Chair George Van Ankum welcomed 40 members and guests to a diabetes information meeting on April 7 at the Drayton Reformed Church in Drayton.
Guest speaker endocrinologist Dr. Peter Clarke works at five diabetes centres, in Orangeville, Shelburne, Mount Forest, Palmerston and Fergus and sits on the diabetes steering committee of the Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). He spoke on new drugs, new insulin, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and advances in insulin pump therapy.
“With advances in technology, I can sit before you tonight and say that I can see the light is glowing brightly at the end of the tunnel, meaning an elimination of diabetes could be closer than we think,” he said.
Clarke noted studies show that some new medications help reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease, help with weight loss, and inhibit glucose absorption. Some are equally effective for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Dr. Clarke explained how insulin is actually created.
He discussed the benefits of insulin and how newer insulin is longer lasting with fewer expected lows. Smart meters are being created to interface with insulin pumps. Sensors could be applied to the body relieving the need to take a poke test for two weeks. While at the International diabetes Federation convention, Clarke had the opportunity to see, handle, discuss and marvel over many of these devices that are currently being tested in the field and may soon go to market. The costs are uncertain and may not be covered by the government, he noted.
The Ministry of Transportation will have drivers answer a questionnaire if they have diabetes and want to renew their license. Diabetics should test at a safe level before driving, test after every four hours of driving and keep a supply of sugar boosting foods close at hand in the vehicle. Commercial driving licenses are being affected as well.
Asked why people develop diabetes, Dr. Clarke explained that people are living longer, more people choose driving over walking and get limited exercise, and when mothers have gestational diabetes it doubles a child’s risk of diabetes. He hopes children and adults will adopt a healthier, more energetic lifestyle and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
Nancy Dietrich thanked Dr. Clarke for sharing the latest developments that could lead to the end of diabetes.
The door prize of a Healthy Pleasures cookbook was won by Nancy Bowman.
The next meeting will be held on May 12 in Listowel.
The meeting was sponsored by the North Perth-North Wellington Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association at 94B Elora St. South in Harriston. Contact volunteers at 519-338-3181 or npnw@diabetes.ca.
