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!!

Barb started her volunteer work with CDA in 1963 at Camp Kopje as a camp counselor. She was the President and Vice- President of the Vancouver Youth Diabetes group. Barb was the residential campaign Chair in Kamloops and has helped out with car raffles as well as many other fund raisers. For the past several years, Barb has provided invaluable skills to us in the Victoria Leadership Centre as an office support volunteer and participating in events. We couldn’t do our work without her!

Des McAmbridge is an amazing man. Des started volunteering with CDA in 1979 in the Kamloops Branch and between then and now has been BC President, National Vice-President, Victoria Branch President as well as Regional Chair and Residential Campaign Chair. Des has also volunteered in the Victoria and District Branch with the coin box project, has done extensive advocacy work and volunteered as a speaker delivering presentations. He is a dedicated committed volunteer and a true Diabetes Champion!

…because she truly understands diabetes, at times, better than those who live with diabetes. Angela has started and managed hundreds of patients using pump therapy and cgm. Her amazing sense of humour, coupled with her innate ability to get bg’s under control, make her an amazing nurse and a Diabetes Champion.

Dr. Victor Chan, a member of the Chinese Program Advisory committee of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Vancouver Coastal, is the recipient of the 2009 Wilma Crockett Memorial Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to renal care in BC – a leader, an innovator, a role model who inspires others to achieve excellence.

Kidney disease or nephropathy is a serious complication associated with long-term diabetes. Over the years, high blood glucose levels and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys and prevent them from functioning properly or even cause them to fail completely. About one-third of people who have had diabetes for more than 15 years will develop kidney disease.

Dr. Chan has been interested in diabetic renal disease since training at the Joslin Diabetes Clinic, Boston in 1967. Since then he founded the hemodialysis unit at Royal Columbian Hospital in 1972. From 1972 to 2002, he was the driving force in the growth of dialysis facilities and nephrology services in a local BC health authority. Through his encouragement, the bedside peritoneal dialysis program grew be the largest in Canada.

Dr. Chan has improved the lives of countless patients with diabetic nephropathy during his professional health career. He is a true Diabetes Champion.

Yasir Naqvi is the MPP for Ottawa Centre and he made a statement in the Legislative Assembly about Diabetes Awareness Month and the work of the Community Diabetes Education Program of Ottawa and its partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ptpsDGCiA

Margaret Brink has had type 1 diabetes form more than 66 years. As she nears her 80s, I want people people to understand the disease and that people would recognize what an amazing story she has. Margaret continues to live an independent lifestyle at home in her condo in Calgary with her husband of 25 plus years, and she remains active through daily trips to the grocery store. She’s very disciplined at managing her diabetes and she has never had complications. For 66 years she’s followed a strcit diet and blood monitoring regime, which she still follows day after day. Because of her diet, normal complications associated with diabetes are almost non-existant. Margaret is a Diabetes Champion for living with and controlling diabetes for 66 years.