CLINICAL
Best Centre patients and families have access to a wide range of programs and services offered by our multidisciplinary team. We offer expertise in type 1 technology, life transitions, school support, multiple caregiver support and fun events

People with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk for developing heart disease, kidney disease, amputation and blindness.
SERVICES
Initial Diagnosis | Follow-up Appointments | Nutrition Program | Insulin Pump Program | Pregnancy Program | Mental Health Program | After-Hours Urgent Care Program | Telemedicine | Growing Well with Diabetes (GWD)
Initial Diagnosis & Education
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Initial contact with a Best Centre clinical team member at diagnosis to provide essentials of type 1 diabetes management and routines through the first months of diagnosis
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Home visits available as required for paediatric patients
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Education sessions of 1-2 hours each as needed
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Daily contact with educator for dose adjustments as required
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Review of cost and access to supplies
Follow-up Appointments
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Goal setting
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Individualized sessions with a nurse and/or dietitian educators and social worker as needed
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Reinforcement of new skills and expanding on information available
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Assessment of how patient and family is managing blood sugars and coping overall
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Preparation for college/university life, shift work, sports, transitioning to adult specialist
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Transitions throughout the life cycle
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Education and support for partner, spouse and other caregivers
Nutrition Program
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Individualized, flexible meal planning for all ages
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Carbohydrate counting and label reading
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Weight management
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Education related to alcohol and drugs, vitamins and supplements
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Recommendations for special occasions
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Recipes, snack ideas and cookbooks
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Nutritional counselling for additional health issues
Insulin Pump Program
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Recognized ADP program by Ministry of Health for insulin pumps (paediatric and adults)
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State of the art insulin pump program initiated in 2000
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Individual/group education and management: assessment of patient/family readiness for pump, pump information night, pump school, pump initiation and continued follow-up to ensure success in patient control, satisfaction and adherence to ADP requirements
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Advanced Pumping program
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Continuous or flash glucose monitor education
Type 1 Pregnancy Program
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Advance pregnancy planning with the clinical team is ideal
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Bi-weekly appointments with educator to prepare patient for the stages of pregnancy
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Facilitate patient access to services of diabetes specialist, obstetrician, geneticist, ophthalmologist
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Screening and prompt intervention with any concerns
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Initial assessment and on-going support available for all patients
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Referral to community agencies as required
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High-Risk Patients support
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Support groups
After-Hours Urgent Care Program
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Clinical staff member availability 24/7/365 for newly diagnosed and urgent patients
Telemedicine
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Individualized appointments available to meet with educators through secure remote access via mobile device or computer
Growing Well with Diabetes (GWD)
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Target important topics throughout various stages of development (ages 8-18)
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Nurture your child’s relationship with our team
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Foster independence in diabetes management
Other Services
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Activities for patients and families for fun and support
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Fundraising events – Walkathon, Golf Tournament, Gala, Bingo
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Variety of opportunities for volunteer participation
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Annual conference for health professionals focused on adults with type 1 diabetes
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On-site point of care HbA1c testing - by finger prick with results in 6 minutes
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Education sessions arranged for schools, extended family members who are primary caregivers, day cares, group home staff and a variety of community groups and service clubs
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Emergency kit provided for all newly diagnosed paediatric patients; extra kits available for purchase
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Cutting-edge education in T1D technology including blood testing meters, insulin pumps, continuous glucose sensors, flash monitoring and other devices
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Participation of our clinical team members in community health-related events
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Opportunities to participate in type 1 research projects (e.g. Trialnet)
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The Best Centre also accepts community placement of university students including nurses, dietitians and social workers (subject to availability)