Support mental health
1 in 3 kids with T1D experience diabetes distress — peer support is proven to help.
Currently creating connections in Metro Boston and Chicago! Check back to see when we launch in your area.
T1D Peer Mentorship
Connecting T1D youth with mentors who get it
Diabetes Buddies is the first-of-its-kind program dedicated to connecting kids with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) with adults who share the same diagnosis. Because no child should feel alone.
Become a Buddy
Partner With Us
Why Mentorship Matters
How Diabetes Buddies brings T1D mentors and youth together
Share your interest
Our focus is matching “Littles” (6-18) with local “Bigs” (21+) who’ve walked in their shoes.
Receive referral to local mentorship agency
We work with local Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) agencies using their 120-year gold standard for 1:1 mentoring.
Get formally matched
Using a proven framework, we prioritize safety and T1D-specific empathy.
Begin forming meaningful connections
NIH research shows that peer support beyond parents plays a critical role in improving outcomes.
Why T1D Mentorship Matters
Beyond medical care, T1D peer support makes all the difference
Boost confidence
Mentorship reduces social embarrassment as a barrier to adherence from 50% to 15%.
Foster independence
Support beyond parents helps children build autonomy and engage more in self-care.
Improved adherence
Intentional peer support is linked to better diabetes self-care behaviors among teens.
Become a Buddy
Since her diagnosis 4 years ago, Carol has not left our side. Now, she and her big Joan text, make plans, and off she goes! Of course, Joan checks with me, but I don’t get calls around food or how to bolus her or calls about what they should do and I don’t get nervous! Carol has freedom to go out and this would not be possible without Joan. I am so grateful for this program.
Carol’s Mom
About Us
At Diabetes Buddies, we believe no child should face the challenges of T1D alone. As a national 501(c)(3) mentoring organization, we connect children living with T1D to adult mentors who share their lived experience. Together, they build powerful, one-on-one relationships rooted in empathy, understanding, and resilience. In conjunction with local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, all mentor and mentee candidates are carefully matched using best practices to ensure safe, supportive, and lasting connections.Because every child deserves a buddy who truly understands.
Learn More
Currently creating connections in Metro Boston and Chicago! Check back to see when we launch in your area.
T1D Peer Mentorship
Connecting T1D youth with mentors who get it
Diabetes Buddies is a first-of-its-kind Type 1 Diabetes mentorship program connecting kids and teens with T1D to adult mentors who share the same diagnosis. Because no child should ever feel alone.
Become a Buddy
Partner With Us
Why T1D Mentorship Matters
Beyond medical care, T1D peer support makes all the difference
Support mental health
1 in 3 kids with T1D experience diabetes distress — peer support is proven to help.
Boost confidence
Mentorship reduces social embarrassment as a barrier to adherence from 50% to 15%.
Foster independence
Support beyond parents helps children build autonomy and engage more in self-care.
Improved adherence
Intentional peer support is linked to better diabetes self-care behaviors among teens.
Become a Buddy
How It Works
How Diabetes Buddies brings T1D mentors and youth together
Share your interest
Receive referral to local mentorship agency
We work with local Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) agencies using their 120-year gold standard for 1:1 mentoring.
Get formally matched
Using a proven framework, we prioritize safety and T1D-specific empathy.
Begin forming meaningful connections
NIH research shows that peer support beyond parents plays a critical role in improving outcomes.
About Us
At Diabetes Buddies, we believe no child should face the challenges of T1D alone. As a national 501(c)(3) mentoring organization, we connect children living with T1D to adult mentors who share their lived experience. Together, they build powerful, one-on-one relationships rooted in empathy, understanding, and resilience. In conjunction with local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, all mentor and mentee candidates are carefully matched using best practices to ensure safe, supportive, and lasting connections.Because every child deserves a buddy who truly understands.
Learn More
Since her diagnosis 4 years ago, Carol has not left our side. Now, she and her big Joan text, make plans, and off she goes! Of course, Joan checks with me, but I don’t get calls around food or how to bolus her or calls about what they should do and I don’t get nervous! Carol has freedom to go out and this would not be possible without Joan. I am so grateful for this program.
Carol’s Mom
