Exceptional Care for Those with Type 1 Diabetes; Halting Care is Not an Option

WHITBY, ON, April 7, 2020 /CNW/ - During this time of uncertainty and fears around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; patients and families dealing with type 1 diabetes are coping with a new reality.   However, one thing is for certain, The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is adapting in order to cope with a world pandemic and its impact on their healthcare services.

The Best Centre programs and services have always stemmed from their mission; to keep patients healthy until a cure is found. "The continued good health of our patients of all ages is particularly significant now, as we respond to the ever-evolving world-wide COVID-19 pandemic situation", says Lorrie Hagen, Executive Director. "Halting frontline care was never an option for us, simply because there would not be other options for our patients and families.  The overnight transformation of how we deliver care was embraced fully and I am very proud to say our entire staff has come together in a way that only a true team can" continues Mrs. Hagen.

According to the Centre for Disease Control, "the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults". Reported symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing and possible vomiting or diarrhea. In comparison, type 1 diabetes onset is characterized by diabetes ketoacidosis which can lead to a diabetic coma. The symptoms are excessive thirst, increased and frequent urination, weight  loss, vomiting, drowsiness and difficulty breathing. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms are seen despite the current pandemic situation. 

"If a person living with type 1 diabetes is in self-isolation, they must have enough sick day diabetes supplies to last at least two weeks. Including insulin, blood test strips/ sensors, insulin pump supplies, blood ketone strips and a glucagon injection kit.  Patients need to increase frequency of checking blood sugar and blood ketones levels while they are ill," says Lorrie Hagen. The staff of the Best Centre continue to be available to our patients after hours to respond to urgent concerns and prevent hospital visits.

Currently, the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is strictly adhering to provincial and federal guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, they want the community to know they will be there for those who need them.  All efforts are being made to maintain the current appointment schedule for all of our educators to offer video and teleconferencing appointments through OTN (Ontario Telehealth Network) or online video and audio meeting services.   Instructions on how to access services and to provide your uploaded data to your educator can be found on the centre website at www.charleshbest.com  

"We want our patients, their families; really anyone dealing with type 1 diabetes to know that the centre has a rich history of serving Ontario, and that those dealing with this high-risk disease will not be forgotten and will be supported during this very difficult time in their lives," says Marlene Grass, RN and Founder of The Best Centre.

During this time of world uncertainty, The Best Centre is still pressing forward to find ways to continue to serve those who have come to depend on it. They recognize that preparedness is key to timely and effective access to healthcare. The centre recently launched a $5M capital fundraising campaign to expand its current site knowing that the demand for their services will double in the next 5 years.  After this pandemic comes to an end, there will continue to be many people impacted by this potentially fatal disease.  The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre plans to grow and be there for the residents of Durham Region and beyond.

ABOUT THE CHARLES H. BEST DIABETES CENTRE

The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is a one-of-a-kind healthcare centre and a registered charity that exclusively serves patients and families living with type 1 diabetes, a life threatening auto-immune disease. They are proud to be the only provincial program that maintains service and support through all the patients' years. The clinical team consists of dedicated nurses, dietitians and social workers; all working together to realize their mission; to keep children, youth and adults living with type 1 diabetes healthy until a cure is found.

SOURCE Charles H Best Diabetes Centre