LIFE AS A DIABETIC - THE HIGHS AND LOWS

Meet 11 year old, diabetes hero Sydney Steier and her mom, Jen. When Sydney was diagnosed at 3 years old with type 1 diabetes, they learned to navigate one sugar check to the next and all Sydney understood was she had to take medicine so she could eat. With technology on her side and having fun educating her friends, she is persevering as a diabetic, winning awards from school and looking forward to pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse.

One of Dexcom's mission statements is 'empowering people to take control of their diabetes'. George chats with Dexcom's Chief Technology Officer, Jake Leach about 'diabetes technology' and the accomplishments and technological advancements Dexcom has made. Their accurate and reliable continuous glucose monitors, including shareable glucose data on smart phones, have made them leaders and pioneers in the diabetes medical device world. Find out what’s coming from Dexcom in 2020.

George chats with his long-time friend and music career manager Jim Cressman about personal discipline with his overall health and well-being by including physical activity and exercise into his daily routine. They discuss how focusing on fitness and health, not just diabetics, can boost your own productivity, performance and resilience, as part of living a healthy lifestyle.

We are currently in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. But how does this virus affect people living with diabetes who have an increased risk for some infections? We have come to understand the symptoms but they affect each person differently. Let’s meet 29 year old Sarah Ayers, a type 1 diabetic nurse from Ontario who contracted and has recovered from Covid-19. 

“If I had a nickel for every time someone said, you don't look like a diabetic ... I would have a bunch of nickels". George talks about the social stigma attached to diabetics and gets more in depth about growing up watching his grandmother live with type one diabetes. As well, a focus on the important necessity for more mental health support for those living with type one diabetes.

George and guest First Officer Austen McDonald discuss their passion for aviation and how Austen, being a type one diabetic, embraced the challenges and overcame obstacles in his pursuit to become a commercial pilot. A great story about why we should never give up on our dreams.

George discusses the vital research and resources available for diabetics with Dave Prowten, President and CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada, as well, a look at scientific advancements with Sarah Linklater, Chief Scientific Officer of the JDRF.

George Canyon introduces the series " Life As A Diabetic - The Highs and Lows".  The series includes interviews with celebrity guests, doctors, scientists, CEO's, authors, athletes and many, many more. George discusses his 36 years living with Type 1 diabetes and what he has learned - his highs and lows. This initial episode outlines his diagnoses at age 14 and his childhood dream.