£5 million to build support programme for young people with type 1

Why we need this programme

Life with diabetes can be relentless, and thousands of young people with type 1 report feeling down about their condition, that they don’t feel in control, and that it’s holding them back. Many feel isolated, often having never met another young person with type 1 diabetes. 

Laura, pictured below, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 23 years old. When she was first diagnosed, Laura found it difficult to manage her condition, but things changed when she started to meet others with type 1 diabetes.

“When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it was really tricky to understand the best way to manage my condition. The doctors and nurses were trying not to overwhelm me with information, but for me it just made it harder to figure out what I needed to know to manage my diabetes well. Now, having a network of people I can turn to for advice if I'm feeling uncertain or worried about something is invaluable, and something everyone with type 1 diabetes should have access to.” 

Our aims for the programme

This support programme will be the first of its kind, supporting young people in local communities as well as online, all across the UK. 

One aim of the programme is to create strong peer support networks, to help young people feel less isolated and alone. We’ll also be supporting young people to understand and feel more confident about managing type 1. And because your relationship with doctors and nurses can make a huge difference to how you feel and how able you are to manage diabetes, we’ll be supporting young people to better communicate with their healthcare teams. 

Find out more

Over the coming months and years, we’ll be working with young people with type 1 diabetes to find out more about the challenges they face, and what support they and others need to live well with type 1. If you’d like to find out more about the programme or to get involved in your local area, please email us at type1youth@diabetes.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

If you need support or information 

If you need any help with any aspect of living with diabetes or just want to chat, don't forget to call our free helpline on 0345 123 2399. We're open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. If it's outside that time  — or at any other time, you can get support from other people with diabetes on our online forum.

You can sign up for our free, monthly e-newsletter to find out more when the services launch in your area. You’ll also get all the latest research news, diabetes advice, delicious recipes, exciting events and more, straight to your inbox.