What Is This Project About?
We are working to create a network that will support people who are at risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) across Canada. Our goal is to make it easier for people to get involved in research programs and clinical trials, which can help prevent or delay T1D.
Why Is This Important?
In Canada, there are many great researchers working on T1D, but we have a problem: there aren’t enough regions where large studies can happen. T1D research is mostly happening in big cities, and it is harder for people in smaller communities to get involved. Also, while there are many studies looking into ways to help prevent or treat T1D, the experts in these studies are mostly located in big cities.
Canada also has different health systems in each province, which makes it hard to do large studies. Another challenge is that doctors who treat people with T1D mostly focus on giving insulin. Many of them may not be familiar with new treatments that may help slow down or prevent the disease.
This project aims to solve these problems by connecting doctors, researchers, and people with T1D in a better way, so we can work together to improve care and make it easier for people to join research studies.
What Is The Bigger Plan?
This project is part of a larger program called ACT Canada, which is focused on developing new treatments and technologies for people with T1D. By working with the government and other organizations, we hope to create a better system for screening people for T1D and helping them get involved in clinical trials.
How Will We Achieve Our Goal?
We are starting by looking at the current state of clinical trials in Canada. To do this, we are running a survey and asking diabetes professionals across the country whether their institutions are interested in clinical trials aimed at delaying or preventing T1D, and whether they have the infrastructure needed to run these types of trials. The results will help guide our next research steps and support planning for future health system needs.
What Happens Next?
By creating this national network, we aim to make T1D research and care more accessible to everyone across Canada. With better connections between researchers, doctors, and patients, we can ensure that people at risk of T1D receive the care they need. Our goal is to help prevent or slow down the progress of the disease through innovative (new) treatments and support programs.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community that will improve the lives of those affected by T1D and create opportunities for groundbreaking research and treatments. With the support of health professionals, researchers, and people living with T1D, we can make a lasting difference across Canada.