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.
“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.”
But the topic of discussion at the weekly virtual meetup isn’t always diabetes. 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.
“We want to provide a safe space for teens living with T1D to meet others and form relationships without judgement. We want to provide opportunities in the community for our teens to hang out and just be teens,” says Byer-Mendoza.