Resources
Welcome to our Diabetes Network Resource Hub, a source for diabetes-related material to support conversation and collaboration amongst clinicians, researchers, policy makers, and population health experts.
Our Latest Webinar: Reducing Overtreatment in Type 2 Diabetes
Learning Objectives:
Discuss when deprescribing may be considered for people living with Type 2 diabetes
Review approaches to initiate conversations about overtreatment with people living with Type 2 diabetes
Identify tools and resources to support clinicians and people living with diabetes whoare interested in reducing or stopping medications
In this insightful session held on 20 February 2024, we delve into the critical issue of over-treatment in Type 2 diabetes, particularly prevalent among older adults grappling with frailty. Dr. Iliana Lega, renowned from Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, and Dr. Wade Thompson, distinguished expert from the University of British Columbia, will share their expertise on navigating the evolving landscape of reasonable and safe glycemic targets.
Discover insights on holistic health and managing diabetes in two enlightening audio interviews. Join Dr. Arun Garg in the "Your Health and You, Diabetes Two" two-part series as he shares valuable perspectives and delves into essential information and practical tips for navigating life with diabetes. Elevate your health journey with these insightful conversations.
Dr. Arun Garg is the program medical director of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and medical director of the South Asian Health Institute.
Audio Interview Series: Your Health and You, Diabetes Two
Topic: Food
Topic: Integrated Therapies
The South Asian Women's Type 2 Diabetes Round Table, held on October 27, 2023, stands as a pivotal initiative in the collaborative efforts of the Canadian India Network Society (CINS) and the Institute for Health System Transformation and Sustainability (IHSTS).
This third session underscored the urgency of addressing the significantly elevated risk of type 2 diabetes among South Asian Canadians, particularly focusing on the crucial role of women within this demographic.
With cultural nuances influencing health decisions and behavior change across generations, South Asian women grapple with multifaceted challenges in managing their own diabetes amidst familial responsibilities and societal expectations. The round table, structured as an online focus group, provided a platform for eight participants to share their lived experiences, contributing to a nuanced understanding of barriers, challenges, and potential solutions.
The outcomes of this session not only shed light on the diverse and complex landscape of type 2 diabetes within the South Asian Canadian population but also furnish actionable insights for tailoring diabetes care strategies.
As we delve into the comprehensive summary, the round table emerges as a vital step toward redefining approaches to diabetes prevention, self-management, and alleviating the burdens faced by South Asian women in their healthcare journey.
The South Asian Women's Type 2 Diabetes Round Table
Join Sean McKelvey of IPTN in our latest webinar as he explores the crucial topic of deprescribing medications for type 2 diabetes. Discover strategies and considerations for safely reducing medication burden, promoting patient well-being, and optimizing healthcare outcomes. Don't miss this insightful presentation, co-hosted by HQBC and IHSTS on navigating deprescribing in the management of type 2 diabetes.
A pharmacy graduate from the University of British Columbia in 1990, Sean is a recognized leader in pharmacist practice change across Canada. In 2008 Sean was awarded the prestigious CACDS Len Mark’s Award which recognizes an individual for demonstrating outstanding dedication to the advancement of pharmacy.
Webinar: Deprescribing Medications & Diet Changes in Type 2 Diabetes
Learning Objectives:
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Discuss remission of Type 2 diabetes using therapeutic nutrition.
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Review the impact on medications when people living with type 2 diabetes make significant changes to their diets.
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Identify which Type 2 diabetes medications are most likely to cause predictable adverse event
In this podcast series, host Krista Lamb sits down with prominent diabetes researchers in British Columbia, Canada. Krista discusses the many aspects of diabetes research and the exciting work being done by members of the BC Diabetes Research Network.
The podcast title “From Beta Cells to Bicycles” refers to the multi-disciplinary nature of diabetes research in BC – from laboratory discoveries to nutrition and exercise sciences– the BC Diabetes Research Network researchers are working on many fronts to expand what we know about diabetes, while working towards a cure.
Podcast Series: From Beta Cells to Bicycles
Our featured peer-reviewed publication
Addressing Type 2 Diabetes in South Asian Populations: Why Culturally Tailored Approaches Matter
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health crisis affecting South Asian populations at higher rates due to genetic, lifestyle, and cultural factors. To meet these communities’ unique needs, targeted interventions are essential.
Our recent umbrella review highlights effective strategies for T2DM prevention and management in South Asians, including dietary changes, physical activity, education, and digital health tools, especially when adapted to cultural contexts. For example, dietary programs that incorporate familiar ingredients or exercise options that respect cultural norms improve engagement and outcomes.
Culturally tailored solutions that engage family support and community leaders help reduce stigma and encourage healthier habits. Mobile apps available in local languages also increase accessibility and participation.
Overall, collaborative, community-driven approaches that consider cultural, social, and economic factors are crucial for successful diabetes management in South Asian communities. This perspective allows healthcare providers to design more impactful, inclusive interventions.
Explore the NHS Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in our latest peer-reviewed publication titled: The National Health Service England Diabetes Prevention Program—A Narrative Review.
The NHS DPP, a UK initiative since 2015, is working to prevent type 2 diabetes across England. This review assesses its effectiveness, emphasizing risk reduction and cost-effectiveness. It explores the challenges associated with a DPP, including fidelity and diverse population needs. Key recommendations involve evidence-based service delivery, stakeholder engagement, and digital innovation as well as strategic planning, political support, and partnerships.
The learnings from this diabetes program review can be applied to other health programs that focus on chronic disease prevention.
Language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and experiences.
Explore Diabetes Canada's comprehensive guide on fostering positive communication about diabetes, titled "Language Matters". This valuable resource provides practical examples and recommendations to encourage inclusive, respectful, and motivating interactions with individuals facing diabetes.
Discover effective language strategies and learn to avoid potential short comings, ensuring that your communication promotes understanding, empathy, and improved self-care for those living with diabetes.
Patient partners bring invaluable lived experiences, unique perspectives, and crucial insights that enrich research endeavors, ensuring a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare.
Discover the keys to effective collaboration at Diabetes Action Canada through our insightful guide, "Do’s & Don’ts: Guidelines for Researchers, Patient Partners, and New Team Members." This resource offers crucial insights for fostering meaningful partnerships in diabetes research.
The guide emphasizes clear expectations, early involvement, and open communication, ensuring patient partners play a vital role in shaping research objectives.
Enhancing Diabetes Communication
Webinars
Social prescribing involves referring or linking patients to a wide range of non-clinical services that may address unmet needs that are affecting their health or wellness. Join us at this webinar to learn about social prescribing’s application for people living with type 2 diabetes.
Grace is a family physician in White Rock, BC, and the regional medical director for community health services at Fraser Health. She promotes collaboration and engagement of primary care providers in the community and community-based senior services organizations.
Learning Objectives:
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Define social prescribing
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Discuss which people living with type 2 diabetes can benefit from social prescribing
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Use social prescribing for people living with type 2 diabetes in your practice or local setting
Social Prescribing and Type 2 Diabetes
The first in a series of webinars leading up to the virtual two-day event, Type 2 Diabetes Dialogue 2020 – Creating Connections for Change, this 60-minute webinar focuses on type 2 diabetes and Indigenous Peoples in BC. Thought leaders Rebecca Sovdi and Jessica Guss draw on evidence and lived experience to provide the context and understanding required to effectively support Indigenous peoples on a culturally safe and self-determined journey.
Learning objectives:
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Discuss the difference between genetic risk factors and social risk factors for diabetes
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Understand the current context of type 2 diabetes prevention and care in BC for First Nations and Indigenous Peoples
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Hear lived experience of a personal journey and reflect on ways to make a difference for Indigenous Peoples with relation to diabetes regardless of your role in the system
Type 2 Diabetes and Indigenous Peoples – Supporting a Culturally Safe and Self-Determined Journey
In this webinar – the second in a series leading up to the virtual two-day event, Type 2 Diabetes Dialogue 2020 – Creating Connections for Change – registered dietitians Eliana Witchell and Michelle Shepherd shared their advanced knowledge of using reduced carbohydrate diets in clinical practice.
Learning objectives:
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Acknowledge current evidence for the remission of type 2 diabetes and the role of carbohydrate restriction in managing diabetes.
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Discuss the key components of an evidence-based, well-formulated, carbohydrate restricted dietary approach.
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Outline evidence-based training, tools and resources for carbohydrate restriction currently available to Canadian dietitians.
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Review how dietitians are a vital member of the interdisciplinary team, especially with food-first approaches.
Evidence-based Carb Restriction: Using this Tool in a Safe and Effective Manner
Meaningful patient involvement is now seen as critical to the success of health-related research projects. Learn what it is, why it’s important and how people with diabetes are shaping the research landscape in Canada.
Launched in 2016, Diabetes Action Canada consists of a diverse team of patient partners, researchers, diabetes specialists, primary care practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, data specialists, and health policy experts committed to improving the lives of people living with diabetes.
Learning Objectives:
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Understand what patient-oriented research is and why it is important
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Learn about the experience of patient partners
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Hear about the ways that patient partnership is critical to a new program aimed at supporting older adults with multiple chronic illnesses, including diabetes, successfully self-manage
The Importance of Patient-Oriented Research
First Nations Peoples experience disproportionately higher rates of diabetes, yet the majority of diabetes services and programs are not designed by or with Indigenous peoples, or consider First Nations perspectives, cultures or approaches to wellness.
There is ongoing need and interest for more information, guidance and strategies to support Indigenous self-determination, equity and quality care within diabetes prevention, management and awareness initiatives.
Learning Objectives:
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To share what self-determination represents at the individual, community and system levels.
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To summarize the relationship between colonialism and Indigenous determinants of health, and rates/severity/experiences of Type 2 Diabetes.
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Call to action: to consider and action increased equity within diabetes care and services.
Indigenous Self-determination and Equity in Diabetes
Going virtual in diabetes education involves delivering diabetes-related information, support, and resources through digital platforms, enabling remote access and participation in educational programs, fostering self-management and awareness.
Going Virtual with Diabetes Education in BC Part 1
Going virtual in diabetes education involves delivering diabetes-related information, support, and resources through digital platforms, enabling remote access and participation in educational programs, fostering self-management and awareness.
Going Virtual with Diabetes Education in BC Part 2
Food insecurity is a major issue in BC that negatively impacts individuals’ overall health and wellbeing. This includes their likelihood of living with type 2 diabetes and ability to manage the disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront once again the limitations of food-based responses at an individual level, while also offering glimpses of effective population-level interventions. Join us to learn more about food insecurity and why we need to re-think how we talk about and respond to this complex issue.
Learning objectives:
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Define and describe food insecurity in BC
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Summarize the relationship between food insecurity and type 2 diabetes
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Describe interventions that use population health approach to address food insecurity
Food security in BC: Understanding the Impact and Taking Action
Watch the third and last webinar in a series leading up to the the virtual two-day event, Type 2 Diabetes Dialogue 2020 – Creating Connections for Change to learn about the spectacular work being done in the Abbotsford and Pacific Northwest Divisions of Family Practice.
Abbotsford has a high instance of low chronic disease that can be managed and offset through preventative clinical care. Part of this care includes ease of access to nutrition counselling provided by a Registered Dietitian (RD) at a location familiar to the patient: their Family Practice clinic. From September 2015 to March 2017, the Abbotsford Division of Family Practice (ADoFP) A GP for Me Registered Dietitians in the Clinics pilot project tested the utilization of a full time Fraser Health RD as part of integrated care in ten community primary clinics.
Spotlight on Innovation: Abbotsford and Pacific Northwest Divisions of Family Practice
Watch our inspiring session on how organizations across BC are working towards building a foundation of health and wellness in children and youth. Our first presentation will be on the Live 5-2-1-0 initiative. Led by the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Live 5-2-1-0 uses a proven, evidence-based approach to make it easier for children and families to adopt healthy habits. Our second presentation will spotlight The Coalition for Healthy School Food which is a group of over 150 organizations from across Canada advocating for a national school food program to support the health, wellbeing and education of all Canadian children.
Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures
South Asian people are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than the average Canadian. To address this roadblock in promoting diabetes awareness and support in this community, Self-Management BC developed AyogoT2D – a type 2 diabetes self-management app for the South Asian community to allow better access to diabetes care and resources at their fingertips.
Learning Objectives:
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Review the rationale for developing a Punjabi Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management App
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Describe steps in the development process
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Describe promotional activities used to disseminate the App
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Summarize the lessons learned in this project
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Provide opportunities for app use and dissemination
Development of a Smartphone Type 2 Diabetes App in the South Asian Community
Research
