Newly Diagnosed

A new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) can spark a range of reactions, including anger, sadness, and guilt.  Whatever your feelings, they are normal, and you are not alone.

Life with type 1 diabetes poses challenges for every member of the family. Whether you have type 1 diabetes yourself, or are the parent or loved one of a person with type 1 diabetes, it takes time to adapt to the day-to-day demands of the disease. But treatment options are improving all the time, and type 1 diabetes will not prevent you or your child or loved one from living a full and active life. With medical and emotional support, people with type 1 diabetes and their families learn to cope with the demands that the disease imposes. Even a child with type 1 diabetes--depending on age--will learn to take over much of his or her care. As time goes by, everyone will gain knowledge and confidence, and be able to celebrate successes, learn from mistakes, and move away from the intense feelings common after diagnosis.

Until there is a cure, we want to provide information that will help you cope with the burdens type 1 diabetes imposes, take advantage of help that is available right now, and keep you and your loved ones as strong and healthy as possible. This site contains some basic information about diabetes and its management that is based, first and foremost, on input from adults and children who have "been there" as well as from physicians and diabetes educators.

JDRF's Online Diabetes Support Team is a group of volunteers working with staff to provide one-to-one support, a sympathetic ear, and some practical suggestions to families affected by type 1 diabetes.

We look forward to hearing from you.