The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation with Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., HOP Tech, and MEDTEQ+ are proud to announce a new, three-year partnership to research and develop artificial intelligence-based technology to better screen for and identify type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in people 35 and up with cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
One in three Canadians has diabetes or prediabetes, with T2DM accounting for up to 95 per cent of all diagnoses.
Unfortunately, many Canadians are only screened for T2DM when they show T2DM-related health issues, such as heart disease and kidney damage. Using A.I.-based technologies to enhance screening measures, we can help reduce T2DM-related healthcare system burdens.
“Diabetes is a complex disease where Canadians often do not get diagnosed until they experience a significant health event. Therefore, we need to continue working collaboratively to find innovative ways to prevent and address diabetes diagnoses and ensure that everyone has timely access to the care they need,” says president and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Canada, Andrea Sambati. “With this partnership, we aim to make a positive impact for those living with type two diabetes.”
The DECIDE-CV programme is one of the first of its kind in Canada, and one of the first multi-disciplinary collaborations aimed at using A.I.-based technologies to improve health outcomes for those with T2DM. Individuals in the programme will use wearable devices to monitor T2DM-specific indicators and send that data to their healthcare team through electronic health records.
“Many people have developed T2DM and don’t know it until a major cardiovascular event occurs. In addition, there needs to be continual screening for T2DM among patients with cardiovascular risk factors,” says chief of the DECIDE-CV clinic at McGill University Health Centre and a member of the Canadian Cardiovascular Guideline committee focused on diabetes and heart failure, Dr. Abhinav Sharma.
“We are excited to join our partners in developing the DECIDE-CV program. With increased monitoring, doctors can quickly tailor their approach in caring for each patient based on their needs and the information collected – ultimately, improving population-level screening for T2DM in Canada.”
“Projects like DECIDE-CV signal a paradigm shift in healthcare. We are transitioning from treating health issues when they arise to preventive care that keeps individuals from getting sick in the first place. Philanthropy plays an important role in this shift –For more information, visit government funding alone cannot facilitate such a fundamental change in our health system. The MUHC Foundation is proud to partner with Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr. Sharma to help Canadians stay healthier and live longer,” says president and CEO of the MUHC Foundation, Julie Quenneville.
The programme will start their trials in Spring 2022.
