Member Profile: Canadian Diabetes Association
Posted: October 17, 2012
Categories: GoodFoodBites / Member Profiles
By Anneke Hobson, Ryerson University Food and Nutrition student and nutrition writer
The Canadian Diabetes Association has one central mission: to help patients with diabetes live healthy lives, while also researching to find a cure. To this end, it takes a multi-faceted approach to assist those suffering from diabetes, as well as having healthcare professionals and researchers working to combat various aspects of the disease.
Founded in 1953 by Dr. Charles Best, the co-discoverer of insulin, the Canadian Diabetes Association is a nation-wide member-based, independently-governed, charitable organization. As leaders in research, education, and advocation, they tackle issues and complications for both type-1 and type-2 diabetes in patients of all ages. Their extensive community across Canada includes patients, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and medical researchers.
In order to understand and describe the physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of diabetes, the Association awards $100 million in grants and facilitates important clinical trials. For a full list of current and previous research supported and funded by the Canadian Diabetes Association, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website. The research and trial results are published in several of the Association’s publications, including the Canadian Journal of Diabetes, Canadian Diabetes, and the Diabetes Communicator, as well as their newsletter, C & SS Connect.
In addition to their leadership in collaborating research, the Canadian Diabetes Association maintains a strong presence in government and public policy. They play an ongoing role in pressing concerns for diabetics and professionals, such as the disease’s effect on our healthcare system, access to medication, and the drug review process. By making representations to government in the long term, the Association is able to effectively present to the public on relevant party platforms during elections.
Finally, the Canadian Diabetes Association has initiated hundreds of Diabetes Education Centres across the country, in order to raise awareness and to help newly diagnosed patients in making life adjustments. Their online community also offers a wealth of resources for patients, including physical activity workshops and nutritional guidelines and resources.