From all the inspiring stories you shared, to community-based events, to blue monument lightings and proclamations, people united across Canada this November during Diabetes Awareness Month. 

Thanks to your support, collectively we raised the profile of diabetes and celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Canadian discovery of insulin—with our friends, family, media, online and other networks. 

We also recognized an important day, November 14th—World Diabetes Day and the 120th birthday of Sir Frederick Banting.  Together, the Canadian Diabetes Association, JDRF Canada, founding sponsor Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. and silver sponsor Eli Lilly Canada marked the day by honouring and celebrating Diabetes Champions like Banting, Best, Macleod, Collip and you. 

For more information on local events, fundraising opportunities, volunteering and helping to spread awareness, please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

The Canadian Diabetes Association wishes you a joyous holiday season, and we look forward to your continued support in the New Year to help lead the fight against diabetes!

In November, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced that through the Canadian Diabetes Strategy the federal government will support 37 new community-based projects with $6 million in funding. The funding will address screening, early detection and management of diabetes, as well as the prevention of secondary complications from the disease, including hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

As part of this commitment to diabetes in Canada, the Association is proud to be partnering with the Government of Canada on two projects: the transformation of the Association’s Clinical Practice Guidelines into practical tools for Canadians with type 2 diabetes to ensure optimal self-management of the disease; and the development of a Latin American-specific nutrition tool.

Provincial reports titled the “Economic Benefit of Funding Insulin Pumps” were separately released in Nova Scotia on November 16 and in New Brunswick on November 18. The results from both of these reports show that switching from daily insulin injections to an insulin pump can reduce complications and improve quality of life for people living with type 1 diabetes.

New Brunswick—The Association is happy to announce that the government of New Brunswick recently introduced a Pediatric Insulin Pump Program. During a special luncheon with Association volunteers and supporters to release findings of the Economic Benefit of Funding Insulin Pumps in New Brunswick, Health Minister Madeleine Dubé announced the news of the new program.

The need for these types of initiatives are particularly significant in New Brunswick, as New Brunswickers living with diabetes face some of the highest levels of personal expenses that can prevent them from being able to effectively manage their disease.

“This is very good news for New Brunswick youth who live with diabetes, and their families, and we look forward to working with the government as the Pediatric Insulin Pump program is implemented,” says Michael Cloutier, President & CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association.

December 5 was International Volunteer Day, and the Canadian Diabetes Association would like to take this opportunity to thank our many volunteers for their incredible support. Across Canada each year, thousands of people from all walks of life—healthcare professionals, people living with diabetes, parents with children who have diabetes or individuals who care deeply about our cause—help us lead the fight against the disease.

During our National Annual General Meeting in October, we commemorated the exceptional contributions a number of individuals whose volunteer work stood out as particularly exceptional this year. Click here to see the winners and read about their inspiring contributions.

Scientists are reporting development and successful laboratory testing of an electrochemical sensor device that has the potential to measure blood glucose levels from tears instead of blood—an advance that could save the world’s 350 million diabetes patients the discomfort of pricking their fingers for droplets of blood used in traditional blood glucose tests. Their report appears in ACS’ journal Analytical Chemistry.

By becoming a member of the Canadian Diabetes Association, you can join a powerful alliance of people connected by the cause and united in the search to find a cure.

With our Classic Membership you’ll enjoy benefits such as a one year subscription to Diabetes Dialogue, our magazine focused on managing and living with diabetes, and the opportunity to vote in the Regional Annual Meeting nearest you, and more.

There is something special about the holiday season that brings out the spirit of giving in all of us.

If you would like to send a special year-end donation, and it’s received by December 31, 2011, your donation will be eligible for a 2011 charitable tax receipt. It’s fast, easy and 100% secure.

Banting House National Historic Site of Canada presents a 12-month desktop calendar featuring original oil paintings by Sir Frederick Banting.  Quantities are limited, so order yours today for only $10, plus shipping.  To order, call 519-673-1752, x. 226, or email .

Lime and cashew add zest and crunch to this delicious chicken stir-fry.