Diabetes is a Family Affair

Family Link: Diabetes is a Family Affair

From the initial shock of diagnosis to the birthday parties, school trips, summer camps, driving lessons, first dates, and departures for college – the American Diabetes Association's Family Link is here to support your family through key milestones in life that are affected when a child is diagnosed with diabetes.

"I think our biggest challenge is having to learn as we go," says Kimberly, whose 11 year old son, Javaris, was diagnosed last October. "Being so new we are all learning together – this has been a roller coaster for sure. Everyone in the family understands that things are different now. We are the Javaris support group."

Learning to live with diabetes doesn't happen overnight – and you don't have to do it alone. Not only does the American Diabetes Association provide science-based information about diabetes care, but the Association's Family Link also connects families to expert guidance, peer support, and tools that help with the every day care for a child with diabetes.

Learning to live with diabetes doesn't happen overnight – and you don't have to do it alone. The American Diabetes Association's Family Link is here to support your family through key milestones in life that are affected when a child is diagnosed with diabetes.

Building Links

Family Link matches families to other families who understand. You can be linked with a trained parent mentor who will guide you from personal experience. You can also meet other families living with diabetes while learning more about diabetes care and Family Link events taking place in your area.

In addition, we know it's important for your child to connect with other children who are living with diabetes. This is why we created Planet D, a safe and secure online community exclusively for youth with diabetes. Filled with social, interactive, and educational activities, Planet D is an opportunity for your child or teen to build peer-to-peer relationships with other children with diabetes. They can do this at Planet D.

Ensuring Safety at School

From hosting Parent Workshops that explain your child's legal rights for diabetes care in the school setting, to providing online tools and resources to help families and schools work together to build a safe and supportive environment for students with diabetes, the Association's Safe at School campaign is a network of committed advocates who are available to help you resolve diabetes care challenges at school. Learn more about Safe at School.

Diabetes Summer Camps

As the largest provider of Diabetes Camps in the world - serving more than 10,000 families of children with diabetes a year - the American Diabetes Association knows how important it is for children with diabetes to share experiences and nurture friendships that help them gain confidence and improve their diabetes management. To find a camp near you, visit Diabetes Camps.

Raising voices, raising research funds, raising awareness

Young people with diabetes and their families are a vital part of the American Diabetes Association's advocacy efforts. Locally, children serve as American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassadors to help raise awareness about diabetes. In addition, each year the American Diabetes Association National Youth Advocate tours the country to meet elected officials and inspire others to become diabetes advocates. For more information about the Association's National Youth Advocate.

There is a role for youth with diabetes and their families at the American Diabetes Association's special events, too. Whether you walk or ride, there are opportunities for the entire family to get involved by contributing time and energy to our shared mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Get involved in your local American Diabetes Association events by visiting what's happening in your local area.

As you and your family continue on the journey with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association is here for you. Family Link continues to build networks and resources to support you along the way. Stay up-to-date by visiting http://www.diabetes.org/family-link/home.jsp and signing up for our Parents eNewsletter. Soon to come: Everyday Wisdom; a tool kit for the entire family with tips and ideas about coping with the everyday moments of life with diabetes.