Next generation in patient empowerment

Canadian Diabetes Association supports TELUS Health Solutions to offer first of its kind online consumer ehealth service in Canada

VANCOUVER, May 31 /CNW/ - Access to relevant health information is crucial when it comes to successful diabetes management. The Canadian Diabetes Association is pleased to support TELUS Health Solutions' launch of TELUS health space - an innovative new online consumer health service for Canadians and their healthcare providers.

TELUS health space, powered by Microsoft HealthVault, will allow consumers to manage their personal and family health information through a secure online platform. Consumers will be able to access a wide range of value-added applications such as personal health records, tools for chronic disease management, resources for pediatric care including fitness and wellness solutions.

The Canadian Diabetes Association's HealthProgram on TELUS health space will include interactive educational tools and information to assist people living with diabetes in developing a systematic approach to self-management. The user's caregivers and healthcare team will have the ability to monitor their progress and results through TELUS health space and provide reminders and recommendations. The educational tools for people living with diabetes will focus on cardiovascular risk assessment and reduction and will help to optimize diabetes care while preparing users for upcoming diabetes-focused visits with their healthcare provider. These educational tools on TELUS health space are modelled from the Canadian Diabetes Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada. The Canadian Diabetes Association's HealthProgram will act as an interactive "health coach" for users providing information and support anywhere and at anytime as required.

"With more than three million Canadians living with diabetes and a further six million Canadians living with prediabetes, TELUS health space will empower individuals to take control of their personal and family health. Through multiple online and mobile tools and applications, individuals will be able to make informed decisions to improve health outcomes," said Anna Kennedy, Interim President & CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "We are pleased to endorse this initiative and see tremendous value in Canadians being able to access, store, connect, analyze and share health information to achieve goals and maintain good health."

Visit TELUShealthspace.com for more information.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association

Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. We are supported in our efforts by a community-based network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers and partners. By providing education and services, advocating on behalf of people with diabetes, supporting research and translating research into practical applications - we are delivering on our mission. Visit diabetes.ca for more information.

For further information: Randi Garcha, Manager, National Media Relations & External Communications, Canadian Diabetes Association, Tel: [phone], Cell/On-site: [phone], [email protected]; Regina Nebrida, Associate, Marketing & Communications, Pacific, Canadian Diabetes Association, Tel: [phone], ext. 241, [email protected]