July Newsletter Recap: Celebrating Breakthroughs, Building Awareness
- t2diabetesnetwork
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
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In July, we take time to reflect on two powerful events that continue to shape the world of health care. On July 27, we commemorate the discovery of insulin in 1921, a groundbreaking Canadian innovation that transformed diabetes care. This discovery didn’t just save lives—it sparked decades of research, innovation, and advocacy for people living with diabetes. Today, as type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to rise across all populations, this milestone feels more important than ever.
Just one day later, on July 28, we observe World Hepatitis Day, an international call to action to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat. But here’s something many people don’t realize, chronic hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, is also linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Viral liver infections can contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, showing us why prevention, screening, and care must be better integrated.
These back-to-back observances are a reminder that chronic diseases rarely exist in isolation. Whether it’s supporting someone at risk for diabetes, managing viral hepatitis, or pushing for equitable access to care, we're all part of a bigger picture—working together to build healthier futures.
👉 This month, we invite you to learn, reflect, and connect with us as we explore the link between liver health and diabetes and share practical tools for education and prevention.
Project Update: South Asian Health Strategy in Surrey
We’re excited to share some big strides from our work in Surrey. Our South Asian Health Strategy is off to a strong start.
✅ A prototype diabetes screening clinic is now up and running, offering culturally tailored resources to support community members.
✅ We’ve held screening sessions at community centers across Surrey’s South Asian neighborhoods, with some sessions reaching up to 300 individuals. Everyone identified at risk was directly connected to health services for further care.
This work is filling a critical gap. Surrey is home to nearly 474,000 people of South Asian descent, and many have been underserved when it comes to diabetes screening and education. We're making sure resources are relevant, respectful, and responsive to their needs.
Did you know?
A major study in BC found that South Asian people with long-term hepatitis C were much more likely to develop T2D. For every 1,000 people, about 15 with hepatitis C developed diabetes annually, compared to 10 without the virus. In South Asians, the virus raised diabetes risk 2.6 times higher, a stronger link than in other ethnic groups.
👉 Learn more about this project and browse our South Asian–focused diabetes resources.
UBCO Diabetes & Obesity Research Day
On May 29, T2D Network Director Ed Smith attended the UBCO Obesity and Diabetes Research Day in Kelowna, BC. Hosted by the BC Diabetes Research Network, this annual event brings together researchers from both UBC campuses and other institutions to share the latest in diabetes and obesity research.
One of our key goals at the T2D Network is to close the research-to-practice gap. Events like this are invaluable, they give us a chance to build connections, learn from leading scientists, and explore how new discoveries can translate into better care. Thanks again to the BC Diabetes Research Network for a powerful and inspiring event. We’re looking forward to the next one!
Must-Watch: T2D Network’s Patient Partner Series
Meet the people at the heart of diabetes care, those living with T2D. Our new Patient Partner Series on YouTube gives the mic to real voices and lived experiences.
In this playlist, you’ll hear honest conversations about daily struggles, victories, and everything in between. In one standout episode, Shelley Tice interviews Joy, a Patient Partner who shares her journey and the power of being involved in co-designing care.
🎥 Watch the full series here and get a deeper look into what T2D really means, from the people who know it best.
Mark Your Calendar: ATTD 2026 Conference
Technology and innovation are shaping the future of diabetes care, and ATTD 2026 is where it all comes together.
From March 11–14, 2026, join global leaders in Barcelona, Spain, for the 19th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes. Expect cutting-edge updates on AI in healthcare, smart devices, digital tools, and next-gen therapies.
📝 Abstracts are due by September 10, 2025. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, or innovator, this is the place to be for the future of diabetes care. Sign up here.
Spotlight: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
With all the new advancements in insulin therapy, staying current with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is essential, especially for Canadian healthcare professionals. CGM doesn’t just help manage diabetes, it can also reveal patterns that may point to underlying liver dysfunction. That’s why it’s important to view glucose data alongside hepatic lab results.
CanadaCGM.com is a great place to start. Topics include:
CGM basics and product comparisons
Updates on public coverage and health policy
Clinical guidelines and virtual care best practices
Managing hypoglycemia and interpreting CGM data
Tools You Can Use: Interactive Diabetes Management Resources
Making informed treatment decisions can be complex—but the right tools help. We’ve rounded up interactive online resources to support health professionals managing type 2 diabetes. And don’t forget: if liver disease is suspected, be sure to check liver function. Some glucose-lowering drugs need dose adjustments or are contraindicated in active hepatitis.
Check out these trusted tools:
Diabetes Canada Decision Tool – Helps you select appropriate medications, with a clear recommendation to use insulin for severe hyperglycemia.
Compare T2D Drugs – Side-by-side comparison of 24 drug classes, looking at A1C impact, weight changes, and hypoglycemia risk.
Diabetes Medications Table – A comprehensive overview of all medications used in diabetes care.
💡 Find these and more resources on our Interactive Tools webpage.
New on the Blog: Hepatitis & Diabetes -- What You Need to Know
Our latest blog post dives into the often-overlooked link between hepatitis and type 2 diabetes. It turns out that people with chronic hepatitis C face a significantly increased risk of developing T2D, especially in underserved communities.
We break down the research, explain shared risk factors, and emphasize the need for integrated care and screening. If you work in healthcare, public health, or community outreach, this post is a must-read.
Stay Connected with the T2D Network
The Type 2 Diabetes Network brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, and organizations to improve T2D outcomes in BC. Led by the Institute for Health System Transformation & Sustainability, we share best practices, evidence-based tools, and innovative approaches to care.
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