Canadian Diabetes Association

In February 2013, the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) met the requirement for the new Not for Profit Corporation Act. Due to this change, the National Annual General Meeting (NAGM) of the Association will no longer take place in conjunction with the CDA/CSEM Professional Conference and Annual Meetings.

The change that has occurred requires members of the Diabetes Educator Section (DES) to nominate fellow members who would then go through an election process. As a professional section of the CDA, the DES is entitled to 5 delegate members who must attend the NAGM or Special General Meeting (SGM) and vote on issues of the organization. During the election process, the membership will choose which of the nominees should represent the DES for one year at the NAGM or SGM. In the past, DES voting delegates were chosen by the Executive.

Requirements:
DES Member in good standing
Able to commit to represent DES for one year at the NAGM
Travel to Toronto for November 23, 2013 to participate in the NAGM
NOTE: Appropriate representation from across Canada is required (British Columbia, The Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes)

Responsibilities:
Attend the NAGM as the DES representative and vote on the issues
Report on any outcomes from the meeting to the DES Executive Committee

Application Deadline
June 30, 2013

Click here to apply online.

Canadian Diabetes Association urges political parties to include diabetes in their plans

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 1, 2013)—The Canadian Diabetes Association has launched Election Central, an online hub, designed to place a spotlight on the needs of British Columbians living with diabetes during the provincial election campaign. The site can be accessed by visiting bc.election.diabetes.ca and features information, engagement tools and resources to help British Columbians with diabetes have their voices heard during this election.

“Diabetes is an epidemic in Canada. In British Columbia, it is estimated more than 400,250 people are living with diabetes,” says Connie Abram, Regional Director, British Columbia and Yukon at the Canadian Diabetes Association. “This election provides British Columbians living with diabetes the chance to make leadership choices on diabetes-related issues.  Election Central will help voters learn about party positions and mobilize them to communicate to their candidates about issues essential to people living with diabetes in British Columbia.”

The Association’s three recommendations being made to candidates during the election campaign are:

1. Extending the coverage for insulin pumps to include all British Columbians with type 1 diabetes who would benefit as medically prescribed, regardless of age. All people with type 1 diabetes are at high risk of developing devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations. Expanding the insulin pump program to include people with type 1 diabetes over the age of 18 will not only help improve the quality of life of these individuals, but also reduce the burden on the publicly-funded healthcare system (save the province up to $5.3 million per year by 2032) by preventing or delaying serious and costly complications from diabetes. The BC NDP have promised to extend the age cap from 18 to 25 and the other parties are urged to take action as well.

2. Expanding the weight reduction support under the Healthy Families BC initiative to include people who are overweight, not only those who are obese. Over half of the adults and close to one in three children and youth in the province are overweight or obese. However, the provincial government’s Healthy Families BC program only provides support to obese people despite the fact that those who are overweight (BMI 25-30) carry a greater population risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This means more new cases of type 2 diabetes will come from those who are overweight rather than obese. We encourage the government to expand support for weight reduction to include people who are overweight.

3. Enhancing access to diabetes medications, devices and supplies to effectively prevent or delay secondary complications from diabetes. High out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-related medications, devices and supplies, as well as lack of access to recommended diabetes care, continue to be a barrier for many British Columbians with diabetes to effectively manage their disease. We encourage the government to improve access to affordable medications for diabetes, and implement measures to ensure British Columbians with diabetes receive all four tests as recommended: HbA1C test, urine protein test, dilated eye exam and foot check.

“Now, more than ever, the British Columbia government needs to invest strategically into accessible and cost-effective programs that will provide the greatest possible impact for people living with diabetes. By working together, we can meet the needs of people with diabetes in the province and reduce long-term costs to the healthcare system,” adds Abram.

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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on http://www.facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Randi Gill
Communications Manager, Western Canada
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (204) 588-7724
randi.gill@diabetes.ca

Canadian Diabetes Association urges political parties to include diabetes in their plans

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 1, 2013)—The Canadian Diabetes Association has launched Election Central, an online hub, designed to place a spotlight on the needs of British Columbians living with diabetes during the provincial election campaign. The site can be accessed by visiting bc.election.diabetes.ca and features information, engagement tools and resources to help British Columbians with diabetes have their voices heard during this election.

“Diabetes is an epidemic in Canada. In British Columbia, it is estimated more than 400,250 people are living with diabetes,” says Connie Abram, Regional Director, British Columbia and Yukon at the Canadian Diabetes Association. “This election provides British Columbians living with diabetes the chance to make leadership choices on diabetes-related issues.  Election Central will help voters learn about party positions and mobilize them to communicate to their candidates about issues essential to people living with diabetes in British Columbia.”

The Association’s three recommendations being made to candidates during the election campaign are:

1. Extending the coverage for insulin pumps to include all British Columbians with type 1 diabetes who would benefit as medically prescribed, regardless of age. All people with type 1 diabetes are at high risk of developing devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations. Expanding the insulin pump program to include people with type 1 diabetes over the age of 18 will not only help improve the quality of life of these individuals, but also reduce the burden on the publicly-funded healthcare system (save the province up to $5.3 million per year by 2032) by preventing or delaying serious and costly complications from diabetes. The BC NDP have promised to extend the age cap from 18 to 25 and the other parties are urged to take action as well.

2. Expanding the weight reduction support under the Healthy Families BC initiative to include people who are overweight, not only those who are obese. Over half of the adults and close to one in three children and youth in the province are overweight or obese. However, the provincial government’s Healthy Families BC program only provides support to obese people despite the fact that those who are overweight (BMI 25-30) carry a greater population risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This means more new cases of type 2 diabetes will come from those who are overweight rather than obese. We encourage the government to expand support for weight reduction to include people who are overweight.

3. Enhancing access to diabetes medications, devices and supplies to effectively prevent or delay secondary complications from diabetes. High out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-related medications, devices and supplies, as well as lack of access to recommended diabetes care, continue to be a barrier for many British Columbians with diabetes to effectively manage their disease. We encourage the government to improve access to affordable medications for diabetes, and implement measures to ensure British Columbians with diabetes receive all four tests as recommended: HbA1C test, urine protein test, dilated eye exam and foot check.

“Now, more than ever, the British Columbia government needs to invest strategically into accessible and cost-effective programs that will provide the greatest possible impact for people living with diabetes. By working together, we can meet the needs of people with diabetes in the province and reduce long-term costs to the healthcare system,” adds Abram.

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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on http://www.facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Randi Gill
Communications Manager, Western Canada
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (204) 588-7724
randi.gill@diabetes.ca

Toronto, April 29, 2013 - The Canadian Diabetes Association (the Association) has launched Diabetes365, a free and innovative online community where physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, diabetes educators and other healthcare professionals can exchange knowledge, share resources and post ideas on discussion boards on a variety of clinical diabetes topics and research.  Given the renewed emphasis on team-based care in the Canadian Diabetes Association’s recently released Clinical Practice Guidelines this community provides diabetes healthcare professionals with a unique place to collaborate.

The importance of this collaboration is highlighted by the fact that diabetes rates in Canada have doubled over the past decade, with one in every three Canadians projected to have diabetes or prediabetes by 2020.  If improperly managed, diabetes can lead to many devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations that significantly reduce the quality and length of life.

More than 1,400 people have already joined Diabetes365 and the community is projected to grow significantly over the next year.  To join the Diabetes365 community, healthcare professionals can register at http://www.diabetes365.ca to ensure their voice is heard and learn from their peers across the country.

“Diabetes365 will help the healthcare community bridge many of the communications gaps that exist today between the different healthcare professionals and organizations who must work effectively together to provide integrated care for the nine million Canadians living with diabetes and prediabetes,” says Jovita Sundaramoorthy, vice president of research and education for the Canadian Diabetes Association. “The Diabetes365 online community is a new way for professionals to connect, share their insights, opinions and knowledge on diabetes topics 365 days of the year.”

Diabetes365 was first piloted at the 2012 Canadian Diabetes Association’s Annual Professional Conference and was initially open only to conference delegates and Association members. The Association has since expanded the community, creating more than a dozen different areas and new resources to support Association members and diabetes healthcare professionals. Among these resources is a area to support utilization of the new Canadian diabetes care standards – the Canadian Diabetes Association’s 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines. The Association is creating more value for its members by augmenting many of its programs with Diabetes365 member-only areas for training workshops, educator executive teams, a national research council, diabetes education section chapter areas and much more.

Diabetes365 will support communications with Association membership, increase program and event engagement, enhance education offerings and more The community will also be an online focal point for the Association to connect with delegates of this year’s unique annual professional conference - Vascular 2013. Vascular 2013 is a one-time Canadian event which is bringing five key medical conferences under one roof in October.

Diabetes365 is being brought to life through collaboration between the Canadian Diabetes Association and TimedRight Inc.

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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit http://www.diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

About TimedRight
TimedRight™ Inc. operates an established online community, timedright.com, which connects thousands of healthcare professionals with hundreds of organizations across Canada.  The TimedRightTM network includes Communities operated by the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society, the Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, a number of Ontario LHINs, and many other healthcare organizations.

For more information, please contact:

Heath Applebaum
National Director, Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
P: (416) 408-7053
E: heath.applebaum@diabetes.ca
W: http://www.diabetes.ca

To learn more about TimedRight, please contact:

David Hill
TimedRight™ Inc.
P: (416) 850-0969
E: communications@timedright.com
W: http://www.timedright.com

Canadian Diabetes Association encourages all parties to make a commitment

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (April 25, 2013) – The Canadian Diabetes Association welcomes the BC NDP’s recent announcement to extend coverage of the provincial insulin pump program to young adults aged 19 to 25 if they are elected to government.

“The Canadian Diabetes Association commends the BC NDP for recognizing the needs of people living with diabetes in British Columbia,” says Connie Abram, Regional Director, British Columbia and Yukon at the Canadian Diabetes Association. “People living with diabetes are at high-risk of developing serious long-term complications such as kidney failure, heart attack and limb amputation. This commitment is a good first step towards what we hope will be a program to make insulin pumps available to all British Columbians with type 1 diabetes who are medically eligible, so they are better equipped to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.”

Presently, the British Columbia insulin pump program covers individuals with type 1 diabetes or other forms of diabetes requiring insulin up to age 18. “All people with type 1 diabetes are at high-risk of developing one or more serious long-term complication. Investing into an expanded publicly-funded insulin pump program for all clinically eligible British Columbians living with type 1 diabetes will not only improve health outcomes, but will also save the province $5.3 million per year by 2032 by preventing and delaying serious and costly complications from diabetes,” adds Abram. “We are encouraged that Adrian Dix has called this commitment a first step towards coverage for all ages, and we urge all parties to support an expansion to the insulin pump program for those with type 1 diabetes who would benefit as medically prescribed, regardless of age.”

The current age limit cap puts a significant financial hardship on young people once coverage ends at age 18. The average out-of-pocket expenses for people with type 1 diabetes who use an insulin pump to manage their disease total well over $3,200 per year in BC. If individuals are not able to manage their diabetes well, it also puts a significant financial strain on the healthcare system due to the complications they may experience. Complications from diabetes account for 80 per cent of diabetes costs to the healthcare system.

“My 4-year old daughter and I live with type 1 diabetes. Ongoing insulin pump assistance would be very beneficial in BC. I don’t want to move, but the fear of being unable to afford a replacement pump for myself and my daughter is a concern for my family and my child’s well-being,” says Tanyss Christie, resident in Chilliwack, British Columbia. “I am encouraged by the announcement made by the BC NDP and encourage other parties to make a commitment.”

Insulin pumps are an alternative technology to multiple daily insulin injections for intensive therapy of diabetes.  About the size of a pager, the portable, programmable insulin pumps deliver fast-acting insulin through plastic tubing connected to an insertion site on the body. Switching from daily insulin injections to an insulin pump can offer better control of blood glucose levels, reduce costs to the healthcare system and increase the quality of life for thousands of British Columbians living with type 1 diabetes.

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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Randi Gill
Communications Manager, Western Canada
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (204) 925-3800, ext. 234
Cell: (204) 588-7724
randi.gill@diabetes.ca

The Canadian Diabetes Association has recently partnered with Manitoba Public Insurance, Univar and StandardAreo to do workplace presentations to raise awareness and educate their employees about diabetes. 

Our new “Making ‘Cents’ of Healthy Eating: Eat Well, Pay Less” presentation was presented in March as we celebrated nutrition month. Combined, more than 100 staff at these three companies learned tips to save money, while eating healthy meals. We also used our new diabetesGPS game wheel where employees had an opportunity to win prizes by providing the correct answers to healthy living questions. Prizes included skipping ropes, snack containers, lunch bags and water bottles. We thank them for inviting us to share our information with them.

If you know of a workplace where this kind of knowledge might be helpful, please contact Heather at 204-925-3800, ext. 226 or heather.beckstead@diabetes.ca

MPI - http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Pages/default.aspx
Univar – http://www.univarcanada.com/
StandardAero - http://standardaero.com/

Clothesline® program announces 70 events, one day, with a chance for donors to win a trip to London, England

TORONTO, ONTARIO (April 23, 2013) – The days are longer, birds are chirping, the grass is greener – and spring cleaning season is upon us! Clothesline® wants to give you the ‘loyal treatment’ Saturday, May 18, when you support the Clothesline® program by donating your gently used clothing, cell phones and other small electronics. The third annual ‘Fill A Truck’ event will take place nationwide in more than 70 communities and every qualified donation enters you in a draw to win a trip for two to London, England for a week.*

Visit diabetes.ca/fillatruck to find an event near you and for full contest rules and regulations.100 per cent of net proceeds raised by the Clothesline® program directly support the Canadian Diabetes Association and their world-leading diabetes research, education, advocacy and important programs like D-Camps. Donating to Clothesline® not only helps the more than nine million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes, it also helps our environment by diverting materials that may otherwise end up in landfill.

If unable to donate on May 18, donors can always schedule a FREE pick-up right from their front door by visiting diabetes.ca/clothesline or by calling the toll-free number 1-800-505-5525. Donors can also drop off a sealed clothing and cloth-based donation at any one of our 1,875 red Clothesline® donation bins located across Canada (visit diabetes.ca/dropbox to locate your nearest donation bin).  Clothesline® happily accepts reusable clothing, all cloth-based items, shoes, boots, books, jewelry, toys, cell phones, cameras, laptops and much more (all electronic items should be sealed in a separate plastic bag).

“We are very proud to celebrate more than 28 years of service in communities across Canada as well as supporting the millions of Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes,” says Janelle Robertson, Executive Director, Clothesline®.”

*All event and terms / conditions for Fill A Truck 2013 at diabetes.ca/fillatruck

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About Clothesline®
Each year, Clothesline® diverts more than 46 million kilograms of clothing and household items from our landfills. This energy savings is equivalent to planting 8.2 million trees each year or the ability to drive a compact car around the globe 41,000 times. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at /donate2clothesline and follow us on Twitter @go2clothesline

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call
1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Clayton S. Claveau
National Manager, Marketing & Communications
Clothesline®
416-408-7113
clayton.claveau@diabetes.ca

The Canadian Diabetes Association is pleased to announce that Canadian Footwear and Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) have renewed their support through the Proud Supporter Program.

The Canadian Diabetes Association is pleased to announce a renewed Proud Supporter Partnership with Canadian Footwear.  Canadian Footwear puts special focus on its customers’ needs by providing education, service and the best in quality footwear and accessories together with their “We Fit You” experience.  Their staff is expertly trained to provide you the perfect fit, everytime.  Canadian Footwear has chosen to become a Proud Supporter of the Canadian Diabetes Association because they support our mission and values.  We wish to thank Brian Scharfstein, President, CEO, his partner Pam Cipryk and their team for supporting the Canadian Diabetes Association.

The Canadian Diabetes Association is pleased to announce the renewal of Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) Proud Supporter Partnership. MAHCP is a union of health care professionals dedicated to protecting, advocating for, and advancing the rights of its members through labour relations activities. MAHCP has been a Proud Supporter of the Canadian Diabetes Association since 2009. They represent more than 3800 healthcare professionals throughout the province in over 150 different disciplines. MAHCP members are caring and compassionate healthcare professionals that have identified diabetes and the prevalence as a growing concern and are committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected.

New recommendations enable personalized treatment approach for more than nine million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes

The Canadian Diabetes Association today released its 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada (the Guidelines) that aim to improve prevention strategies and the quality of care for those living with the disease.

The importance of these Guidelines is highlighted by the fact that diabetes rates in Canada have doubled over the past decade, with one in every three Canadians projected to have either diabetes or prediabetes by 2020. If improperly managed, diabetes can lead to many devastating secondary complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations, which can significantly reduce the quality and length of life. Accordingly, these new Guidelines will be crucial for both the medical community and the growing number of people affected by diabetes from coast-to-coast.

“Each person’s experience with diabetes can be different and the best way to manage the disease involves addressing their unique needs and tailoring a treatment plan to best meet those needs,” says Dr. Jan Hux, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Canadian Diabetes Association.  “The new Guidelines allow healthcare professionals to determine the best early management and treatment path to help reduce the potential for serious complications down the road.”

The Guidelines were developed through a rigorous process by an expert committee of 120 leading health professionals across the country. They carefully identified, evaluated, synthesized the latest scientific evidence and then translated actionable recommendations for people living with diabetes and their healthcare team.  This edition of the Guidelines highlights:

• New approaches, such as using the A1C test—a single, practical measure of average blood glucose—to help diagnose people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes without the need to abstain from eating for 12 hours.


• Clearer diagnostic criteria. Under the new recommendations, people with an A1C level of 6.5 per cent or greater will be diagnosed with diabetes and those with an A1C level of 6.0-6.4 per cent will be diagnosed with prediabetes.


• Innovative new ways to select treatment targets that reflect the clinical condition and personal goals of the individual. For example, sets of newly defined factors, such as age, how long the person has lived with diabetes and whether or not they have heart disease will help establish individual care plans towards improving quality of life.


• New ways to protect people living with diabetes from heart attack, stroke and other diabetes-related complications.
  
  • An emphasis on vascular protection for all adults living with diabetes is recommended and may include active treatment strategies to prevent blood vessel related complications including new educational tools, adopting lifestyle changes and considering heart-protecting medications.

In addition, new interactive web-based tools for both healthcare providers and people with diabetes are now available at guidelines.diabetes.ca and will bring the new Guidelines to life, helping to simplify assessment and personalizing the management of the disease.

Developed by experts across 19 different medical disciplines, the Canadian Diabetes Association Guidelines are internationally recognized and the 2013 edition provides new recommendations based on the most up-to-date, published clinical data published since 2008.

New 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines Highlights

Screening and Diagnosis of Diabetes - Know Your Number, Know Your Diagnosis

In an effort to identify Canadians who are unaware that they are living with diabetes or prediabetes, the Guidelines offer more ways to identify those at risk.  Screening for type 2 diabetes should be performed every three years for all Canadians over 40 years of age, or earlier and more frequently in those with risk factors.

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease - Protect Your Heart (Know your ABCDEs)

Heart disease is a major cause of death and disability for people living with diabetes. The new Guidelines encourages people living with diabetes to know their heart health ABCDEs and works to educate healthcare teams to address them:

A - A1C (a measure of average blood glucose) in optimal range

B - Blood pressure optimally controlled

C- Cholesterol in target range

D - Drugs - heart-protecting medications for the right patients

E - Exercise and other lifestyle measures

S - Stop Smoking

Lowering Blood Glucose Levels - Managing Your “Blood Sugars”

Managing blood glucose levels can reduce the risk of diabetes-related health problems. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends that the vast majority of people living with diabetes should be targeting an A1C of seven per cent. However, there may be situations when the target should be changed to best suit the individual—the new Guidelines define those specific scenarios.

Additional recommendations from the 2013 Guidelines include specific strategies for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes in children and Aboriginal peoples, and new approaches for the delivery of integrated care and effective self-management of the disease.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association

The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure.

Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For further information:

For more information or to schedule an interview with diabetes medical experts or Canadians living with diabetes, please contact:

Heath Applebaum
National Director of Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (416) 408-7053
Mobile: (416) 834-0171
heath.applebaum@diabetes.ca

Tamara Macgregor
Weber Shandwick
Tel: (416) 642-7914
tmacgregor@webershandwick.com

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (April 5, 2013) – The Canadian Diabetes Association commends the Government of Nova Scotia for the recent 2013 budget announcement for improved support for children and young adults living with type 1 diabetes. New funding will be used to provide insulin pumps to individuals 19 years of age and younger, and supplies for insulin pumps to individuals under 25 years of age.

“We applaud the Government of Nova Scotia for an important investment in diabetes,” says Lisa Matte, regional director, Nova Scotia, Canadian Diabetes Association. “An insulin pump program will not only improve the health and quality of life for many Nova Scotians living with type 1 diabetes, but will also improve the sustainability of the province’s healthcare system.”

Insulin pumps are an alternative technology to multiple daily insulin injections for intensive therapy of diabetes.  About the size of a pager, the portable, programmable insulin pumps deliver fast-acting insulin through plastic tubing connected to an insertion site on the body. Switching from daily insulin injections to an insulin pump can offer better control of blood glucose levels, reduce costs to the healthcare system and increase the quality of life for thousands of Nova Scotians living with type 1 diabetes.

Families such as the MacDonald’s from Shubenacadie will directly benefit from the recent announcement. “For us it will mean that our daughter will no longer have to take multiple daily injections, and she’ll be more of a kid again and give her a sense of independence,” says April MacDonald. “An insulin pump will also decrease some of the health complications because she’ll be better able to manage her diabetes.”

The number of people living with diabetes in Nova Scotia is projected to rise from 90,000 in 2012 to 157,000 by 2032. Of that group, the number of people living with type 1 will rise from 2,900 in 2012 to 3,900 by 2032.

“The Association looks forward to working closely with government to ensure that the program meets the needs of eligible Nova Scotians living with type 1 diabetes who would benefit from an insulin pump,” adds Matte.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Sherry Calder
Senior Manager, Regional Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (902) 453-3529
Cell: (902) 210-1799
sherry.calder@diabetes.ca

TORONTO, ON (March 22, 2013) - Diabetes advocates are traveling from across the province to gather for an exciting day of developmental workshops. The day-long event is organized to help advocates strengthen their skills in advocacy, communication and social and traditional media relations.  The Ontario Advocacy Leadership Training Day takes place on March 23, 2013, and is hosted by the Canadian Diabetes Association.

“Our volunteer advocates are vital to the Association,” says Christine Albee, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Ontario for the Canadian Diabetes Association. “They help the Association to positively influence change and improve the lives of people living with diabetes in Ontario. It’s crucial that we empower them with information and support to succeed.”

The workshops are intended to enhance advocacy skills and strengthen the voice of diabetes in Ontario. Currently, more than 1.3 million Ontarians are living with diabetes, and that number is expected to rise to more than 1.9 million by 2020.
“The Association is grateful to our dedicated advocates,” says Albee. “We truly thank them for their commitment to helping make a lasting difference for people with diabetes in Ontario.”
To learn more about how you can become an advocate for the Canadian Diabetes Association, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-Banting (226-8464).

About the Canadian Diabetes Association

The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For more information, please contact:
Katie Ostler
Communications Manager, Ontario
Canadian Diabetes Association
P: (416) 408-7088
E: katie.ostler@diabetes.ca

Join the Canadian Diabetes Association's Joanne Lewis for a live Twitter Chat this Nutrition Month

Did you know that only 37 per cent of Canadians plan their meals in advance? Whether you are new to diabetes or not, meal-planning is key to managing your diabetes and controlling your blood glucose.

Join the Canadian Diabetes Association's Joanne Lewis, registered dietitian and diabetes educator, for a live twitter chat on planning, shopping and cooking for diabetes.

When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Where: Twitter (@diabetesassoc)
How: login using your own twitter account

Follow our hashtag #CDAchat and join the discussion by Tweeting your questions to @DiabetesAssoc. You can also send us your questions in advance by Tuesday, March 26, 2013, to socialmedia@diabetes.ca.

For more information and updates, you can also follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation

More about Joanne Lewis , RD CDE

Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator

Joanne Lewis is the manager of diabetes education for the Canadian Diabetes Association, where she is responsible for the development of diabetes education tools for health-care professionals and people living with diabetes. She has nearly 20 years of experience as a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator working in both hospital and community-based programs. She has also worked with the Toronto Central Diabetes Regional Coordination Centre, where she facilitated opportunities for collaboration and system improvements in the care of diabetes.

Joanne has a passion for providing diabetes education opportunities for health-care providers. At both The Michener Institute and the Ontario Pharmacists Association, Joanne collaborated in the development and implementation of professional education programs. She has also been involved in the development and dissemination of the Diabetes Conversation Maps™ as a subject matter expert and expert trainer.

She has presented at local, national and international conferences on a variety of diabetes and chronic disease related topics and has served as an advisor and reviewer for professional organizations and journals.

Nova Scotians support an insulin pump program
Poll reveals 91 per cent strongly favour a publicly-funded insulin pump program

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (March 21, 2013) - In a new public poll commissioned by the Canadian Diabetes Association and conducted by Nova Scotia research firm Corporate Research Associates Inc., an overwhelming 91 per cent of Nova Scotians surveyed support a publicly-funded insulin pump program. Nova Scotia is one of only two remaining provinces in Canada that does not have an insulin pump program in place to support people living with type 1 diabetes. Implementing a program will not only improve health outcomes for Nova Scotians living with diabetes, but will save the province $1.4 million by 2032.

"We welcomed statements made last month by the Ministry of Health indicating that diabetes is a priority for their department as well as support by the Progressive Conservatives and Liberal Party for a publicly-funded insulin pump program. Tremendous public attention has also been received for a local grassroots petition in the province in support of a pump program," says Jake Reid, Government Relations & Advocacy Director, Atlantic Canada for the Canadian Diabetes Association. "Our poll results confirm that Nova Scotians want to see a program implemented in the province as soon as possible."

Insulin pumps are an alternative technology to multiple daily insulin injections for intensive therapy of diabetes. About the size of a pager, the portable, programmable insulin pumps deliver fast-acting insulin through plastic tubing connected to an insertion site on the body. Without a publicly-funded insulin pump program, people living with type 1 diabetes who are clinically eligible to use a pump in Nova Scotia to better manage their disease face average personal expenses totalling between $4,000 to $7,000 per year-an amount very few can afford.

"I started crying when the doctor told me and my parents that I have type 1 diabetes," says Rob Lawson, 21, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. "I was able to manage my diabetes with an insulin pump when I was under my parent's health insurance. When I turned 19 years old I no longer had medical coverage and had to stop using my insulin pump. It's been difficult managing my diabetes with insulin injections and blood glucose testing six to eight times daily. I had perfect eyesight until I went off the pump; my organs are failing and I have extreme nerve damage and fear that future amputations await me. The way I am living is not enjoyable at all; I'm depressed, because I know that I will die early in extreme pain and plugged into a wall. An insulin pump is not a luxury; it leads to better health. Life is precious, we only get once chance and I would like to enjoy mine."

Diabetes in Nova Scotia is expected to rise from 90,000 people in 2012 to 157,000 people by 2032. Of this total, the estimated number of people living with type 1 diabetes is estimated at 2,900 people in 2012, and is projected to rise to 3,900 by 2032. The prevalence rates in Nova Scotia are well above the national average and are the third highest in the country.

"The Canadian Diabetes Association urges the Government of Nova Scotia to take the next step in addressing diabetes in the province by investing into a publicly-funded insulin pump program for people living with type 1 diabetes who are clinically eligible for a pump," adds Reid.

About the Poll
From February 18 to March 11, 2013, a telephone poll was conducted among a random sample of 405 Nova Scotians selected to match the geographical distribution of the population within the region of residents 18 years of age and older. The margin of error on the full base - which measures sampling variability is +/- 4.9 per cent. The confidence level is 95 per cent (95 times out of 100). Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us onfacebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Sherry Calder
Senior Manager, Regional Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (902) 453-3529
Cell: (902) 210-1799
sherry.calder@diabetes.ca

Jake Reid
Director, Government Relations and Advocacy
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel : (506) 451-1621
Cell : (506) 470-5769
jake.reid@diabetes.ca

Canadian Diabetes Association applauds new publicly-funded program

EDMONTON, ALBERTA (March 7, 2013) – The Canadian Diabetes Association commends the Government of Alberta for today’s 2013 provincial budget announcement of a new insulin pump therapy program for eligible Albertans living with type 1 diabetes.

“We applaud the Government of Alberta for its commitment and investment into diabetes,” says Quincey Kirschner, Government Relations Director, British Columbia and Alberta, Canadian Diabetes Association. “This program will not only improve the health and quality of life for many Albertans living with type 1 diabetes, but will also improve the sustainability of the province’s healthcare system.”

Insulin pumps are an alternative technology to multiple daily insulin injections for intensive therapy of diabetes.  About the size of a pager, the portable, programmable insulin pumps deliver fast-acting insulin through plastic tubing connected to an insertion site on the body. Switching from daily insulin injections to an insulin pump can offer better control of blood glucose levels, reduce costs to the healthcare system and increase the quality of life for thousands of Albertans living with type 1 diabetes.

“My six-year-old son Max was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14 months and started using an insulin pump after his third birthday,” says Michelle MacPhee, Calgary resident. “Max loved his pump from the very start; it meant that he didn’t have to take painful multiple daily injections. He no longer had to fear all of those needles. The pump has made a huge difference. Now Max feels so much better, has more energy and can enjoy life much like any other kid. In the longer term, research has proven that there are likely to also be fewer health complications, because he’s better able to manage his diabetes.”

Diabetes in Alberta is expected to rise from 245,000 people in 2012 to 544,000 people by 2032. Of this total, the estimated number of people living with type 1 diabetes is estimated at 13,800 people in 2012, and is projected to rise to 24,400 by 2032. From 2010 to 2020, Alberta will experience a 67 per cent increase in diabetes diagnoses—the highest rate increase in Canada.

“The Association looks forward to working closely with government to ensure that the program meets the needs of all eligible Albertans living with type 1 diabetes who would benefit from an insulin pump,” adds Kirschner.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Randi Gill
Communications Manager, Western Canada
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (204) 925-3800, ext. 234
Cell: (204) 588-7724
randi.gill@diabetes.ca

It should not matter where you live in Canada if you have diabetes—but it does.

Alberta is one of only three remaining provinces in Canada that currently does not have an insulin pump program to support people living with type 1 diabetes.

Last October, the Government of Alberta announced that a publicly-funded insulin pump program will be available for all Albertans living with type 1 diabetes who are clinically eligible by spring 2013.

See the media coverage:

Calgary Herald
CBC
Global TV Edmonton

A government investment into a publicly-funded insulin pump program will not only improve health outcomes for the more than 13,800 Albertans living with type 1 diabetes, but will save the province up to $10.8 million by 2032. Please refer to our report for more information.

We invite you to participate and support our social media campaign that aims to emphasize to the government the importance of honouring its commitment to Albertans living with type 1 diabetes.

What can you do?

• Follow us on Twitter at @DiabetesAssoc and re-tweet our messages to your networks using the hashtag #PumpsforAB.
• Join our Facebook page at facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation and share the Canadian Diabetes Association posts with your networks.
• Send messages to Alberta political officials, including:

Premier Alison Redford
@Premier_Redford
Facebook page

MLA David Dorward
@DavidDorward

Health Minister Fred Horne
@FredHorneMLA
Facebook page

Finance Minister Doug Horner
Facebook page

Alberta Government
@YourAlberta
Facebook page

The Canadian Diabetes Association and the thousands of families and children affected by type 1 diabetes in Alberta look forward to the government keeping its commitment to implement an insulin pump program in the province.

Join the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Jan Hux for a live twitter discussion on diabetes’ impact on women.

When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Where: Twitter (@diabetesassoc)
How: login using your own twitter account

Follow our hashtag #iwddiabetes and join the discussion by Tweeting your questions to @DiabetesAssoc. You can also send us your questions in advance by Tuesday, March 5, 2013, to socialmedia@diabetes.ca for inclusion in the discussion.

For more information and updates, you can also follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation

About Dr. Jan Hux:

Dr. Hux is the Chief Scientific Advisor at the Canadian Diabetes Association where she provides scientific and strategic input to the research, educational and communications activities of the Association. Prior to joining the Association in 2012, she was a Senior Scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) where for over 15 years she carried out health services research in the areas of diabetes, end stage renal disease and drug utilization. She is also a clinician with training in general internal medicine. Dr. Hux has received research support from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Physicians’ Services Incorporated and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto in the Departments of Medicine and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation and an Adjunct Scientist at ICES.

Diabetes champions honoured with
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals
Canadian Diabetes Association proudly announces medal recipients

TORONTO, ONTARIO (February 26, 2 013) - The Canadian Diabetes Association is honoured to acknowledge 30 recipients with Diamond Jubilee commemorative medals representing outstanding Canadians who provide essential diabetes support. Recipients include hard working volunteers who help raise funds, support research for a cure and passionate advocates who raise awareness for the cause and a compelling voice for Canadians living with diabetes. Winners also include dedicated healthcare professionals working on the front lines to help people manage their disease every single day.

Across Canada, 60,000 Canadians, including individuals in the diabetes community are being recognized for their contributions to their community and country earning this prestigious Diamond Jubilee medal.

"These medal recipients demonstrate a true dedication to making a difference in the lives of the more than nine million Canadians who live with diabetes or prediabetes," says Doug Macnamara, President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. "On behalf of the Association, I would like to congratulate all recipients for their tremendous contributions to the diabetes community and express our sincere appreciation for all who were nominated."

The Diamond Jubilee Medal Program was created by the Government of Canada to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as the Queen of Canada. Members of the general public were asked to nominate individuals for the medal program, which is administered by the Chancellery of Honours, as part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.

Medal recipients recognized for their remarkable work in the diabetes community include:

Aden Brubacher - Elmira, ON
Alice Van Ankum - Drayton, ON
Dr. Anne Kenshole - Toronto, ON
Dr. Brian Rodrigues - Vancouver, BC
Dr. Bruce Verchere - Vancouver, BC
Dr. Dan Metzger - Vancouver, BC
Dr. David Miller - Vancouver, BC
Doreen Hatton - Vancouver, BC
Fran Moreau - Midland, ON
George Steiner - Toronto, ON
Hannah Martin - Sault St.Marie, ON
Dr. Herbert Gaisano - Toronto, ON
Irma Ternan - Harriston, ON
John Bowles - Vancouver, BC
John Camelford - Guelph, ON
Dr. John Hunt - Vancouver, BC
Ken Wade - Dryden, ON
Dr. Kwang Yang - Surrey, BC
Louise Marshall - Eden Mills, ON
Mary Durnford - Cambridge, ON
Dr. Maureen Clement - Armstrong, BC
Dr. Michael Vallis - Halifax, NS
Nel Peach - Vancouver, BC
Peter McDougall - Fredericton, NB
Robert Gawley - Regina, SK
Sebastien Sasseville - Quebec City, QC
Shawn Shepheard - Toronto, ON
Sue Shafer - Victoria, BC
Dr. Tom Best - Saskatoon, SK
Vince Perdue - Sudbury, ON

"Medal presentation ceremonies are being held across Canada to celebrate these outstanding individuals who are committed to helping people and the fight against diabetes," adds Macnamara. "The mission of the Association is brought to life through the actions of our volunteers. The contributions of these medal recipients are an example of the Association's dedicated work across Canada."

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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Heath Applebaum
Director of Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: (416) 408-7053
heath.applebaum@diabetes.ca