IRCM Researchers

Comparison of artificial pancreas systems

The artificial pancreas allows the insulin pump to adjust insulin doses to sugar levels in order to reduce hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia events. In Canada, three types of artificial pancreas systems are available: two models commercialized by the industry (Medtronic 660G/770G and Tandem Control-IQ) and two models developed by groups of patients (Loop and AndroidAPS). The research team is comparing commercial and patient-developed artificial pancreas systems in terms of glycemic control, security and quality of life.

Type 1 diabetes and Hypoglycemia

The objective of this series of studies is to learn more about the consequences of hypoglycemia, especially on the heart, and to assess the amount of carbohydrate needed to prevent hypoglycemia. In addition, the team is also studying the effectiveness of an educational program combined with high-intensity interval training in improving the perception of hypoglycemia symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes and exercise: strategies to reduce hypoglycemia

The objective of this series of studies is to identify the best strategies to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia. For example, members of the team want to identify the most appropriate time to reduce the basal insulin dose before exercise, the degree of reduction of the basal insulin dose during exercise, the time to resume the usual basal insulin dose, the type of snack to be taken before exercise, the prevention of hypoglycemia after exercise, etc.

The BETTER research program

The BETTER research program is for people living with type 1 diabetes. This program consists of:

• A registry (sort of census) open to all people living with type 1 diabetes in Canada and with the objective of measuring the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia episodes. Participants are invited to respond on an annual basis to questionnaires on the frequency of their hypoglycemia, their fear about hypoglycemia, their perception of hypoglycemia symptoms, and the factors involved (insulin therapy, nutrition, exercise, etc.).
• The online platform SUPPORT is accessible for participants of the registry. It offers personalized information according to treatment (syringes/pen or insulin pump) and the way blood sugar is measured (capillary or continuous glucose meter). SUPPORT aims to make management of type 1 diabetes easier.

Cystic fibrosis related diabetes

The laboratory is attempting to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the development of cystic fibrosis related diabetes as well as on the association between high blood glucose levels and changes in weight and pulmonary function. Members of the team have reported benefits of physical activity on blood sugar levels and are now studying the impact of a protein snack eaten alone or combined with exercise on the increase in sugar levels after a meal. We are also studying ways to simplify the diagnosis of this form of diabetes.