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Author: Linxi Mytkolli

DAC Training and Mentorship Program Mentorship and Internship Awards 2019-2020

Written by Linxi Mytkolli on . Posted in News, News - French. No Comments on DAC Training and Mentorship Program Mentorship and Internship Awards 2019-2020

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We are pleased to announce the successful recipients of the 2019-2020 Patient-Oriented Research Intercentre Trainee Internship Awards and their affiliations:

 

1- Celia Laur – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, WIHV, Women’s College Hospital

 

2– Heather Kewageshig – PhD (in progress), Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto

 

Congratulations and good luck to the Diabetes Action Canada 2019-2020 Awardees!

The Innovations in T1D Research Program has Started a New Research Trial

Written by Linxi Mytkolli on . Posted in Uncategorised.

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Researchers in Toronto (Bruce Perkins MD) and Montreal (Ahmad Haidar PhD) and their teams have started the “Closed Loop ASSessment 17 (CLASS17)” study investigating how a pill used for the management of type 2 diabetes can help a hybrid closed loop insulin pump system work better to achieve time-in-target blood sugar levels for those with type 1 diabetes. The pill is a type of Sodium-Glucose Linked Transporter (SGLT) inhibitor that lowers blood sugar by increasing the urinary excretion of sugar. The hybrid closed loop system uses a Dexcom sensor, a Tandem insulin pump, and the McGill Artificial Pancreas algorithm run on an Android phone.

For more information about the study, see https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03979352?term=CLASS17&rank=1 or e-mail Class17@lunenfeld.ca

Diabetes Canada Professionals Conference Halifax 2018 – Le rapport de la conférence scientifique est disponible

Written by Linxi Mytkolli on . Posted in News - French.

En octobre 2018, Diabetes Canada a tenu sa conférence professionnelle annuelle à Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse. Action diabète Canada a aidé deux patients partenaires, Doug Mumford et Robert Fenton, en tant qu’ambassadeurs scientifiques, à participer à la conférence de Diabetes Canada et à participer à des séances présentant un intérêt. Nous sommes heureux d’avoir un rapport complet sur leurs expériences à la conférence. Voir ci-dessous pour le rapport complet.

LES THÈMES GÉNÉRAUX QUE LES AMBASSADEURS ONT RETIRÉS DE LA CONFÉRENCE :

  1. Traiter l’esprit ainsi que le corps. La nécessité de traiter l’esprit ainsi que le corps. Et de mesurer l’esprit – en particulier la volonté du patient de changer de comportement en faveur de l’autogestion.
  2.  Évaluer la volonté des patients de changer de comportement avant de proposer un plan de traitement.
  3. Faire un suivi auprès de chaque patient – les cliniciens et les éducateurs doivent surveiller la conformité et les résultats.
  4. Les données sont une clé absolue du succès de la gestion du diabète, tant au niveau personnel qu’au niveau de la population.
  5. De véritables soins centrés sur le patient sont essentiels. On parle beaucoup de prise de décision partagée avec le patient et de la nécessité de faire un suivi après les visites initiales. Ceci s’applique
    particulièrement aux personnes vivant avec le type 2 qui ont tendance à être vues seulement quelques fois par un centre d’éducation et un endocrinologue. Ensuite le médecin de famille est censé continuer le traitement. Cela ne fonctionne pas très bien.
  6. L’HbA1c est sur le point d’être remplacé par deux chiffres : Durée dans la cible et durée en hypo. Comme ≥ 75 % et ≤ 3 %.
  7. De nouveaux développements dans les systèmes de surveillance de la glycémie et d’administration d’insuline rendent la gestion du diabète plus facile et plus efficace.
  8. L’obésité n’est pas curable et les meilleures pratiques de traitement actuelles ne sont pas évolutives (chirurgie bariatrique et modification du comportement cognitif).
  9. La prévention et le traitement précoce des complications sont cruciaux.
  10. Les guides de pratique clinique 2018 ont été mis à jour pour devenir une application et un site Web. Ils constituent un outil exceptionnel pour les cliniciens, les éducateurs et les patients.
  11. Inspiration : Il n’existe aucune limite à ce que les personnes vivant avec le diabète peuvent être, faire ou accomplir!
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L’ambassadeur scientifique, Doug Mumford, à côté de l’affiche du répertoire national sur le diabète de 2018 à Halifax.

Le rapport de l’atelier annuel d’Action diabète Canada est maintenant disponible!

Written by Linxi Mytkolli on . Posted in News - French.

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Les 31 mai et 1er juin 2019, les membres d’Action diabète Canada se sont rassemblés dans le cadre de son quatrième atelier annuel. Après trois années d’activité complètes, nous avons souligné nos nombreuses réalisations, présentées par des patients partenaires, des chercheurs, des stagiaires, des médecins et des partenaires.

De l’avis général, l’atelier annuel 2019 d’Action diabète Canada a été le plus réussi jusqu’à présent!  Nous étions ravis de pouvoir rassembler les membres de notre équipe, qui exerce ses activités d’un océan à l’autre. Cela leur a donné l’occasion d’établir des liens, de solidifier leur réseau et d’apprendre les uns des autres. En tout, nous avons accueilli 112 participants, dont 29 patients partenaires, 41 chercheurs et 8 invités, notamment Tia Moffat, chef de projet, Initiatives principales IRSC-SRAP, ainsi que Norm Rosenblum et Mary-Jo Makarachuk, respectivement directeur et directrice adjointe de l’Institut de la nutrition, du métabolisme et du diabète des IRSC.

Cette année, nous avons présenté nos résultats de recherche de façon tangible dans le cadre de diverses activités, y compris une séance interactive d’affiches, de brefs exposés oraux, des séances plénières, des séances en atelier et un discours liminaire. Toutes ces activités étaient adaptées à notre auditoire diversifié composé de patients partenaires, de décideurs, de leaders des IRSC, de chercheurs et d’utilisateurs des connaissances de nombreuses disciplines. Cette année, nous avons également eu l’honneur d’entendre nos patients partenaires nous expliquer ce que vivre avec le diabète signifie et leur rôle de conseiller dans les projets de recherche. Cette tribune donnée aux patients nous a vivement rappelé pourquoi Action diabète Canada est si motivé à produire des résultats de recherche qui serviront aux personnes qui vivent avec le diabète. Les commentaires reçus à propos de notre atelier ont été très positifs et de nombreux participants ont applaudi la diversité des activités, la possibilité de participer à des séances en atelier ainsi que les témoignages des patients partenaires.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous un compte rendu détaillé de l’événement.

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Diabetes Canada Professionals Conference Halifax 2018 – Scientific Ambassadors Final Report Now Available

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In October 2018, Diabetes Canada held its annual professional conference in Halifax, NS.  Diabetes Action Canada supported two Patient Partners, Doug Mumford and Robert Fenton, as Scientific Ambassadors, to attend the Diabetes Canada Conference and participate in sessions of interest.  We are pleased to now have a full report on their experiences at the conference.  Please see below for both an English and French version of this report.

In summary the Scientific Ambassadors took away from the conference:

  1. Treat the mind as well as the body. Necessity of treating the mind as well as the body.  And of measuring the mind – especially the willingness for the patient to change their behavior in favor of self-management.
  2. Assess the patients’ willingness to change their behavior before offering a treatment plan.
  3. Follow up with each patient – clinicians and educators need to monitor compliance and results.
  4. Data is an absolute key to success in diabetes management at the personal as well as the population level.
  5. True patient-centered care is vital. Lots of talk about Shared Decision Making (SDM) with the patient, and about the necessity to follow up after initial visits.  This especially applied to people living with Type 2 who tend to be seen only a few times by an education centre and endocrinologist, then the family doctor is expected to continue from there.  It doesn’t work that well.
  6. A1c is on the way to being replaced by two numbers:  Time in Target, and Time in Hypo.  Like ≥75% and ≤3%.
  7. New developments in glucose monitoring and insulin delivery systems are making diabetes management easier and more effective.
  8. Obesity is not curable, and current best treatment practices are not scalable (bariatric surgery and cognitive behavior modification).
  9. Prevention and early treatment of complications is crucial.
  10. Clinical Practice Guidelines 2018 have been updated to an “app” as well as a website, and are an outstanding tool for clinicians, educators, and patients.
  11. Inspiration: There are no limits to what people with diabetes can be, do, or accomplish!

 

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Scientific Ambassador, Doug Mumford next to the National Diabetes Repository Poster presented at the 2018 Diabetes Canada Professional Conference in Halifax, NS

Diabetes Action Canada Annual Workshop Report now Available!

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On May 31st- June 1st, 2019, member of Diabetes Action Canada came together for its fourth Annual Workshop. After three full years in operation, we highlighted our many accomplishments – presented by Patient Partners, Investigators, Trainees, Clinicians and Partners.

By all accounts, our 2019 Diabetes Action Canada Annual Workshop, was the most successful yet!  We were thrilled to bring our team that spans the nation, together in person to connect, network, and learn from each other.  In total we had 112 participants at our event, including 29 Patient Partners, 41 Investigators and 8 guests, including Tia Moffat, Project Lead CIHR-SPOR Major Initiatives, Norm Rosenblum, Director, and Mary-Jo Makarachuk, Assistant Director of the CIHR Institute for Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes.

This year we presented our tangible research outcomes in a variety of activities including, interactive poster session, rapid-fire oral presentations, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and keynote address.   All these activities were tailors to our diverse audience of Patient Partners, Policy Decision-Makers, CIHR leaders, investigators and knowledge users from many disciplines.  This year, we were also honoured to hear the stories of our Patient Partners and their experiences living with diabetes and advising on research projects.  This patient narrative was a compelling reminder of the why Diabetes Action Canada is so motivated to create research outcomes that are applicable to those living with diabetes.  The feedback we received from our Workshop was very positive with comments lauding the diversity of activities, the opportunities to participate in break-out sessions, and the inclusion of Patient Partner stories.

A full account of the event can be found below.

*French version is forthcoming*

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Série d’apprentissage estival 2019 du réseau BRILLEnfant

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Le réseau BRILLEnfant est ravi de vous annoncer que l’inscription à notre Série d’apprentissage estival 2019 (SAE) est ouverte! La SAE est une occasion pour les participants de se rassembler virtuellement et d’approfondir différents sujets liés à la recherche axée sur le patient.

Cette année, nous organiserons 4 webinaires gratuits et ouverts aux membres des différentes réseaux SRAP / Unités de SOUTIEN et au grand public. Vous pouvez en savoir plus sur chaque session et vous inscrire en utilisant les liens fournis ci-dessous :

Horaire de la Série d’apprentissage estival 2019 du réseau BRILLEnfant :

Le 11 juin
Trust and Teamwork: Best Practices for Collaborative Research

Le 27 juin
Enhancing Participation in Research

Le 17 juillet
Reciprocity: A Framework for Families and Researchers to Move on a Two-Way Street

Le 22 août
Supporting First Nation-Centred Research & Meaningful Collaboration

Les places sont limitées, alors réservez la vôtre dès aujourd’hui!

Nous attendons avec impatience votre participation et votre contribution à ces discussions importantes. Pour toutes questions ou commentaires, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter à pierre.zwiegers@child-bright.ca.

CHILD-BRIGHT’s 2019 Summer Learning Series

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CHILD-BRIGHT is thrilled to announce that registration for our 2019 Summer Learning Series (SLS) is now open! The SLS is an opportunity for participants to virtually gather and delve deeper into different topics related to patient-oriented research.

This year we will be hosting 4 webinars that are free and open to members of various SPOR Networks / SUPPORT Units and the general public. Learn more about each session and register using the links provided below:

CHILD-BRIGHT’s 2019 Summer Learning Series Schedule:
June 11
Trust and Teamwork: Best Practices for Collaborative Research

June 27
Enhancing Participation in Research

July 17
Reciprocity: A Framework for Families and Researchers to Move on a Two-Way Street

August 22
Supporting First Nation-Centred Research & Meaningful Collaboration
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!

We look forward to your participation and contribution to these important discussions. For any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at pierre.zwiegers@child-bright.ca

Tidepool working with diabetes device manufacturers to empower the diabetes community with their health data

Written by Linxi Mytkolli on . Posted in Uncategorised.

If you attended the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2019 Scientific Sessions, you might have heard first-hand the news that Tidepool is working with diabetes device manufacturers Metronic, Dexcom, and Omnipod to help create an interoperable automated insulin pump system – Tidepool Loop.  Tidepool is a non-profit data hub for patients and clinicians to combine and view data for insulin pumps, CGMs and blood glucose and make it easy to understand and interpret.   Medtronic manufactures the only commercial available hybrid closed-loop system (aka artificial pancreas) and its components CGM and insulin pump.  Dexcom manufactures the G6 interoperable continuous glucose monitoring system (iCGM), and the Omnipod System that is a wearable three day insulin delivery system.   Together these manufacturers plan to work with Tidepool on the regulatory and software processes necessary to develop Tidepool Loop as an FDA–regulated version of Loop.

This is big news to those using or wishing to use a hybrid closed loop system as these developments open the door to interoperability of devices that will empower people with diabetes in their health care decision-making.  Although this technology is planned to be launched in the USA, Diabetes Action Canada currently has two funded clinical studies testing an artificial pancreas algorithm.  The first study led by Dr. Bruce Perkins will identify the feasibility and efficacy of combined SGLT2 inhibition therapy and artificial pancreas treatment using quantitative outcome measures and questionnaires in subjects with type 1 diabetes.  The second led by Dr. Remi Rhabasa-Lhoret, examines an insulin pump technology that includes two configurations, one that infuses insulin (single-hormone) alone and another that infuses insulin and the counter-regulatory hormone glucagon (dual-hormone).  We are also working with Tidepool to integrate the system into our digital assets. We expect that this technology will soon be available to Canadians and informed by Canadians and our health system.

News release on Medtronic and Tidepool collaboration can be found here

News release on Dexcom and Tidepool collaboration can be found here

News release on Omnipod and Tidepool collaboration can be found here

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New study on Teplizumab delays onset of type-1 diabetes for at-risk individuals

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The cause of type-1 diabetes is still unknown with many factors at play but none conclusive. Scientists have however learned that type 1 diabetes begins years before it is diagnosed when a person’s own immune system launches subtle attacks on the beta cells in the pancreas. In a recent study, Herold et al. 2019, discovered that the an anti-CD3 antibody, Teplizumab, originally intended to protect new organs after kidney transplantation, could deactivate T cells that are targeting insulin producing beta cells.   This study investigated people who were at high risk of developing type-1 diabetes (have a first degree relative with type-1) but had not yet been diagnosed.  Using a double-blind randomized method, participants were assigned a single 14-day course of Teplizumab or placebo and follow-up tests for progression to type-1 diabetes were performed at 6-month intervals.  The results showed that a single dose of Teplizumab delayed progression of type-1 diabetes by approximately two years in those at risk of developing type-1 diabetes.   This is a ground-breaking study as previously there was no tangible method of preventing, or in this case delaying, type-1 diabetes for high risk individuals.   Further investigation of Teplizumab will raise an interesting ethical debate as the findings from this study have proven delayed onset of Type-1 diabetes, and therefore trial design using placebo might be denying participants, particularly children age 12 and below, the opportunity for a delay in a type-1 diabetes clinical diagnosis.

The full research article published in the New England Journal of Medicine can be found here