Become a Diabetes Buddy
Find the missing piece of T1D support — through mentorship
The American Diabetes Association recognizes peer support as a critical component of comprehensive Type 1 Diabetes care. Learn how you or a loved one can become a mentor or mentee.
Become a Big
Become a Little
Enroll Your Child
Become a Big
Enroll your child
For adults: your experience has the power to transform a child’s journey with T1D
1 in 3 youth with T1D experience significant diabetes distress. As someone who has lived through T1D, you can offer something uniquely powerful — proof that this life is manageable and the future is wide open.
Bigs must be over 21 years of age. You will be matched with a Little (ages 6-18) living with T1D through a local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, which is an accredited mentoring organization.
Start Your Journey
Become a Little
For a child: life with T1D becomes easier when you have support from people who truly understand
We provide a space to feel understood, normalized, and supported by someone who truly gets it — because they’ve walked in your shoes.
From adventures around town to celebrating small wins to tips for school or sports, peer support from someone who also lives with T1D builds confidence, strengthens independence, and reminds you of all you’re capable of.
Littles must be between 6 and 18 years of age. Talk to your parent or caregiver about getting matched.
Get Started
Enroll Your Child
Enroll your child
For parents: Caring for a child with T1D is a full-time job
You do so much for your child — connecting them with a Buddy can provide even more. NIH research shows that peer support beyond parents plays a critical role in improving outcomes, including reduced diabetes-related distress, improved self-efficacy and confidence, and better adherence.
Your child must be between 6 and 18 years of age to become a Little. They will be matched with an adult (21+) living with T1D through a local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, which is an accredited mentoring organization.
Get Started
When Brian takes George out it is incredible. For that time period I don’t have to be hyper vigilant because I know he has it under control. Brian knows how to treat the lows and run him around during the highs. From the moment they discovered they use the same brand of peanut butter crackers for lows, I knew this was going to be a good thing. This program is a dream come true.
George’s Mom
Become a Diabetes Buddy
Find the missing piece of T1D support — through mentorship
The American Diabetes Association recognizes peer support as a critical component of comprehensive Type 1 Diabetes care. Learn how you or a loved one can become a mentor or mentee.
Become a Big
Become a Little
Enroll Your Child
Become a Big
For adults: your experience has the power to transform a child’s journey with T1D
1 in 3 youth with T1D experience significant diabetes distress. As someone who has lived through T1D, you can offer something uniquely powerful — proof that this life is manageable and the future is wide open.
Bigs must be 21+ years of age. You will be matched with a little (ages 6-18) living with T1D through a local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, which is an accredited mentoring organization.
Start Your Journey
Become a Little
For a child: life with T1D becomes easier when you have support from people who truly understand
From adventures around town to celebrating small wins to tips for school or sports, peer support from someone who also lives with T1D builds confidence, strengthens independence, and reminds you of all you are capable of doing or achieving.
Littles must be between 6 and 18 years of age. Talk to your parent or caregiver about getting matched.
Start Your Journey
Enroll Your Child
For parents: peer support can improve outcomes and confidence
Caring for a child with T1D can feel like a full-time job. NIH research shows that support beyond parents plays a meaningful role in reducing diabetes-related distress, building confidence, and supporting better adherence – while also giving families another trusted person to lean on.
Your child must be between 6 and 18 years of age to become a Little. They will be matched with an adult (21+) living with T1D through a local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, which is an accredited mentoring organization.
Enroll Your Child
When Brian takes George out it is incredible. For that time period I don’t have to be hyper vigilant because I know he has it under control. Brian knows how to treat the lows and run him around during the highs. From the moment they discovered they use the same brand of peanut butter crackers for lows, I knew this was going to be a good thing. This program is a dream come true.
George’s Mom