, especially among older adults who exhibit common diabetes symptoms.

Dr. Thomas and his team looked at 583 people over the age of 30 who were on insulin therapy. In order to determine whether they had been accurately diagnosed and given correct treatment for T1D, researchers measured how much C-peptide the participants were producing. A by-product of insulin, C-peptide is made of chemical compounds called amino acids and is generally found in amounts equal to insulin in the blood. A higher C-peptide measurement is indicative of type 2 diabetes, whereas lower C-peptide is associated with T1D.

122 of the 583 adult participants had a severe insulin deficiency according to their C-peptide levels, suggesting T1D. Among them, 38% didn’t receive insulin at diagnosis. In addition, only 79% of these adults reported they had T1D, while 20% stated they had type 2 diabetes, confirming the notion that T1D is still largely misdiagnosed.

The findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes’ (EASD) 2018 Annual Meeting in early October. Stressing the need for clearer guidelines to make a proper diagnosis of diabetes, the team at Exeter University is currently working on a tool that will allow clinicians to establish whether a person is likely to have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, so that he/she can receive appropriate treatment without delay and avoid complications.

Even though T1D starting in adulthood is less common (approximately 20% of Canadians living with T1D are diagnosed as adults), the rising cases of misdiagnoses highlight the need for greater public awareness of the disease.

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but are not responding to treatment, consider discussing the possibility of further testing with your healthcare professional.

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