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Managing both mental health challenges and diabetes can be complex, but understanding their connection is key to better health and well-being. In a recent vodcast, two leading experts, Dr. Mahavir Agarwal, Scientist at the University of Toronto's Schizophrenia Division, and Dr. Diana Sherifali, Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University, shared valuable insights on navigating these dual health concerns. The Intersection of Mental Health and Diabetes The vodcast delves into the significant overlap between mental health conditions and diabetes. Research shows that individuals living with mental health disorders may face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while those with diabetes often experience heightened stress, anxiety, or depression. Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Sherifali explain how these conditions can influence each other, emphasizing the importance of integrated care approaches. Key Strategies for Managing Dual Health Challenges The experts highlight practical strategies to support individuals managing both conditions: Holistic Health Management:  Addressing both physical and emotional health simultaneously can lead to better outcomes. Education and Awareness:  Understanding the link between mental health and diabetes empowers patients to make informed decisions. Collaboration in Care:  Engaging a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers ensures comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. Expert Insights on Improving Health and Well-being Dr. Sherifali and Dr. Agarwal stress the importance of a patient-centered approach, where open communication and personalized care plans play a crucial role. They also discuss the significance of lifestyle factors, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques, in promoting overall wellness. This insightful vodcast underscores the need for a collaborative, informed approach to managing mental health and diabetes together. By understanding their connection and applying expert-recommended strategies, individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their quality of life. Stay informed and empowered—tune into our YouTube channel for more expert guidance on achieving better health outcomes.

Are you passionate about healthcare transformation? The Institute for Health System Transformation and Sustainability (IHSTS)  is seeking a dedicated and diverse individual to join its Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on the future of healthcare by collaborating with industry leaders, professionals, and community members. As a Board Director at IHSTS, you will have the chance to help drive systemic transformation. You will collaborate with other Board members to guide IHSTS’s vision and strategic priorities, ensure the organization’s financial sustainability and accountability, and offer your expertise on governance, risk management, and organizational policies. Board members are also expected to serve on at least one Board Committee and attend four meetings per year, participate in the recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of the CEO, and contribute to shaping strategic goals. To be eligible for this role, candidates must be a member of the Corporation, at least 18 years of age, and have a solid understanding of Canada’s Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. We are looking for individuals who are knowledgeable in areas such as board governance, the not-for-profit sector, finance, human resources, risk management, and advocacy. Previous board experience is preferred. We especially welcome candidates with experience in communications/marketing, fundraising/grant writing, legal, information technology, government relations, finance, and strategic planning. Directors are expected to participate actively in four Board meetings and four Committee meetings each year, with meetings held either virtually or in-person in Vancouver’s downtown core. As recognition for your service, Board members will receive an annual retainer. If you are interested in contributing to the future of healthcare, please send your resume and a cover letter to lesleyjohnston@ihsts.ca  with the subject line "Board Director." The deadline for applications is September 30, 2024 . This is your chance to be part of a dedicated team driving meaningful change in healthcare. Apply today and help shape the future of health system transformation!

On March 21, 2024, Calgary, Alberta became the focal point for advancing equitable healthcare with the first-ever *Western Canada Diabetes Health Equity Summit*, hosted by Diabetes Canada. This landmark event, supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada, gathered 25 participants from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to share their experiences, successes, and challenges in tackling the growing issue of diabetes, with a particular focus on health equity. A Call for Health Equity in Diabetes Care Diabetes is a rapidly growing public health issue, with more than four million Canadians currently living with the condition. The burden of this disease disproportionately affects marginalized populations, including racialized communities, people experiencing homelessness, and those impacted by the social determinants of health (SDOH). Recognizing the importance of a systemic, inclusive approach, the summit aimed to spotlight health equity and its role in diabetes care, prevention, and management. As part of the three-year project Sustaining Momentum to Implement the Diabetes Framework (SMIDF), this summit represented a step forward in applying the principles of the Framework for Diabetes in Canada to practical healthcare initiatives. Figure taken from the Diabetes Canada report Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: The Key to Progress Participants at the summit hailed from diverse sectors including healthcare professionals, diabetes and health equity researchers, non-governmental organizations, and crown corporations. The cross-sectoral approach was essential to address the varying layers of diabetes care, especially when considering health equity. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the summit aimed to: Share successes and challenges in applying health equity principles to diabetes care, Identify barriers in access to diabetes diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly in vulnerable communities, Highlight innovative and successful approaches to equitable diabetes care, Explore the next steps to implementing a systems-level health equity approach across all diabetes programs. Insights from the Summit The discussions covered a wide range of topics, all centered around the core theme of health equity. Key presentations focused on: Culturally Competent Diabetes Care: Ensuring care systems are tailored to meet the cultural needs of Black and South Asian communities in Canada. The Impact of Diabetes on Homeless Populations: Addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by people without stable housing. The Role of Nutrition Policy: Exploring how nutrition interventions and policy can reduce the risk of diabetes, particularly in underserved communities. The summit reinforced the idea that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to diabetes care doesn’t work, especially when cultural, economic, and social factors deeply influence health outcomes. Challenges and Barriers Despite the progress highlighted at the summit, several barriers were identified as limiting equitable diabetes care across Western Canada: Inconsistent Funding: Participants emphasized the critical need for sustained financial support to ensure the ongoing success of equity-based diabetes programs. Government Involvement: Stronger government participation at both the local and federal levels is necessary to drive systemic changes. Community Investment: Support for community-driven initiatives was seen as crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of diabetes care programs. Looking Ahead: The Next Steps As a result of the summit, several clear actions were outlined to drive forward the principles of health equity within the context of diabetes care. Some of the key next steps include: Ongoing Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Continued collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, NGOs, and other stakeholders will be vital in creating a shared understanding of best practices in equitable diabetes care. Community Engagement: It’s essential to involve the communities most affected by diabetes in the conversation, to ensure their voices are heard, and their needs are met in policy development and program design. Systems-Level Approach: Incorporating health equity into the core framework of diabetes care and prevention efforts is a long-term goal. Stakeholders must work toward integrating these principles at every level of healthcare, from primary care settings to specialized diabetes management programs. The Diabetes Framework for Canada: A National Strategy for Change A significant focus of the summit was on the Diabetes Framework for Canada , introduced in 2022. This framework provides a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes in Canada, focusing on six interconnected components: 1. Prevention 2. Management, Treatment, and Care 3. Research 4. Surveillance and Data Collection 5. Learning and Knowledge Sharing 6. Access to Diabetes Devices, Medicines, and Financial Support. The Diabetes Framework serves as the national policy direction for addressing diabetes and its associated healthcare challenges. By identifying gaps, reducing duplication, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, it provides the government with an opportunity to monitor and assess progress in diabetes care. Building Momentum for Health Equity in Diabetes Care The Western Canada Diabetes Health Equity Summit laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable approach to diabetes care. By fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and emphasizing the critical role of health equity, the summit participants have taken meaningful steps toward improving diabetes outcomes for all Canadians, particularly those in marginalized communities. As the Sustaining Momentum to Implement the Diabetes Framework project moves forward, the lessons learned from this summit will serve as a valuable guide for future initiatives. By keeping health equity at the forefront, Canada can create a healthcare system where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the care and resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Healthcare Providers & Researchers Resources Empowering You with the Essential Information to Manage and Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Clinical Guidelines and Best Practice Access the latest guidelines on T2D prevention and management to ensure evidence-based care. Patient Education Resources Access our comprehensive patient education resources designed specifically for clinicians managing Type 2 Diabetes. Interactive Tools and Resources Utilize powerful tools like risk calculators and decision aids to optimize patient outcomes. Professional Education Materials Explore comprehensive certification programs and resources to enhance your professional practice. Referral and Support Services Connect with a broad network of local and national referral services to support patient care. Read the Latest Diabetes News Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in diabetes research and treatment through our curated diabetes news updates. Indigenous Tailored Resources Tailored resources for Indigenous communities focus on culturally relevant diabetes prevention and management strategies that integrate traditional practices. South Asian Tailored Resources Resources for South Asian communities emphasize culturally appropriate dietary advice and lifestyle strategies, aiming to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes. East Asian Tailored Resources Resources for Asian communities emphasize culturally appropriate dietary advice and lifestyle strategies, aiming to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes. Join the Network Connect with us and share your expertise by joining our supportive and informative healthcare provider & researcher network. Review Our New Website! Is there something we missed? We’d love to hear your suggestions on how we can improve our Network

Healthcare Professionals and Researchers Join the Network Joining the network connects you with other healthcare providers, researchers, and experts in diabetes care while sharing best practices and innovative treatment strategies. We'll keep you informed with the latest research, clinical guidelines for Type 2 diabetes management, and events through our network newsletter and give you access to workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on advancements in diabetes care, offering continuous learning and skill enhancement opportunities. Patients, Family, Caregivers, and Public - Join the Network below Become a Network Member First name* Last name* Profession* Organization Please describe 'other' Profession Where did you hear about us? How often would you like to hear from us? Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Quarterly Email* Yes, sign me up for membership. Patients, Family, Caregivers, and Public Join the Network By joining the network, enjoy access to experts in diabetes care through our workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on advancements in diabetes care. Connecting you with a community of individuals living with type 2 diabetes to share experiences and receive peer support. You'll receive our network newsletter, providing you with reliable up-to-date information on Type 2 diabetes self-management and practical tools for self-care, wellness programs, and guidance for healthier living, empowering you to take control of your diabetes management with confidence. Click here if you would like to participate in our Patient Support Forum Subscribe to our newsletter First name Last name Where did you hear about us? How often would you like to hear from us? Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Quarterly Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter.

Type 2 Diabetes Network Passionate change-makers working together to design a different future for people living with Type 2 diabetes in BC. What is the T2D Network? The Type 2 Diabetes Network is a collaborative group of healthcare professionals, researchers, organizations, and institutions working together to address Type 2 diabetes and overcome gaps in care and services in the community. Led by the Institute for Health System Transformation & Sustainability, w e support health professionals, individuals and communities to prevent and manage T2D through shared knowledge, strong partnerships, and accessible resources across British Columbia. At the T2D Network , our mission is to transform the approach to Type 2 diabetes care and prevention from a reactive, after-the-fact system to a proactive, preventative model. We are committed to building a learning health system that fosters continuous improvement and innovation within community care. Meet our Leaders What we do Patient Engagement Patient Engagement Linking Communities Linking Communities Connecting Populations Supporting Research Our approach to patient engagement is centered around fostering meaningful partnerships and empowering individuals to manage their health effectively. We strengthen community ties and enhance service integration to build a comprehensive support system for diabetes prevention and care. We connect diverse populations and healthcare systems to ensure that our efforts in diabetes prevention and care are impactful and far-reaching. We advance the field of diabetes prevention and management through our support of research, aiming to bring innovative solutions to the forefront. What Sets Us Apart We raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes, its risk factors, and prevention strategies through webinars, dialogue days, and research reports. Awareness We facilitate communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and institutions involved in diabetes care and research. Collaboration Our Values Adaptability We enable rapid adaptation and evolution to meet the needs of our partners, both now and in the future. Participatory Leadership Our leadership is a collaborative effort that empowers partners to actively participate in decisions and activities. Equity We address problems and solutions through an equity lens, aiming to reduce health disparities. Inclusiveness We welcome all individuals and organizations committed to our mission to join and contribute. Person-Focused We prioritize the needs of patients, families, and communities, aiming to improve outcomes that matter most to them. Scientific Integrity We apply rigorous scientific standards to ensure the credibility of our findings. Solidarity We unite partners around a common goal, building trust and promoting collective responsibility. Transparency We operate openly and transparently to maintain and deepen the trust of all partnerships. Our Goals We strive to connect stakeholders across sectors to drive community-based innovation and create value in T2D prevention. Our organization prioritizes four key LEAP principles for diabetes prevention L earn and Improve: Promote the adoption of best practices and continuous learning, driven by the latest research and evidence-based strategies. E mpower self-management: Actively involve individuals in efforts to reduce T2D risk, empowering them to take charge of their health. A ctively prevent and reduce risk: Support and connect diverse populations, encouraging self-management and health improvement across communities. P lan, promote, and partner: Engage communities and partners to foster connections across populations to address diabetes collectively. These efforts form the foundation of our mission to prevent diabetes and promote healthier communities. We focus on improving the quality of care for Type 2 diabetes to enhance prevention and management strategies. Quality Improvement We enable the sharing of research findings, innovation, and best practices to improve the understanding of Type 2 diabetes. Information Sharing Our Strategy Equity We support equitable access to Type 2 diabetes care and endorse a sustainable healthcare system. We bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, institutions, and innovative partners interested in Type 2 diabetes. Networking 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. Our Focus Areas We concentrate on prevention, early intervention, cultural engagement, and building cross-sector relationships to effectively prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes. We concentrate on prevention, early intervention, cultural engagement, and building cross-sector relationships to effectively prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes. Help Us Improve – Review Our New Website! We are dedicated to transforming Type 2 diabetes care from a reactive system to a proactive, preventative model through continuous learning and community collaboration. O ur network thrives on collaboration and shared expertise. We create and support structures that leverage the knowledge and skills of a diverse and committed membership. Through partnership, open communication, and rigorous testing of new ideas, we strive to implement sustainable solutions for T2D prevention. We collaborate with research organizations to analyze outcomes, identify successful practices, and work with stakeholders to secure sustainable funding for scaling effective solutions. Our focus on knowledge-sharing and behaviour change is key to preventing and managing T2D across British Columbia. Meet our Partners