YukonU and Yukon T1D Support Network awarded grant to improve access to care for Yukon patients with Type 1 diabetes

The Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with Breakthrough T1D have awarded a $125,000 grant to co-leads Dr. Liris Smith, Assistant Professor and Health Research Chair at Yukon University (YukonU), and Dr. Marney Paradis, Chair of the Yukon Type 1 Diabetes Support Network.

The knowledge mobilization grant will provide the research team the opportunity to examine how Yukoners manage Type 1 diabetes from patient and provider perspectives. The goal is to describe the experiences of primary care providers and to improve overall care for Yukoners living with T1D, understanding that the needs of the community are unique with limited access to care especially in rural communities.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Yukon University to partner with Breakthrough T1D on this project," says Dr. Smith. "Diabetes is a common condition that impacts peoples' lives and it’s important for diabetes research to consider individual and community experiences."

"The Yukon T1D Support Network is incredibly thankful to CIHR and to Breakthrough T1D for this grant," says Dr. Paradis. "Type 1 diabetes is commonly misunderstood and can be a very difficult disease to manage. Understanding patient experiences in health system(s) is an important piece in knowledge mobilization."

Founded in 2017, the Yukon T1D Support Network is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the Yukon. The Network provides peer-based support to help patients manage their condition, offering resources, guidance, and a sense of community. In addition to its core mission of supporting individuals, the Network is a strong advocate for meaningful change in Yukon’s health policies, working tirelessly to ensure that the needs of those with T1D are represented and addressed.