The Hidden Struggle of Type 1 Diabetes

Living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is not just a physical battle; it’s an emotional one. Every day, T1D patients grapple with fluctuating blood glucose levels, managing insulin doses, and confronting potential complications like blindness and kidney disease. The weight of this condition never lifts, affecting not just physical health but emotional and social well-being throughout a person's life.

Mental Health: The Overlooked Component of Diabetes Care

Despite the profound impact of T1D on mental health, traditional diabetes care often neglects this crucial aspect. Healthcare providers typically focus on physical symptoms, leaving mental health needs in the shadows. Many patients are reluctant to discuss their mental health struggles due to stigma and a lack of understanding from their primary care doctors. When they finally connect with mental health professionals, these providers often lack specific knowledge about diabetes, making meaningful support difficult to achieve.

A New Era of Support: The Mental Health + Diabetes Strategy

Enter Breakthrough T1D Canada’s groundbreaking Mental Health Strategy, aimed at bridging the gap in care. This initiative focuses on improving both life quality and health outcomes for Canadians living with diabetes by training healthcare professionals, enhancing community support, and promoting targeted research.

Introducing the Mental Health + Diabetes Training Program

Launched in early 2023 in collaboration with Diabetes Canada, the Mental Health + Diabetes Training Program seeks to equip mental health providers with the knowledge necessary to support individuals with T1D and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). This program recognizes the significant mental burdens these patients face, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and strives to ensure that healthcare providers can effectively support their mental health needs.

Unlocking Resources: The Mental Health + Diabetes Directory

One of the key outcomes of this initiative is the creation of the Mental Health + Diabetes Directory, which provides a publicly accessible list of Canadian mental health professionals trained in diabetes care. This invaluable resource not only allows diabetes care teams to easily find qualified mental health providers but also empowers patients to self-refer, facilitating access to needed support.

Staying Informed: Educational E-Briefs for Healthcare Providers

In collaboration with experts, Breakthrough T1D Canada is developing E-briefs designed to keep healthcare providers updated on the mental health aspects of T1D. These resources aim to enrich providers' understanding and encourage them to share valuable knowledge with colleagues.

Driving Research Forward: Funding Opportunities

Through its Mental Health Strategy, Breakthrough T1D Canada is dedicated to funding new research grants focusing on T1D and psychosocial health. This funding will support innovative approaches to the care and quality of life for Canadians living with diabetes and mental health challenges.

Fostering Future Innovators: Diabetes Psychology Fellowships

To elevate expertise in T1D-related psychology, Breakthrough T1D International has established the Diabetes Psychology Fellowship program, open to international applicants. This program combines clinical care and research, paving the way for future leaders in the field.

Join the Movement: Partner with Breakthrough T1D Canada

As this important initiative evolves, Breakthrough T1D Canada is seeking partners to broaden its reach across the country. If you’re interested in collaborating on healthcare provider or community engagement efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out.