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The Type 2 Diabetes Network is a team of passionate change-makers focused on improving prevention, management and outcomes for people living with Type 2 diabetes in British Columbia.

Join the Network

Type 2 Diabetes Network

Passionate change-makers working together to design a different future for people living with Type 2 diabetes in BC.

The Type 2 Diabetes Network is a collaborative group of healthcare professionals, researchers, organizations, and institutions working together to address Type 2 diabetes.

 

Led by the Institute for Health System Transformation & Sustainability, we’re cultivating a network focused on sharing, developing and applying innovative practices to improve outcomes for people living with Type 2 diabetes across British Columbia.

What is the T2D Network?

Source: Diabetes Canada. Statistics include Type 1 diabetes with a prevalence of 5-10%.

City of Vancouver

British Columbians living with diabetes or prediabetes

%

%

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 British Columbians living with diagnosed diabetes

%

%

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Expected increase in diabetes in British Columbia (2023-2033)

%

%

20

0

20

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

  • In Canada, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes.

  • Living with diabetes is a non-stop cycle requiring energy, and care.

  • People with diabetes are also two to three times more likely to experience depression.

 Did you know?

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To enhance collaboration, share insights, provide resources, raise awareness, and improve quality of care in Type 2 diabetes.

Our Goals

We raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes, its risk factors, and prevention strategies through webinars, dialogue days, and research reports.

Awareness

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A team sitting at a desk working together

We facilitate communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and institutions involved in diabetes care and research.

Collaboration

We enable the sharing of research findings, innovation, and best practices to improve the understanding of Type 2 diabetes.

Information Sharing

Two collegues sitting at a desk
A pen checking off a check list

We focus on improving the quality of care for Type 2 diabetes  to enhance prevention and management strategies.

Quality Improvement

Equity

We support equitable access to Type 2 diabetes care and endorse a sustainable healthcare system.

Scales of equity
People at a conference

We bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, institutions, and innovative partners interested in Type 2 diabetes.

Networking

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We aim to create a healthcare ecosystem that is patient-centered, community-driven, and continuously advancing through research and collaboration. 

Our Structure and Priorities

At our core, we empower individuals to engage in their healthcare decisions, establishing advisory roles and work nodes for impactful activities. We seamlessly link communities, align prevention efforts, and translate knowledge to bridge gaps between agencies and healthcare services.

Prioritizing connections among diverse systems and populations, we foster collaboration to enhance health outcomes. Our unwavering dedication to research includes nurturing connections with entities, aligning with the Learning Health System model, and emphasizing impactful knowledge translation.

T2D structure
T2D priorities

Our organization prioritizes four key principles for diabetes prevention: exploring, engaging, enabling, and expanding.

 

Through exploration, we rigorously investigate and translate health research for community application. We foster collaboration among partners to improve community health and develop infrastructure supporting preventive measures. Additionally, we expand partnerships and disseminate knowledge nationally to broaden our impact on public health. These efforts form the foundation of our mission to prevent diabetes and promote healthier communities.

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Discover the latest research findings, webinars, podcast, and audio interviews to enhance your knowledge and improve the quality of diabetes care

Spotlight on Resources

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

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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.

Our featured peer-reviewed publication

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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, 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.

 
Iliana Lega
Wade Thompson

Diabetes and Mental Health Education Session

Learning Objectives:

  • The connection between diabetes and mental health

  • The value of health coaching in supporting those with type 2 diabetes

  • How mental health discussions can be integrated successfully into diabetes care

  • Exciting new research into the physiology behind weight gain and mental health medications - and the link to type 2 diabetes development

  • The link between type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia

There will be an opportunity to ask questions of both our guests during the session.

Join us virtually on Thursday, September 26th at 12 noon when author and science communicator, Krista Lamb, hosts an interactive discussion with two of Canada's leading researchers in the diabetes and mental health space.

The event will feature a conversation with Dr. Diana Sherifali from McMaster University and Dr. Mahavir Agarwal from CAMH.

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Join us at the Low Film Screening

On November 27, IHSTS and the T2D Network will be co-hosting a screening of the short film, Low, with the BC Diabetes Research Network. This eye-opening 40-minute film was created based on the stories and experiences of the members of the Calgary Diabetes Advocacy Committee (CDAC).

Low highlights the challenges of managing diabetes while experiencing homelessness, as well as the impact of the stigma CDAC members have faced. It is a powerful advocacy tool, aimed at raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding diabetes and homelessness.

Where: BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue

When: Wednesday, November 27th at 6:30 p.m. (Reception to follow the film)

Who: Anyone 19+

Low movie
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Our Upcoming Events

From engaging workshops to entertaining performances, insightful talks, and community gatherings, our events are designed to foster connections and invoke discussion.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and sign up for your newsletter or follow us on social media and YouTube.

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