On May 2, 3 and 4, Diabetes Québec had the pleasure of welcoming 73 people living with type 1 diabetes, along with their loved ones, to Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant. In total, 138 guests attended.
The Type 1 Gatherings are annual weekend events that bring together adults living with type 1 diabetes from across Quebec around their shared reality: type 1 diabetes.
Many participants return year after year, and we also continue to welcome new attendees. The diversity of the group is undoubtedly one of the event’s greatest strengths: young adults connect with seniors, and those newly diagnosed can exchange with individuals who have decades of experience living with diabetes.
This year, we celebrated seven participants who have lived with type 1 diabetes for 50 years or more by presenting them with a medal generously offered by the insulin company Eli Lilly and Company. These individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience and are a true source of inspiration for all.
One of our ongoing challenges is to offer a different program each year. We invited outstanding speakers to share their expertise. Dr. Guérin, optometrist at IRIS, spoke about diabetes-related eye diseases. Dr. Sylvain Iceta, psychiatrist, shed light on the relationship with food in the context of treatment. Geneviève Côté, sexologist, adopted an engaging and open approach to make the topic of sexuality accessible to everyone.
The day continued with an active break led by Sonia Legault from Neuromotrix, followed by workshops led by two certified diabetes educators: one on dining out with Andréanne Fortin, nutritionist, and the other on medication with Alexandre Chadi, pharmacist. We also highlight the presence of representatives from various insulin pump and glucose monitoring device companies, who answered questions about the latest technological innovations.
On Saturday evening, participants relaxed, connected, and tried their luck at winning prizes during a bingo night. Ms. Vanier, a loyal participant, graciously hosted the bingo with the wonderful energy she is known for. Thank you for a fantastic evening!
The weekend concluded with a morning walk outdoors under the gentle spring sunshine, followed by a presentation by Dr. Rabasa-Lhoret, a renowned diabetes expert and exceptional communicator. He shared what people living with type 1 diabetes have taught him through the various research projects of the BETTER registry.
Dates for the next edition will be announced in our newsletter, on our social media platforms, in Dia.Logue magazine, and on the event’s webpage.
We look forward to seeing you again next year and to meeting new faces!
Diabetes Québec would like to thank its pharmaceutical partners Abbott, Dexcom, Insulet, IRIS, Tandem, and Ypsomed, without whom this event would not be possible.
We also thank our generous suppliers: BreezyPacks, Brix Rechargé par la nature, Delicouki, Les Fermes Lufa, Geneviève O’Gleman, Jean-Philippe Cyr, Healthy Crunch, Malyna, Les Producteurs de lait du Québec, 4AllFamily, and of course Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant.