I’m not sure if I qualify as a champion, but I live with type 1 diabetes and bipolar disorder. I make do on a small disability pension that frequently makes it difficult to pay my bills, maintain safe housing and buy groceries. Having type 1 diabetes and living in poverty creates incredible ongoing challenges that occasionally seem insurmountable. I think that it’s crucial for us all to remember that diabetes rarely exists on its own and that other pre-existing conditions often make living with diabetes extraordinarily difficult. I’m happy to say, however, that I have friends, family and the Canadian Diabetes Association to turn to when the going gets rough. Thanks to all of you for your assistance.

Marilyn McInnes is a clinical nurse specialist in Diabetes. She worked in diabetes care at Hamilton Health sciences for 20 years. During this time, she designed and taught a course on diabetes care for nurses at Mohawk college. She wrote a hand book for health professionals to use when teaching patients about diabetes. She designed a tool to help doctors to adjust insulin. She has taught nurses, physicians and other health care team members about diabetes. She became a member of the editorial board of the Diabetes Communicator. She has written many articles, on diabetes care. She has presented at international conferences about diabetes. She has touched the lives of thousands of patients with diabetes. Marilyn retired from Hamilton Health Sciences last year however she continues to work with a family physician in Hamilton to provide a diabetes clinic on a monthly basis. She also continues to present current research about diabetes at conferences and speaking engagements. She is a true Diabetes Champion.

She works very hard to teach Aboriginal people about their risks of diabetes and how to manage a diabetes diagnosis on a daily basis. She is passionate about educating everyone who approaches her. She is patient and understanding in each person’s personal choices for self-management. She and her education partner organized a diabetes educator workshop in remote NW Ont that was enthusiastically received by >30 participants from several communities. When asked to participate in World Diabetes Day events, she did not hesitate to volunteer. Her concern for diabetes care goes outside her scope of practice and into the communities she serves even “off the job.”

Michelle enthusiastically provides diabetes education to our local remote Aboriginal community in NW Ont. She is a patient teacher with a wealth of knowledge to help others acquire skills with food choices and preparation to successfully make self-management choices to succeed in nutritional management of diabetes. She and her diabetes education partner organized a diabetes educator training session for >20 participants from many communities in NWO. She selflessly volunteered to providing screening to many people on World Diabetes Day and offered follow up for those in need of resources. She goes beyond the expectations of her “job” and gives back to our community.

Dell Pharmacy in Smilthville has gone above and beyond this November spreading the word about World Diabetes day by selling and posting close to 500 blue circles. As demonstrated in the photo the effect of all the circles on there back wall is really awesome.
The effort was spearheaded by Leianne Grant, the Pharmacist Manager and Patty McCready, a dispensary assistant. Patty’s incredible story does not end here. In the New Year she will be donating a kidney to her father.
A heartfelt thanks to all the staff whose continued support extends the associations reach to so many in the town.

Simpson’s Pharmacy goes all out for Diabetes Month!

Staff at Simpson’s Pharmacy in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario decorated their store with diabetes displays of CDA literature, diabetes supplies and sugar-free snacks. Employees brought in bags of clothing to donate to Clothesline.

Thanks to Ward, Sean and Lisa Simpson for hosting the Blue Circle campaign. Thanks to Catherine, Elly, Edie, Maggie, Helen, Diane, Shauna, Hedy, Kim, Chrissie, Trudy, Wilma, Jim, Rick, Sandy and Pat for your support of the Canadian Diabetes Association!

I was admitted to the Vancouver General Hospital and diagnosed with diabetes on November 6, 1945 at the age of 6 years. My parents were told that I would be put on insulin, but it was unlikely that I would survive very long – children diagnosed in the eastern provinces of Canada had a greater chance of survival because of their proximity to the Banting & Best team. The insulins used at that time were Protamine Zinc (PZI) and Toronto. These were at that time the only insulins being produced; Eli Lilly was working on developing insulin but was not successful until mid 1950’s.

I am now 70 years old and have completed my 64th year of living with type 1 diabetes. I have good eyesight and circulation – I did have triple bypass surgery in 1998, but I am physically fairly active.

After reaching 50-year mark, I have actively encouraged others who have diabetes (in particular, type 1 diabetes) to take a greater interest in their own care and I encourage any and all to use an insulin pump. I have been using a pump for approximately 6 years now, and find this method of delivering insulin to be very much superior to that of insulin injection by syringe due to the variability of the action of the injected insulin. I heartily recommend to anyone living with diabetes to take a very active role in the management of their own health.

Michelle Miller and Karin Swift are Diabetes Champions! As Coordinator of Volunteer Development and Public Programs and Services Coordinator, respectively, at Canadian Diabetes Association Central South Ontario, they have been the pillars for McMaster University student volunteers at McMaster Diabetes Association. They have constantly provided morale support and expert advice on our initiatives, helping us every step of the way. From Clubfest to Cellberton Outreach Program, to Fundraisers, to Conference presentations, they have tirelessly encouraged us and supported our efforts. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspirational to everyone they meet! On behalf of all volunteers at McMaster Diabetes Association, we thank you for your continual support and guidance. You guys are real treasures and we feel so fortunate to know you!

Reta Desmarais is a Diabetes Champion because:
1. She has a desire to share the experiences of living with a chronic disease and still fulfilling your dreams

2.  She is a teacher that enjoys imparting the knowledge that will allow others with diabetes to enjoy a full and happy life.

3. She has a desire to reach a wide audience with her experiences as a person with diabetes and has authored a book on traveling with diabetes to impart the experiences she has gained and to encourage people with this disease to follow their dreams

4. She is a giver and has helped in the fund raising that provides the necessary research to conquer this disease

5. She is an optimist who believes that the disease will be conquered in her lifetime

6. She is a volunteer who gives willingly of her time whenever called upon, such that the message of hope can be carried to those who are living with this disease

I feel like a Diabetes Champion simply because I have survived and thrived as a type 1 diabetic for 56 years. Since 1953 when I was diagnosed, the methods of control have fortunately become easier and more efficient. Not having to boil primitive glass hypos to sterilize them every morning before breakfast is one. And having to test your urine for sugar content (messy and imprecise) is another. Types of insulin have certainly improved and pumps (even though I don’t use one) are a valuable tool even while a cure remains illusive. I volunteer at my local CDA branch and enjoy letting others know that diabetes isn’t the end but really just the beginning of a healthier lifestyle. Hang in there, Type Ones and Twos. Get a grip ~~your future awaits!!