Diabetes Canada is excited to announce GMS Health & Travel Insurance as a new title sponsor and are encouraging Canadians to Lace Up to End Diabetes through a virtual fundraiser. Participants choose their activity (walk, run, ride, dance, etc.) and set their pace to reach the goal of 10 km or more by the end of September to help fund education, support services, advocacy, and diabetes research that can lead to the next big medical breakthrough.

“At GMS, we’re passionate about helping Canadians live well,” says John Salmond, GMS President and CEO. “Being physically active is an important part of maintaining good health no matter your age or ability. We’re excited to partner with Diabetes Canada to encourage people across this country to make physical activity part of their daily routines. Through Lace Up to End Diabetes, Canadians can do something good for their own health, and at the same time, help Diabetes Canada in their vital work to bring an end to this disease.”

This year marks a pivotal moment in diabetes history as 2021 is the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin—the most revolutionary Canadian medical breakthrough of the 20th century. However, insulin is not a cure. It’s the starting line, not the finish line for diabetes. Even after 100 years of insulin, 1 in 3 Canadians are living with or at risk of diabetes and some will experience serious, and even life-threatening complications in their lifetime.

“Every hour of every day, at least 20 people are diagnosed with diabetes—Lace Up to End Diabetes is a great opportunity to engage in a healthy fitness challenge while raising critical funds for the nearly 11.5 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes and support the work led by Diabetes Canada,” says Sarah Reid, Regional Director with Diabetes Canada. “The need for prevention, care, and a cure have never been greater and every kilometre makes a difference.”

Canadians are encouraged to join Lace Up to End Diabetes, presented by GMS and do their 10K their way, or to donate to help bring us one step closer to finding a cure, so we don’t have to wait another 100 years to end diabetes.

Indigenous people are three-five times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Indigenous Canadians and at a younger age, “says Joel Pedersen, Indigenous diabetes advocate (founder of Fitness 2J2). “That’s why I’m participating in Lace Up to End Diabetes as the funds and awareness I raise supports education, support services, advocacy and funding diabetes research.” 

Registration for Lace Up to End Diabetes is now open. There will be a special virtual celebration for all participants on September 26. #LaceUp10k #GMSLivingWell

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About Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is the registered national charitable organization that is making the invisible epidemic of diabetes visible and urgent. Diabetes Canada partners with Canadians to End Diabetes through:

  • Resources for health care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
  • Advocacy to governments, schools, and workplaces; and
  • Funding world-leading Canadian research to improve treatments and find a cure.

For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

About GMS Health and Travel InsuranceGMS has been providing health, travel insurance and group benefits in Canada for more than 70 years. Starting out in 1949 to provide access to basic health care in Saskatchewan, after the introduction of Medicare, GMS stepped in to bridge the gap between publicly funded healthcare and the needs of its customers across Canada. Today, GMS is continuing a proud tradition by finding new and innovative ways to provide industry-leading customer service as it realizes a vision of communities and individuals connected by a desire to continually improve health and wellness.