‘We see the impact’
Sun Life Financial puts the spotlight on diabetes prevention and cure
Sun Life Financial made a significant philanthropic decision in 2012 when it announced the largest single gift in the company’s 150-year history: a $5-million donation to the University Health Network (UHN) to support innovative research being done at the Sun Life Financial Banting and Best Diabetes Clinic. In addition to this five-year commitment, Sun Life is also contributing to health care and educational facilities across Canada that are committed to diabetes awareness, prevention and research.
“There are compelling reasons why Sun Life has targeted diabetes prevention and awareness as its top philanthropic cause,” says Mary De Paoli, executive vice-president, public and corporate affairs and chief marketing officer, Sun Life Financial.
“As the leading provider of group benefits in this country, we have seen the impact that diabetes is having on employers, the health care system and the quality of life for individuals. We knew we had to get involved.”
Diabetes is a disease that is reaching epidemic proportions. The World Health Organization has called diabetes the epidemic of the 21st century.
“Despite its prevalence, it is often forgotten,” says Dr. Gary Lewis, director, Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto, and Sun Life Financial chair in diabetes, UHN.
“Yet diabetes is at the cen- tre of an enormous threat to our health care system. One in seven dollars goes to diabetes today. That portion will only increase as we witness the escalation of Type 2 diabetes.”
In seeking out partners, Sun Life’s goal was to find the best, most innovative research and development resources in the country that could help drive a transformational change, De Paoli says.
“We were really drawn to UHN and the University of Toronto because they are known around the world for their expertise and breakthroughs in diabetes. It began in 1921 when Banting and Best put Canada on the map by discovering insulin — and it continues today with innovative research and care, making life better for so many Canadians with diabetes.”
“This partnership involves much more than diabetes research. Prevention and awareness are equally important areas of focus,” Dr. Lewis says. “We are at the cutting edge of discovery research in terms of finding new ways to treat diabetes and potentially curing it in time. For example, stem cell research through our collaboration with UHN’s McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine to create insulin-producing cells is showing great promise.”
Finding a cure is not the only focus, he adds.
“While that’s an amazing thing if it happens, we have to remember the huge advancements that have been made in the management of diabetes in the past two to three decades.
“By just applying what we already know in terms of prevention and care, we can actually move the dial tremendously.”
In addition to its research activities, the group engages extensively in educating the health care community, from nurses and physicians to pharmacists and other caregivers, Dr. Lewis explains.
“Pharmacists, for example, have deep relationships with patients, so we have been developing programs and tools they can use to improve the management and awareness of people with diabetes.”
Another area of focus is improving access and availability to existing information on diabetes prevention and management.
This means reaching beyond health care circles to educate industry, architectural planners and other areas that impact day-to-day lifestyle.
At the official unveiling of the newly named Sun Life Financial Banting and Best Diabetes Clinic, hockey legend Doug Gilmour lent his voice to the diabetes cause. Not only did he lose his father to this debilitating disease, his mother and brother are living with diabetes.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact diabetes can have on an individual and their family. I hope by sharing my personal story I can shine a light on diabetes research and prevention and keep other families from going through the same struggles.”