CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION — SUMMER 2021
CAROUSEL OF HOPE 2020
CELEBRATING THE MOTHERS AND FATHERS OF OUR T1D HEROES PAGE 20
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NEWSNOTES FEATURES 4
Children’s Diabetes Foundation Board Members
TYPE 1 DIABETES PODCAST: SEARCHING FOR THE HOWS AND THE WHYS
EXECUTIVE BOARD: Mrs. Barbara Davis, Chairman Dana Davis, Executive Director Mr. Cameron van Orman, Vice Chairman Richard S. Abrams, M.D., Treasurer
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CDF SPONSORED FUNDRAISERS
Mrs. Arlene Hirschfeld, Secretary Stephen Daniels, M.D., Ph.D. Chairman of Pediatrics The Children’s Hospital, Denver
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 43RD ANNUAL SPRING BRASS RING
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CHRISTIAN’S DIAVERSARY
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE VIRTUAL EPIC DIABETES CONFERENCE
Mrs. Nancy Davis Rickel Daniel Feiten, M.D. Mr. Wayne Forman Mr. Robert Garelick Mrs. Deidre Hunter Mr. Shawn Hunter Mr. Steve Lucas Mrs. Marcela de la Mar
ETHNICITY, POOR BLOOD-SUGAR CONTROL LINKED TO COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATION FOR YOUTH WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES
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CHARLOTTE TUCKER SCHOLARSHIP – ERIN DOYLE’S STORY
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CELEBRATING MOTHER'S AND FATHER’S DAY
John J. Reilly, Jr., M.D. Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs & Dean, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Mr. Ken Rickel Mrs. Stacy Mendelson Robinson Marian Rewers, M.D., Ph.D. Ex-Officio Member Mr. Joseph Smolen Mrs. Tracy van Orman
Mark Atkinson, Ph.D. Professor of Pathology & Pediatrics, Director, University of Florida Diabetes Institute Ezio Bonifacio, Ph.D. Professor for Preclinical Approaches to Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden, Germany Robert Eckel, MD Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Mr. Shane Hendryson
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SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD: Richard S. Abrams, M.D. Director, Colorado Preventive Medicine, Rose Medical Center; Clinical Professor of Medicine UCD
Matthias Hebrok, Ph.D. Professor in Residence and Director, Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco Steven Kahn, MB, Ch.B. Professor of Medicine, Director of the Diabetes Research Center, University of Washington Rudolph Leibel, MD Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Co-Director, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Alvin Powers, MD Professor of Medicine, Molecular Physiology/Biophysics, Division Director, Vanderbilt University William Tamborlane, MD Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine
NewsNotes is published quarterly by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. If you would like to submit an article or a letter to NewsNotes, send information to Raleigh@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org. Raleigh Cooper, Editor Zachary Reece, Graphic Designer
Facebook.com/ ChildrensDiabetesFoundation
@CDFdiabetes
@CDFdiabetes
WWW.CHILDRENSDIABETESFOUNDATION.ORG CDFcares@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org • 303-863-1200 NEW ADDRESS AS OF DEC. 30, 2020 - 3025 South Parker Road, Suite 110, Aurora, CO 80014
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Dexcom presents
Saturday, October 2 • Hyatt Regency Denver
Featuring entertainment by An evening to benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation & the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes High Hopes Tribute Award Recipients: Steve & Shelley Lucas Founders Award Recipients: Dan Feiten, MD & Julie Feiten Event Chair: Dana Davis Honorary Event Chair: Barbara Davis
Tickets available at www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
Early Bird pricing now through June 30, using promo code REO21 3
CDF NEWS
TYPE 1 DIABETES PODCAST:
SEARCHING FOR THE HOWS AND THE WHYS Many think of diabetes as a result of poor dietary choices and lack of exercise. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder often manifesting in children and teens, differs starkly from this description more characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Despite the high number of people living with type 1 diabetes (over 1.6 million in the U.S.), we still have much to learn about the onset and implications for those living with the disease. In this podcast, CDF's Paige Lindbloom describes their work in funding diabetes research, raising public awareness and supporting patients with specialized programs. So How Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Recognized and Managed? Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle choices, age, race or place. Prominent symptoms include frequent urination, bedwetting, fatigue, blurred vision and uncontrolled weight loss. These symptoms can often come about very suddenly, especially with children. For those with type 1 diabetes, their pancreas— an organ that secretes insulin—stops functioning and can cause catastrophically high blood glucose levels. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are required to self-administer insulin in order to utilize the sugar they ingest and turn it into energy. They cannot utilize the sugars in their body and turn it into energy, and therefore people with type 1 have to manage it by self-administering insulin. Research surrounding a potential cure for type 1 diabetes is fraught with difficulties as we still don’t know what the common trigger is. Paige explains how this limits the preventative research and how the medical care is still focusing on ways to more effectively manage the administration of insulin. As someone living with type 1 diabetes herself, she found her own ways to live a wholesome and stimulating life. She encourages individuals and parents alike to empower themselves and their children to lead independent and fulfilling lives. CDF’s Paige Lindbloom Interviewed by Karim Bukhadurov on Great.com Podcast! Paige Lindbloom
Karim Bukhadurov from Great.com interviewed Children's Diabetes Foundation’s Paige Linbloom as part of their 'Great. com Talks With...' podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.
Karim Bukhadurov
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HOW TO LISTEN
Visit great.com/great-talks-with/type-1-diabetessearching-for-the-hows-and-the-whys to listen to the whole interview and find out more on the current type 1 research and findings, as well as the Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s holistic programs.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
& KIDS FUN RUN 5
CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION SPONSORED FUNDRAISERS
Shining Sol Candles March Fundraiser A big thanks to INSPERITY for coordinating a fundraiser to benefit Children’s Diabetes Foundation! During the month of March Shining Sol Candles created two separate candles with 40% of sales going back to the Foundation, raising over $1,300!
Tory Burch Shopping Event Location: Tory Burch Outlet Store (Denver Premium Outlets, Thornton)
Date: July 22, 6-8 p.m. (online) and July 25, 5-8 p.m. (in-person)
Tory Burch will be hosting online and in-person shopping events to benefit Chidren’s Diabetes Foundation! Follow our social media for an RSVP link to the July 22 online shopping event, and join us in-person at the Denver Premium Outlets in Thornton on July 25. Don’t forget to mention CDF when making your purchase! 10% of all sales from both events will be donated back to the Foundation.
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Don’t Sugar Coat It 5K Date: August 15, 9 a.m. Location: Redstone Park – Highlands Ranch The Don’t Sugar Coat it 5K raises money each year for Children’s Diabetes Foundation and JDRF. Join hundreds that gather to run for people affected by type 1 diabetes, spread awareness and get some good ol' exercise. Learn more about the Don’t Sugar Coat It 5K by visiting raceroster.com/events/2021/48024/dont-sugar-coatit-2021-5k.
Kendra Scott Shopping Event Date: November 6-7, (virtual and in-store) Location: Kendra Scott Cherry Creek Kendra Scott will host a two-day Kendra Gives Back party which incorporates both in-person and online shopping, with 20% of proceeds from all purchases going back to Children’s Diabetes Foundation!
Dillard’s Date: September 18, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Location: Park Meadows Mall, Lone Tree This event will feature all of the things participants need for the 2021 Carousel Ball! Glamorous dresses, elegant shoes, and more will be brought in for this unique fundraising event. Dillard’s April “Shop for a Cause” event was the highest grossing charity shopping event to date at the Park Meadows location, raising $2,600 for Children’s Diabetes Foundation. A big thanks to Susan Squyer for the connection to this fundraising opportunity!
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CDF Support Groups You are not alone with type 1 diabetes! • • •
• • •
All support groups will be held virtually until further notice Denver Metro Area – all ages & • Southeastern Colorado (Pueblo, relationships to diabetes Cañon City, Lamar, etc.): New! – All Colorado Springs, CO – all ages & ages & relationships to diabetes relationships to diabetes • Rifle, CO (Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Delta, Grand Mesa) – all ages Northeastern Colorado (Sterling, Iliff, & relationships to diabetes Merino, Hatxun, Crook, Fleming) – all ages and relationships to diabetes – • Cheyenne, WY – all ages & meets every 2 months relationships to diabetes “The Keepers” in Denver – parents & • Douglas County, CO – all ages & caregivers of teens with type 1 relationships to diabetes Fort Collins, CO – for kids 18 & under • Digital – Virtual meetings for anyone with type 1 diabetes & their caregivers regardless of location, age, & Central Rockies (Lake County, connection to diabetes Leadville, Summit County, Eagle • Teen Connection Community: New! County, and Chaffee County) – all (Virtual)- For those with type 1 ages & relationships to diabetes diabetes between the ages of 13 & 18
Sign up to receive notifications about the specific time, date, & location of each meeting by visiting 8
www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org/support-groups/
AND EXTREME SPORTS BY BRITTANY VOLDEN
Children with type 1 diabetes can play sports, just like everyone else. My son Gavin, who lives with type 1 diabetes, began riding dirt bikes 4 years ago. I asked Gavin why he likes riding dirt bike and he said, “I love riding dirt bikes because it is just so fun! Nothing else matters. I just ride.” When Gavin is on his bike, he isn’t thinking about diabetes. He isn’t thinking about carb counting or site changes. Dirt bike riding is an extreme sport that gives him some sort of control over his life. I think the reason he enjoys that is because there is so much that he is not able to control when it comes to diabetes. So, how do we do it? Just like any other sport and type 1 diabetes, having a plan is essential! First, we prepare. We prepare with a good meal prior to riding. We like Gavin to have a good amount of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates to ensure he has enough nutrients to keep his blood sugar steady throughout his ride.
DIEBAETES NEWS
TYPE 1 DIABETES
Second, we pack ALL the snacks. Dirt bike riding gets warm and Gavin’s blood sugar tends to drop when his body temperature increases. We bring easy, quick, and healthy snacks like applesauce, fruit, and yogurt. Third, we watch the Dexcom to continuously monitor his blood sugar. Extreme sports typically cause adrenaline spikes which in turn can increase blood sugar. That has not been the case with Gavin. Gavin tends to go low when his adrenaline spikes, so we always have juice on hand just in case. Fourth, sit back and enjoy the ride! One thing I have learned about type 1 diabetes and extreme sports is that it takes a team, parents AND child, to work together to help your child manage their blood sugar. If you set goals and intentions, then it can have a huge impact on your diabetic child’s life. The experience of type 1 diabetes and extreme sports should empower your child and give them the strength to know that despite their diabetes. They can still accomplish anything they set their mind to.
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SPRING BRASS RING 10
SPRING BRASS RING 2021 On April 8, the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes
Foundation put on the showstopping 43rd Annual Spring Brass Ring, it’s largest and signature annual fundraiser. The virtual event showcased glamorous fashion, adorable youth advocates (children with T1D), and a spectacular silent auction to raise funds for the event. Despite not being in person, the virtual event had excitement and electricity that was felt in the air no matter where viewers were streaming. Prerecorded elements included a welcome from Guild President Lisa Corley and event co-chairs Scottie Taylor Iverson and Dave Barnes, an exciting fashion preview with designs by Lourdes Chavez, the event’s Featured Designer, and a runway show with CDF’s advocates. Gina Comminello, owner of The Look Beauty boutique, styled models and Erin Ferris of Erin Ferris Designs for the fashion preview. CBS4’s Brit Moreno, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, and auctioneer Halie Behr kept the energy going with the live portion of the event. Though virtual, the two kept the night going and were integral to the Spring Brass Ring raising over $153,000 for Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center! The event’s advocate models included Everly Gouker, Alice Hanson, Frankie Hodgson, Keaton Isakson, Hailey Kiker, Margot Rea, Miles Scott, Keller Sears, Ryder Terry, Corinne Watne, Carson Wedding, and Emerson Weis. The Hadford Family, who have three of four children with type 1 diabetes, shared their story on how the BDC had always been there for her family. The Hernandez family, whose daughter Xiomara was diagnosed at age 14, thanked the BDC for being like family while their daughter was being treated. Dr. Todd Alonso, Associate Professor and Medical Director at the Barbara Davis Center, gave attendees an overview of the multidisciplinary and heartfelt way that the BDC approaches patient care. Dr. Shideh Majidi then announced that the BDC is unveiling a new program to support the transition of diabetes care from pediatric to adult, which is a challenge for most patients as they grow up. Halie Behr gave an electric ending to the event by leading a paddle raise that saw donors giving amounts from $25 to as much as $10,000 at a time. Thanks to the President’s Match generously contributed by the current, incoming, and past Presidents of The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the event ultimately far exceeded its original fundraising goal! Generous President Match contributors included Gina Abou-Jaoude, Christy Alberts, Shannon Aquino, Tangy Buchanan, Lisa Corley, Dalyla Creaghe, Joan Drawer, Lori Finch, Chris Foster, Sally Frerichs, Helen Hanks, Marty Jensen, Gail Johnson, Sharon Kamen, Cheryl Lebsock, Janice T. Livingston, Judy McNeil, Brenda Neyman, Barb Oberfeld, and Diane Sweat.
CBS4’s Brit Moreno
SPRING BRASS RING Funds raised from the Spring Brass Ring benefit The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, a group of more than 300 members dedicated to supporting those with type 1 diabetes and helping to fund research, diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide scholarships for T1D students, and sponsor activities for children and their families. CDF would like to extend a special thank you to Premier Sponsors The Crazy Merchant, Inc., iCIMS Talent Cloud, and Steve & Shelley Lucas. The Official Media Sponsors for the event were Colorado Expression and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles. Angel Sponsors included Cigna and NexGen Resources | Judy & Charlie McNeil. Corporate Sponsors included The Corley Legacy Foundation, G5 Financial Group, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Dan Sharp Luxury, Sterling Ranch | Harold & Diane Smethills, and Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC. Media Partners included CBS4, KBCO, and The Villager. And a very special thanks to our event co-chairs, Scottie Taylor Iverson and Dave Barnes! Save the Date for the 44th Annual Spring Brass Ring, featuring the designs of Lourdes Chavez – Tuesday, April 12, 2022!
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LIVING WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES FROM A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE BY TARA DANA
Our story started out a little different than most. Christian was
involved in the Teddy study from birth because we found out when he was born that he had the high-risk gene for developing T1D. Since I have a family history (my sister) of type 1 diabetes, I figured it would be good for us to be involved with the study. I wanted to "know" if my son was going to develop diabetes. I wanted to be on top of things so I could be more prepared if that day ever came. From a very young age, Christian always had 2-3 out of the 4 antibodies that were being tested for elevated. We knew he had a 50% chance of developing T1D. But as much as I thought that made me prepared for the possibility of it happening, I was just lying to myself. April 26, 2015 came, and I felt like I was hit with a ton of bricks! Reality hit us hard. Reality that life with diabetes was going to be our new normal. Reality that our life was never going to be the same! I cried. I cried a lot! Not because I was mad or because I was scared, but because I was sad that my son was going to have to deal with this for the rest of his life. I began to question myself and what we had done wrong. I felt like a failure. I felt like I hadn't done what I was supposed to do as a mom to take care of my son. I felt like it was all my fault! Six years later and I can now say we have come a long way. I was finally able to accept this new "normal" and that his diagnosis was not my fault. We have tried to turn Christian's diagnosis into something positive. Christian is now going on 3 years with being an advocate for the Children's Diabetes Foundation. We do everything possible to help educate and spread awareness of type 1 diabetes. I'm not going to say that everything is always joyful and without frustrations. Times have been tough. But we have learned, and continue to learn, how to deal with everything. The past year has been a little rougher than the previous years due to Christian now being a pre-teen, dealing with hormones, adjustments with starting middle school (during a pandemic, I might add), diabetes "burnout", and Christian beginning to want more autonomy with his care. Sometimes, just as we were getting into a routine and I thought it was getting easier, bam, this all hits. And then I think "WHY?" But most importantly, I question how I can help Christian get through all of this? All I want to do is set him up for success as he goes into adulthood. I want him to continue to live a healthy and happy life! I know now that whatever curveball is thrown our way, we will take it with stride and eventually hit it out of the park. It's not always going to be an easy task, but it can be done. Especially if our family continues to work together and is supportive of Christian.
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Living with T1D is a daily challenge, both for those living with the disease and those family members helping out their loved ones, but strength and perseverance are key. We cannot let diabetes win! These past 6 years have shown me how tough Christian is, and what a fighter he is. Do I get scared because I know what diabetes could possibly do to my son? Yes. But then Christian reminds me that we don't have anything to be scared of, we are in this fight together, and we are going to come out on top! I love you Christian Dana. I know that your future is in your hands, you have already made a BIG difference, and you are going to continue to show the world that living with T1D is manageable! Happy 6-year diaversary!
Words Christian’s Story, In His Own
life and I want to talk about my n tia ris Ch is e nam my , llo He 12. when I was 6 and now I am with diabetes. I got diabetes say my life and, yes, it's hard to I have had diabetes for half is, say that, but life is what it that. I wish I didn’t have to me family members for helping and I want to thank all my es e of my struggles with diabet On . far so les ugg str my h wit eat. myself insulin every time I is having to deal with giving to take breaks from activities I also get mad when I have that doing. But I say to myself am I t tha n fu ng thi me so or d bad, and I have to keep my min I can't always think of the h how good I am at dealing wit set on how strong I am and Barbara Davis Center for diabetes. I want to thank the the m. I’d also like to thank all being there when I need the e helped me over the years and doctors and nurses who hav to take care of myself. I want who have taught me how to r CDF for being a big supporte say a BIG thank you to the ut abo ers rtunity to educate oth of me and giving me the oppo m. I wish I could make my T1D with the advocates progra has n't happen. Yet everyone that diabetes go away, but it wo h better and helping me deal wit helped me is making me feel my life with diabetes.
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4TH ANNUAL EPIC DIABETES CONFERENCE 14
With so many facets for diabetes care, it’s impossible to learn everything you need to know in quarterly appointments, even after many years of living with the disease. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center partnered together to create the EPIC Diabetes Conference to give patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers an in-depth look on improving their diabetes care in an open, supportive environment. The Fourth Annual EPIC Diabetes Conference focused on connectivity and offered three different tracks for attendees to tailor their experience: pediatric, adult, and advanced. Sessions covered a variety of topics including mental and emotional health, remote monitoring, online decision making, COVID-19, and more. The event provided attendees the opportunity to improve their individual care, embrace the diabetes community, and reinforce the fact that they are not alone with this disease. This year’s conference, virtual for the first time, brought together hundreds of people from 21 states and 3 different continents.
Workshops included a 15-minute presentation by each speaker, followed by 45 minutes for questions from attendees. The format allowed attendees the opportunity to connect directly with Colorado's top endocrinologists and diabetes specialists in real time, even though they weren’t in the same room. Keynote speaker Kellee Miller, PhD, MPH, provided an in-depth presentation, Connecting Scientific Advancements to Patient Care, highlighting her diabetes research and how data is used to identify trends in the diabetes community. Kellee is the Senior Epidemiologist at the Jaeb Center for Health Research in Tampa, Florida. She has a PhD in Epidemiology and her research focus is type 1 diabetes. Other presenters included Aaron Michels, MD, David Swaschnig, RN, CPNP, Jane Reusch, MD, Brigitte Frohnert, MD, PhD, Viral Shah, MD, Jenna Eisenberg, MS, LMFT, Shideh Majidi, MD, Ellen Fay-Itzkowitz, MS, Robert Slover, MD, Cecilia Low Wang, MD, Kimber Simmons, MD, Hal Joseph, PA, Taylor Triolo, MD, and Greg Forlenza, MD. Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center would like to extend a very special thank you to the Beatson Foundation, the presenting sponsor for the Fourth Annual EPIC Diabetes Conference. Save the Date for 2022! The Fifth Annual EPIC Diabetes Conference will be IN-PERSON at the Sheraton Downtown Denver on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Did you miss the conference? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Visit epicconferences.org/2021-presentations to view slides from the virtual event.
4TH ANNUAL EPIC DIABETES CONFERENCE
Kellee Miller , PhD, MPH
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DIABETES NEWS
ETHNICITY, POOR BLOOD-SUGAR CONTROL
LINKED TO COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATION FOR YOUTH WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES BY DEBRA MELANI
THIS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS APRIL 28, 2021
Taking a first look at COVID-19’s effects on children and
adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), researchers have linked ethnic minority status, poor blood-sugar control and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with increased hospitalization. The connection between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and severe COVID-19 has been well established, with the more common T2D a clear risk factor for poorer outcomes and death from SARS-CoV-2. Few studies have focused on T1D, however, and none has zeroed in on pediatric patients until now. The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC) at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus took part in the multicenter study, spearheaded by the Bostonbased T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative. The study was published online this month in the Journal of Diabetes.
DKA, COVID-19 can equal trouble
In patients with T1D, the pancreas produces little to no insulin, blocking glucose (blood sugar) from entering cells for life-sustaining energy. Most often diagnosed in children and adolescents, patients face a life-long battle of maintaining that critical blood-sugar balance. DKA sets in when the balance becomes so out of whack, acids called ketones build up in the blood. “It leads to dehydration and vomiting, and, if left untreated, the patient will die,” said the BDC’s G. Todd Alonso, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at the CU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. While researchers didn’t find T1D itself putting the young patients more at risk for severe COVID-19 illness than their non-diabetic peers, they did discover that DKA and COVID-19 was a dangerous mix.
G. Todd Alonso, MD
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“DKA was largely what put the kids in the hospital,” Alonso said of the study participants. “It wasn’t something novel with the coronavirus, yet you can imagine that these are two things that you don’t want to have together.”
The study assessed risk factors and outcomes in 266 patients with confirmed COVID-19. All participants were 18 or younger with T1D. Comparisons were made between hospitalized and non-hospitalized cases. Looking at their last A1c results (a blood test that shows median blood sugar levels over a three-month period), researchers found that 86% of patients in the study with DKA had levels above 9% with an 11% median. The A1c target for people with diabetes is below 7%. DKA was the most common adverse outcome, occurring significantly more often in the hospitalized group (72%). “So, this is a group with very high baseline blood sugar,” Alonso said. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can also increase hypercoagulation risk (resulting in blood clots), as can COVID-19. “Hyperglycemia (reported in a third of the cases) can lead to dehydration, and dehydration can lead to a state where you can form blood clots more easily,” Alonso said. “So, putting hyperglycemia with the known hypercoagulation risk from COVID-19 could be an especially dangerous combination.”
DIABETES NEWS
High blood sugar, ethnicity raise risk
People of color also had increased risk of hospitalization. White children make up about 75% of all T1D pediatric cases in the United States, Alonso said. Yet, in the study, hospitalized patients were more likely than non-hospitalized patients to have minority race/ethnicity (67% vs. 39%). “That just totally sets it on its head,” Alonso said. “This is consistent with other research showing that our communities of color are more severely affected by this pandemic.” Other disparities underscored
BDC answering the call
Children who were hospitalized were also more likely to have public insurance (64% vs. 41%) and less likely to use insulin pumps (26% vs. 54%) and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) (39% vs. 75%) than their nonhospitalized peers.
“We’ve really doubled down on emphasizing sickday management and teaching our patients how to troubleshoot diabetes management,” Alonso said, adding that often requires being able to call an expert for help.
Among the study patients, only 65 of 123 (53%) of those with public insurance were using CGM, compared to 113 of 138 (82%) of those with private insurance. In what Alonso called “a really big deal” for diabetes caregivers and patients, Colorado this month approved a CGM coverage policy for people with Medicaid insurance. “This is consistent with other research showing that our communities of color are more severely affected by this pandemic." – G. Todd Alonso, MD Access to healthcare, including glucose-management education and provider communication and guidance, are all critical to good diabetes care, Alonso said. Researchers suspect barriers to healthcare account, in part, to disparities the study found.
BDC provides doctor access 24/7. Through the patient portal, BDC patients also can receive a sick-day plan that is automized through their electronic medical record and based on age, weight and current insulin doses. “It’s really concerning that we have populations of patients we don’t communicate with as well, and we need to find better ways to do that,” Alonso said. “When we do get those phone calls early on in illness (whether with DKA or COVID-19), we can usually help them manage their diabetes at home before they get really ill. But it takes a lot of troubleshooting.” The study highlights the need for patients to call their doctors, especially during the pandemic, he said. “This really underscores how an illness like COVID-19 can push people with T1D over the edge. If it’s 2 in the morning, and you are throwing up, wake somebody up. Wake up one of our doctors, because that’s a call I really want to take.” To reach the 24-hour Barbara Davis Center call line, dial 303-724-2323, follow the instructions, and a live operator will take your call and transfer to a BDC pediatric endocrinologist on call.
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The Children's Diabetes Foundaaon in conjunccon with the Barbara Davis Center Presents
Practical Ways to Achieve Targets in Diabetes Care (ATDC) VIRTUAL 4-DAY MEDICAL CONFERENCE JULY 15 - 18, 2021 Connnuing Medical Educaaon is Available! It’s me to register for our annual, connnuing educaaon conference designed for healthcare providers caring for adolescents and adults with diabetes. The conference will be held virtually this year. This conference is for: cerrfied diabetes educators, internists, pediatricians, family physicians, physician assistants, nurse praccconers, nurses, dieeeans and all healthcare providers interested in receiving the most up-to-date type 1 and type 2 diabetes informaaon from world-renowned diabetes experts.
Register at www.atdcconference.com/registraaon 18
ERIN DOYLE’S STORY
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2003 when I was
8 years old. At the time, my dad was losing a battle with melanoma, so my family and I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices. We had no idea what type 1 diabetes was. We had never even heard of it. I remember complaining about side pain, so my mom took me to the hospital thinking it was an appendicitis. The doctors didn’t know what the side pain was, which later turned out to be a hernia, but before I could pack up all my toys and go home, they wanted to run one more test. That’s when they gave me a sugary drink and tested my blood sugar and found it very high. They recommended we make an appointment at the Barbara Davis Center to learn about diabetes and how to not only manage and live with but thrive and succeed with it. I went through elementary and middle school being the only diabetic in class, so it was very crucial that I had the Barbara Davis Center and their incredible staff to help me feel supported and “normal.” They gave me hope that I could still reach and accomplish my dreams in life. I always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I loved being on stage acting, singing, and dancing. It was my passion, and I wasn’t going to let a little incurable autoimmune disease get in my way. But there was something that made it a little difficult, and that was tuition. The staff at the Barbara Davis Center watched me grow up, so they knew when I was looking at colleges and suggested I look at the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship. I didn’t know you could get a scholarship for being a type 1 diabetic. It actually made me feel really cool, and I would often find myself bragging about it. I received the scholarship for four full years of college, and I honestly believe that without that scholarship I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have felt the freedom to pursue my dreams without stressing about tuition. I already had grades, blood sugars, jobs, and an internship to worry about, but with the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship I could actually focus on achieving my dreams.
CHARLOTTE TUCKER SCHOLARSHIP
CHARLOTTE TUCKER SCHOLARSHIP
I graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a degree in Music Business and now work at Audacy as a producer and on-air personality on Alice 105.9. I work directly with Slacker and Steve, who first introduced me to radio when they came to my middle school for career day, so to work with two of the most well-known radio personalities in the state straight of out college is a dream come true, and I couldn’t have done it without the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. I love seeing other type 1 diabetics point out my insulin pump on the station’s social media pages. It reminds me that there are other people who can relate to what you’re going through, and there is an incredible support system at the Barbara Davis Center and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.
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Children’s Diabetes Advisory Board Members and Guild Presidents
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THE GUILD PRESIDENTS:
ADVISORY BOARD:
Founding President, Amy Davis Mrs. Gina Abou-Jaoude Mrs. Christy Alberts Mrs. Jamie Angelich Mrs. Karen Aylsworth Mrs. Linda Broughton Mrs. Tangy Buchanan Mrs. Joy Burns Dr. Bonita Carson Mrs. Lisa Corley Mrs. Nancy Cowee Mrs. Dalyla Creaghe Mrs. Norma D’Amico Ms. Donna Douglas Mrs. Margy Epke Mrs. Chris Foster Mrs. Helenn Franzgrote Mrs. Sally Frerichs Mrs. Debbie Gradishar Mrs. Helen Hanks Mrs. Georgia Imhoff Mrs. Marty Jensen Mrs. Gail Johnson Mrs. Sharon Kamen Mrs. Janet Knisely Mrs. Cheryl Lebsock Mrs. Shelley Lucas Mrs. Suzy Love Mrs. Judy McNeil Mrs. Sally Newcomb Mrs. Barb Oberfeld Mrs. Gretchen Pope Mrs. Carol Roger Mrs. Kay Stewart Mrs. Diane Sweat Ms. Charlotte Tucker Mrs. Loretta Tucker Mrs. Melissa Tucker Mrs. Jane Weingarten
Sir Michael Caine Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Daly The Honorable Diana DeGette, U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado Mr. Neil Diamond Mr. Placido Domingo Mr. John Elway Mr. David Foster Mr. Kenny G Mr. David Geffen Mr. Magic Johnson Mr. Quincy Jones Ms. Sherry Lansing Mr. Jay Leno Mr. Mo Ostin Sir Sidney Poitier Mr. Lionel Richie Mrs. Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons Mr. George Schlatter Ms. Maria Shriver Ms. Brenda Richie Ms. Barbera Thornhill Miss Joan van Ark Mr. Gary L. Wilson Mr. Stevie Wonder See complete list at ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
Children’s Diabetes Foundation 3025 South Parker Road, Suite 110 Aurora, CO 80014 www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
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