While deciding between a regular drip coffee or a latte, many Canadians find themselves contemplating which treat to pair with their drink. But for individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes, these decisions go beyond simple preferences. They are calculating the carbohydrate content of the drink, how much insulin is needed to balance it, and how much insulin is already in their system.
People with diabetes make multiple health decisions every day,” said Andrew Muirhead, a territory manager for Insulet Canada and a Type 1 diabetes patient. He spoke at the Benefits Canada 2025 Chronic Disease at Work conference. “Despite knowing the importance of controlling blood glucose levels to minimize long-term complications, many individuals with Type 1 diabetes fail to meet their management goals.”
According to Muirhead, approximately 80 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes manage their condition through insulin injections and regular blood sugar monitoring. However, the burden and stress of these injections often lead to non-adherence, with roughly two-thirds of patients admitting to skipping doses, and 20 percent doing so frequently.
Insulin pump technology, however, has emerged as a solution to reduce the number of injections needed and improve clinical outcomes. Pamela Borges, head of market access at Insulet Canada, explained that the company’s Omnipod insulin pump offers discreet management of diabetes. The wearable, tubeless device is paired with a personal diabetes management tool that programs insulin delivery. The latest model includes continuous glucose monitoring, automatically adjusting insulin delivery based on blood sugar levels every five minutes.
Borges emphasized the importance of these advancements, noting that poor diabetes management can lead to both immediate and long-term health risks. Short-term complications include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) causing symptoms like shaking, rapid heartbeat, and confusion, and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which can result in fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent urination. If left untreated, poor management can lead to serious long-term effects, such as blindness, amputations, and neuropathy.
In the workplace, diabetes can also cause significant disruptions, with individuals experiencing higher rates of disability leave and absenteeism, as well as lower quality of life and increased depression. Borges highlighted that the new automated insulin delivery systems can mitigate these risks by maintaining better glycemic control, reducing the fluctuations in blood sugar levels that often lead to harmful consequences.
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