Join the Diabetes Action Canada Network

Join the Diabetes Action Canada Network

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Please select the category that best describes you:

Not sure? Check-out our membership policy to see what category best suits you and your expertise. Once you select a category, a few questions will appear. If you feel that more than one category applies to your desired role with DAC, please select all that apply. In the comments please share with us the primary role you wish to have in the network

Patient Partner: Someone who has a personal connection to diabetes, either through their own experience or that of a loved one. They bring valuable insights and perspectives to help guide research and decision-making in the diabetes field. Examples include individuals living with different types of diabetes or caregivers of those affected.

Researcher: A researcher appointed to a university, academic hospital or research institute and engaged in the scientific exploration of diabetes, working to expand our understanding of its causes, treatments, and impacts. Researchers contribute to the growth of knowledge that shapes diabetes care and management.

Trainees: Graduate students (Masters or PhD) and Postdoctoral Fellows, including health professionals, pursuing graduate or postdoctoral training in diabetes research.

Knowledge User: a person or collaborating organization that will actively apply research outcomes in health care settings and/or policy and decision making on how health care is delievered. They are the end-users of research and include: health care practiitioners, government agencies, community organization, and non-profit advocacy groups)

What level of familiarity do you have with patient engaged research?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, we just want to know how to best support you!

I am very familiar – I have worked with patient partners before and/or I have done training!

I am somewhat familiar – I haven’t really done it before but I have read about it/heard about it and I am interested!

I am new to this – I am curious and looking for your support to get up to speed!

Patient Partner

What is your connection to diabetes?

Some example answers include: I live with t2d and/or My son has t1d and/or My partner has MODY and/or I am living with kidney disease and also diabetes runs in family.

Why are you interested in joining the Diabetes Action Canada Network as a patient partner?

Example answer: I care deeply about having a better connection between people with lived experience and those that make the decisions that impact our experiences. I believe that #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs so I want to leverage my experiences, networks and passion to make research and policy about diabetes better for all people with diabetes.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the network as a patient partner?

Example answer: I want to learn more about CGM research. I want to improve my presentation skills at conferences and scientific events. I want to meet other people with diabetes and grow my community. I want to learn about how policies are made and how I can advocate for better policies in my community.

What do you hope to give to the network as a patient partner?

Example answer: I have writing skills from my day job that I want to leverage more in diabetes work. I am part of 3 online community groups for women with diabetes and I want to make them more aware of research opportunities. I have worked as a truck driver for many years so I have a connection with that community and I want to make them more aware of the opportunities out there.

What kind of activities are you interested in? Check all that apply.

Surveys: Participating in surveys involves answering questions to share your opinions, experiences, and ideas about diabetes-related topics. For example, you might be asked to complete an online survey about diabetes management techniques.

Focus groups (one-time meetings for a specific topic): Focus groups are gatherings where people with similar interests discuss a specific diabetes-related topic. They are safe spaces for Patient Partners and researchers to share experiences and insights to co-design research that matters most to the community. Focus groups help our members find new ways to communicate research findings so they can be used more easily by the community and healthcare settings.

Research project advisory groups (repeated meetings throughout the year for the same topic): Being part of a research project advisory group means you will have regular meetings to provide ongoing feedback and insights on a particular diabetes research project. For example, you might be invited to join a team advising researchers on how to improve diabetes care in underserved communities.

Conferences: Conferences are events where people come together to share the latest information and discoveries about diabetes. For example, you might attend a diabetes conference to learn about cutting-edge research and connect with other individuals passionate about diabetes care.

Advocacy opportunities with partner organizations: Advocacy involves speaking up and supporting causes important to the diabetes community. For example, you might join efforts to advocate for better diabetes-related health care policies and increased funding for diabetes research.

Training opportunities to learn more about research: Training opportunities offer educational sessions to help you better understand diabetes research and related topics. For example, you might attend a workshop to learn about the latest advancements in diabetes treatment options.

Other: If there are other ways you'd like to contribute or specific activities you are interested in that are not listed, please let us know, and we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences.

Many of the patient partner activities in our network are compensated opportunities. To provide you with this compensation, you will be required to do one of the following:

1. Provide the DAC Network via UHN with your address so that a cheque can be mailed to you
2. Provide the DAC Network via UHN with your direct deposit information and SIN# to receive direct deposit payments.

Are you comfortable with one of the two options noted above?

Yes

Researcher

Current Canadian University/professional affiliation:

Example answer: University of Toronto, Department of Endocrinology

Please describe your area of diabetes research expertise:

Example answer: I specialize in studying the genetic factors influencing type 1 diabetes susceptibility.

Do you have a researcher profile with your existing institution? Please share it with us:

Please submit your CV:(Required)

Max. file size: 64 MB.

Trainee

Canadian University Unviersity enrolment and program:

Example answer: McGill University, PhD in Diabetes Physiology

Please describe your area of diabetes research expertise:

Example answer: My research focuses on the impact of exercise on insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients.

Please submit the name and email of your supervisor:

Please submit your CV:(Required)

Max. file size: 64 MB.

Knowledge User

Please provide a brief description of your role as a knowledge user and how it relates to diabetes research or care.

Example answer: I work as a nurse educator at a diabetes clinic, translating research findings into practical patient education materials.

Are you currently affiliated with any specific organization or institution? If yes, please provide details.

Example answer: Yes, I am affiliated with the Diabetes Education and Management Institute.

How do you envision leveraging your knowledge and expertise to contribute to the Diabetes Action Canada Network?

Example answer: I plan to help bridge the gap between research and patient care by sharing evidence-based practices and insights. Specifically, I want to build better resources for my patients that are transitioning onto new therapies to help manage their diabetes, but I want to build these tools WITH patient partners.

Please describe any previous collaborations or experiences you've had in partnering with researchers or patient partners in the field of diabetes research or care.

Example answer: I have collaborated with research teams to develop patient-friendly educational materials and participated in workshops to provide the patient perspective on research design.

Additional Comments/Questions

Please feel free to provide any additional comments or ask questions related to your sign-up.

Terms and Conditions: By submitting this form, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Diabetes Action Canada Network and its activities.

Would you like to join our mail list to stay up to date with our latest updates and opportunities?

Yes, I'd like to stay up to date!

No, thank you.

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