Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is making a major impact on type 1 diabetes care in the Eastern GTA by offering comprehensive insulin pump classes that empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment. Scarborough has the highest rates of diabetes in Ontario, making SHN’s efforts in education and technology access particularly vital for the community.

Launched January 2024, these group sessions are a cornerstone of SHN’s Diabetes Education Program and are designed to support individuals transitioning from insulin injections to therapy using an insulin pump – a small device worn by the patient that delivers a steady, continuous dose of insulin throughout the day, with the goal of preventing blood sugar highs, lows, and forgotten doses.

The classes provide information and practical guidance in a supportive, non-biased environment. As an insulin pump class centre for the region, patients come from all over Scarborough and the surrounding area to learn about how insulin pumps work, what to expect during the transition from injections to the pump, and how to manage their diabetes effectively using this technology. Importantly, the sessions are structured to meet patients at a critical decision-making point – when they are considering whether to pursue pump therapy. The group format fosters peer support, allowing participants to share experiences and ask questions in a welcoming setting. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with patients praising the balance of technical information with impacts to their daily lives.

“Patients often come to these classes feeling uncertain,” says Toni Thomas, a Patient Care Coordinator in SHN’s Nephrology and Chronic Disease program. “By the end, they feel more confident and better equipped to make the right choice for their health. It helps discussing things in a group setting where people raise considerations others may not have thought of. Perhaps most importantly, they come away with a sense of community, having met and shared with others facing similar challenges resulting from their condition.”

To deliver this program, SHN maintains its status as an approved insulin pump teaching site under Ontario Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). This designation requires clinics to meet rigorous standards, including ongoing staff training and collaboration with insulin pump vendors to stay current with evolving technologies. Having ‘pump competent’ staff across disciplines means there is no delay in access because patients can get the information they need regardless of who they speak to from SHN’s clinic.

The ADP plays a vital role in making diabetes technology accessible to individuals. There is funding available for insulin pumps and up to $2,400 annually for supplies. Since 2022, the ADP program has also covered real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) systems for eligible patients with type 1 diabetes. These sensors, often integrated with insulin pumps, offer real-time data and alerts, helping patients maintain better glucose control and avoid dangerous highs and lows. The valuable data that is collected can also be reviewed by our clinic, allowing the team to make recommendations on adjustments that will further improve patients’ diabetes management.

At SHN, patients are assessed for both pump and rtCGM eligibility as part of their care journey. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team ensures that each patient receives personalized support, from education to application assistance. This includes helping patients select appropriate devices and completing the necessary documentation for ADP submission, thus creating a strong, trusted pathway for diabetes patients who perhaps don’t know where to get started or what options might be available to them.

“Access to advanced diabetes technology can significantly improve quality of life and health outcomes,” says Feliks Hysi, Manager of SHN’s Nephrology and Chronic Disease program. “We’re committed to ensuring our patients receive the support and tools they need to manage their condition effectively.”

The impact of this support extends beyond individual patients. By enabling better glucose control, these technologies reduce the risk of complications and emergency interventions, ultimately easing the burden on the healthcare system.

By combining expert-led education with access to cutting-edge technology, SHN is helping patients take control of their diabetes and improve their quality of life. This initiative reflects SHN’s broader commitment to equitable, patient-centered care, improved patient education and innovation in chronic disease management.

About Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin — a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise, leading to serious health complications, including limb amputations.

Diabetes is a serious illness but early intervention and ongoing management make a difference. Managing type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments.

Scarborough has the highest rates of diabetes in Ontario. The region’s diverse population and socioeconomic challenges contribute to the increased prevalence, underscoring the importance of accessible and equitable care.

For more information or to register for an insulin pump class, contact SHN’s Diabetes Education Centres:
– General Hospital: 416-438-2911 ext. 6888
– Centenary Hospital: 416-284-8131 ext. 4539

For more resources, visit Diabetes Canada.