Message from Norman Rosenblum, INMD Scientific Director
November 2023

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, which provides us with an opportunity to reflect on Canadian innovations in diabetes prevention, management, treatment, and delivery of care. This is timely given that 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of F.G. Banting and J.J.R. Macleod receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of insulin. This discovery was a landmark achievement in Canadian medical research, transforming the field of endocrinology and the health outcomes of those affected by diabetes. The translation of this discovery into widespread clinical use occurred within a three-year period, a marvel of its time that would be hard to imagine today.

In Canada, the estimated prevalence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in 2023 is 10%, or over 4 million people.^{Footnote 1} The incidence of diabetes across the country is expected to continue increasing, further perpetuating the burden on individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems. What is most concerning is the rapidly increasing prevalence of T2D among youth 19 years or younger, particularly in racial and ethnic minority groups.^{Footnote 2} A recent study^{Footnote 3} highlighted the linear association between a younger age of diagnosis and a higher risk of all-cause mortality, compared to participants without diabetes. Based on modelling, the researchers concluded that every decade of earlier diagnosis of T2D is associated with about three to four years of lower life expectancy. This underscores the need for more effective prevention approaches at a younger age.

It has been estimated that it takes an average of 17 years to translate basic science into clinical practice.^{Footnote 4} Nevertheless, the last century has seen innovations to diabetes care and treatment that have transformed the lives of people with a diabetes diagnosis from dire to manageable. Canadian researchers have played a role in this evolution in diabetes care, notably in the discovery and clinical translation of incretin biology^{Footnote 5} and in many other important areas.

The CIHR 100 Years of Insulin: Accelerating Canadian Discoveries to Defeat Diabetes initiative aims to build on the legacy of Canadian diabetes research. The aim of this initiative is to elucidate previously undefined mechanisms, develop translational solutions, and harness Indigenous-led diabetes approaches that integrate resilience and wellness for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This initiative is co-led by INMD, and the Institutes of Infection and Immunity, Genetics and Indigenous Peoples’ Health, in collaboration with a number of other CIHR institutes and external partners. To date, 37 new research teams and operating grants have been funded through this initiative for a total CIHR and partner investment of $84.06 million. I would encourage you to read about these research teams and grants on our website.

As we look to the future, we must continue to strive towards more effective prevention approaches and treatments to enrich the quality of life of people living with diabetes by shortening the gap between research discoveries and implementation.

Norman Rosenblum, MD, FRCPC, FCAHS
Scientific Director
Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes

Date modified:

2023-11-20