“I am a diabetes champion because … Actually, in my eyes, my children are the real champions – I am merely the care giver – they live with diabetes. We deal with the disease on a daily (or even hourly) basis, day and night. As you can imagine, in a household with three young Type 1’s, diabetes is an absolute intrinsic (if somewhat intrusive) part of our lives. The kids and I have become involved with education and awareness programs to help change how people ‘traditionally’ think of diabetes. We have also become involved with lobbying our local schools and provincial government to improve the care and programs available for all people living with diabetes. My ‘champion’ status will be attained, when I hand over the reins of their diabetes management knowing that I have instilled in them all the tools they will need to successfully manage their diabetes and live long, healthy lives.”

“I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 4.  I lost my sight to this disease.  I’m a Diabetes Champion because I live a healthy and active lifestyle.  I even ran a marathon. I’m a Diabetes Champion because I educate and motivate others affected with the disease. I’m a Diabetes Champion because I participate in a world renowned research program.  I live life to its fullest”.

“Over the last five years, the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) has been discussing potential partnerships with our members, and it’s in the last year that we formed an ad-hoc committee to explore this possibility more closely. We thought that diabetes would be a good fit for us as so many of the occupational groups we represent are crucial in the diagnosis, care and treatment of people with diabetes. We believe that this new partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association will add to our involvement as Diabetes Champions, helping raise awareness about diabetes and awareness of the many health care professionals involved in the delivery of health care.”

“How am I a Diabetes Champion? I canvassed for diabetes with the Canadian Diabetes Association for years, until diabetes-caused Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) made it impossible, and I now support the cause with donations of my artwork whenever it’s needed.”

I am a diabetes champion because….
Diabetes has allowed me to conquer life mountains and real mountains. Without diabetes I wouldn’t be where I am today. It has given me the confidence to meet new people and help spread the word about Diabetes. As a part of TeamONE: Breaking Diabetes Boundaries, I was given the opportunity to travel to Mount Everest and Machu Picchu and along the way I met wonderful people who have diabetes as well. We were able to share stories and give advice about our disease. It has made me a champion because I am living a better life and inspiring others with diabetes to live a better life as well.

59 home care worker, grandmother and Team Diabetes participant

“I have (type 2) diabetes, and it runs in my family. A couple of years back, I heard about (the Canadian Diabetes Association’s) Team Diabetes and had been curious about the program. A first-time runner, I’m training for the Honolulu Marathon. I’m a Diabetes Champion for my sister, cousin, nephew…and all of my family, really.”

I am a diabetes champion because I don’t let diabetes stop me from living an inspired and extraordinary life!  I take nothing for granted and aim to use my life for a higher purpose that gives meaning to this diagnosis.  I am more BECAUSE of diabetes and hope to be remembered in history as someone who made a difference and gave hope to others for what’s possible in their lives – in the diabetes community and beyond.

“Diabetes is a disease that impacts me personally. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2004 so I know first-hand about the importance of self-care and good diabetes management. I am a diabetes champion because I volunteer and help raise awareness and funds for diabetes research and education. I also do my best to live a healthy and active lifestyle.”

“I am a diabetes champion because I am motivated and inspired daily by the brave faces of people living with juvenile diabetes….”

“As a dietitian, I love helping and connecting with people in my community. I work closely with people who live with diabetes and I’m a diabetes champion because I’m passionate about helping people achieve their optimal health.”