Month: October 2019

November 4, 2019

People living with diabetes are predisposed to several different complications given their fluctuating glucose levels, which can lead to stress on their organs. When it comes to cardiovascular problems, the extra risk conferred by having type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be greater in women than men.

Heart failure is a common, but often underappreciated cardiovascular complication of T1D. According to a paper recently published in the European peer-reviewed scientific journal, Diabetologia, T1D was associated with a 47% increased excess risk of heart failure in women compared with men.

After reviewing 14 related studies published between January 1966 and November 2018 that included over 12 million people and 253,260 cases of heart failure, researchers noted that women with T1D or type 2 diabetes had a higher excess risk than men, although that presented by T1D was greater than type 2 diabetes (47% vs 9%).

Among several explanations is that diabetes confers a much better chance of developing coronary heart disease – a cause of heart failure – among females. In addition, some studies have found that women are undertreated for glycemic control or management of cardiovascular risk factors compared to men.

Further research is needed to explain the reason for the difference between the sexes, particularly since the data analyzed in this study were limited to what was found in the previously published studies and did not include information on the duration of each person’s diabetes.

Healthcare professionals recommend that all people with diabetes practice a healthy, active lifestyle wherever possible in order to lower their risk of cardiovascular complications including heart failure.

JDRF is committed to funding research that helps people with T1D live longer, healthier and safer lives until cures are found. The studies in this area strive to advance drugs and devices that improve glycemic control, reduce the risk of complications, and enhance mental health aspects of T1D.

For more information on JDRF-funded research that focuses on bettering lives, click here.

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

October 31, 2019

Carol and Larry Hagan are strong believers in giving back to the community.

As parents of two children – one of whom has a chronic illness – and JDRF supporters for more than two decades, getting involved to help make a difference has always been the Vancouver couple’s motto.

In 1996, their son, Thomas, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of six. Although the news was devastating and forced the family to adapt to the demands of a relentless condition, the Hagans remained focused and devoted much effort to ensuring that their active son continued to play sports and build resilience in spite of his daily challenges.

After seeing a JDRF poster in the window of her neighbourhood pharmacy a few months later, Carol’s interest was piqued and she reached out to the organization’s national office in Toronto to inquire about volunteering. JDRF did not have a Vancouver chapter at the time, but Carol decided to lend a hand after the new office opened its doors in the province. Soon she was busily engaged in marketing, whereby she was in regular contact with local corporations and hospitals to raise awareness for JDRF. As well, Carol also founded a support group for families of children with T1D.

“Getting involved allowed me to meet and receive support from other people who not only understood what life with a chronic illness is, but also how frightening it can be,” relates Carol. “As parents, we helped each other both emotionally and practically, and often provided a much-needed break to one another.”

Throughout their journey with T1D, the Hagans became steadfast in their commitment to finding a cure for the disease. Rallying both loved ones and friends, they recruited numerous families for JDRF’s annual Walk while personally fundraising for the cause. Carol also played a key role in the Vancouver chapter’s annual gala. When the idea of a formal social event was put forward in 2000, the Rockin’ for Research Gala was born, with $65,000 raised for JDRF. Carol then went on to accept a voluntary position with the organizing committee where she oversaw every detail of the planning and headed the gala’s live and silent auctions.

Today, the Hagans are members of JDRF’s BETA’s Society. They also use flow-through shares as a giving vehicle, which allows them to better support JDRF while simultaneously promoting the Canadian resource sector. This type of financing is a seamless, easy and efficient turnkey service that lowers major gift donors’ after-tax cost of donation without market risk.

Asked what continues to inspire their incredible generosity, both husband and wife agree that JDRF represents hope for a future without T1D.

“We know that it is funding some of the best diabetes research in the world and is extremely committed to bringing industry and government together to get the maximum return on investment,” says Carol. “A cure would mean a dream come true and has been our goal since we first got involved (with JDRF).”

In the meantime, the couple encourages everyone to do what they can to support the charity.

“We have always tried to be role models in our city,” Carol says. “Every gesture – be it big or small – is cumulative and can bring us closer to finding a cure.”

Adds Larry, “We have been very fortunate to have been able to help JDRF. Our involvement has made us more grateful for our health and more sensitive to people’s different afflictions. It also showed our kids that if you have a problem, you get involved and help solve it.”

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

October 30, 2019

Canadians went to the polls on October 21^st and in what was a surprisingly close election, chose a  Liberal government to continue their mandate.

During this time, our federal election campaign #VoteTypeNone gave candidates of all political stripes an opportunity to express their support for Canadians affected by type 1 diabetes on social media.

 

Our Nova Scotia dream team, Mikaila Stoddart, Kathy White and Amanda Williams spent five weeks during  September and October travelling to candidates’ offices, phoning campaign managers to educate them about #VoteTypeNone, encouraging candidates to hear their stories and post a photo of support on social media. They were incredibly effective and managed to hit 100% of the ridings in their province.

 

A one-man show in PEI, Brooks Roche also managed to hit 100% of his targets. Brooks, who is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, persevered by attending several all-candidate debates and snapping group photos of candidates coming together to support the T1D community.

Nationally, the #VoteTypeNone campaign saw great success:

• JDRF advocates mobilized to take part, speak to their local candidates and have their voices heard during a significant election. Our volunteers who participated are the backbone of this campaign’s success!
• We raised awareness and educated candidates around the challenges that come with type 1 diabetes. Over 100 candidates across the country demonstrated their support by holding up a sign that read “I ❤ Canadians touched by type 1 diabetes” including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the federal leader of the NDP, Jagmeet Singh.
• We identified 40 key champions that have now been elected into the House of Commons to be instrumental in moving the T1D community’s advocacy priorities forward.

Thank you to all of the #VoteTypeNone advocates and candidates who participated and congratulations to the incoming Members of Parliament. We look forward to working with the elected officials from all parties to raise the profile of the many issues that the type 1 community faces.

 

October 28, 2019 

Since launching in March 2019, thousands of people from across Canada have been rallying behind the Access for All campaign and demanding affordable and accessible coverage of advanced glucose monitors.

In just seven months, you have made incredible progress! Here’s a roundup of what you’ve helped accomplish:

 

Device Coverage Wins

The Governments of Ontario and Quebec announced coverage of flash glucose monitors (FGMs) – a great step toward complete access to affordable technologies. Advocacy efforts are continuing to build off of this momentum by asking for continuous glucose monitor (CGM) coverage, as well as coverage of these devices in other provinces and territories.

 

Discussions with elected officials

Over 200 supporters, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners, discussed innovations and breakthrough technologies directly with elected officials at 5 Community Forums throughout Ontario.

 T1D advocates along with JDRF advocacy team members have undertaken over 20 key meetings with elected officials and senior policy makers, including the Minister of Health and Executive Director of Policy in the Ontario Premier’s office. The goal of these meetings was to educate decision makers about the health, economic, and quality of life benefits of funding CGMs in Ontario. As a result, we were able to raise awareness of this issue amongst key decision makers and have been met with great support and enthusiasm.

What’s next?

In the last seven months there have been over 700 online actions taken, and over 2,000 signatures on the petition in support of the Access for All campaign (WOW!) to encourage funding for advanced glucose monitoring technologies, which will be presented when the House of Commons returns.

 

But this campaign is just getting started and there is so much left to accomplish! With the federal election wrapping up just last week, now is the best time to tell your newly elected MP why they should support affordable access to devices, or remind your re-elected MP how they can fight for your interests – meet, write, call your MP today and help us get #AccessForAll.