About the T1D Community “Teens Rock”
For teens with T1D, there’s strength in numbers. Connecting with other kids living with T1D can help build community and reduce the challenges that can come with managing a chronic condition at such a young age. Rady Children’s has created a safe space just for teens with T1D called Teens Rock, where they can make friends and discuss their experiences of life with diabetes.
Why Connection Matters
Managing Type 1 diabetes is a round-the-clock responsibility, and for teens it often happens in the middle of school, sports, friendships and everything else that fills a young person’s day. That constant balancing act can feel isolating, especially when the people around them don’t fully understand what they’re navigating.
“Teens need insulin to stay healthy and when their blood sugars are low, they need to treat with fast acting sugar. This can present challenges daily when they are at school, field trips and hanging out with friends who may not understand,” says Christine Byer-Mendoza, MSN, RN, a diabetes nurse educator at Rady Children’s. “When our Teens Rock group is together, they understand what each other lives with each day.”
That shared understanding is the heart of Teens Rock. When teens connect with others who manage the same daily routines, the highs and lows of life with T1D start to feel a little more manageable, and a lot less lonely.
More Than Just Diabetes
While Teens Rock gives kids a place to talk openly about diabetes, it’s about much more than that. The group meets virtually each week, and the topic of conversation isn’t always blood sugar or insulin. Teens Rock gives kids opportunities to catch up and talk about their interests—sports, comics, movies or just life. The group also meets up in person periodically for fun outings, giving members a chance to build real friendships beyond the screen.
A Space Without Judgment
Above all, Teens Rock is designed to be a place where teens can simply be themselves. There’s no pressure to explain or justify the routines that come with T1D—everyone in the room already gets it.
“We want to provide a safe space for teens living with T1D to meet others and form relationships without judgement,” says Byer-Mendoza. “We want to provide opportunities in the community for our teens to hang out and just be teens.”
For many members, that sense of belonging builds confidence that carries well beyond the meetups, helping them feel more comfortable advocating for themselves and managing their care.
Getting Involved
Teens Rock is open to adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes who are looking for connection, community and a little extra support. Families interested in learning more can talk with their Rady Children’s diabetes care team or explore the program below.