Life with Diabetes

Youth and Family Corner

Resources, stories, and support for families navigating diabetes in childhood and adolescence together.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a trusted ally for families navigating diabetes in childhood and adolescence. From educational materials, our growing ADA Camp program, to local events and advocacy initiatives, the ADA is dedicated to helping families on the journey with diabetes and thrive.

Through the ADA, families can access expert advice, connect with others who understand their journey, and find reassurance in knowing they're not alone. By partnering with the ADA, families can tap into a supportive network that empowers them to care for their child's diabetes and build a brighter future together.

Resources for Families

Article

Sick Days

Getting sick is an inevitable part of childhood. But a child with diabetes getting sick has additional complications to be aware of. Learn about how to create a plan for those days.

Plan for Sick Days

Article

New Drivers with Diabetes

New drivers with diabetes have a few extra steps to prepare for when getting into the driver's seat. Make sure your teen is ready for the road and knows what to do.

Driver's License Information

Young girl checking her blood glucose with meter

Resources

Living with Type 1 Diabetes

With the right tools and support, you can do anything. Whether you've been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or are helping a loved one, help is here.

Learn More

A woman monitors her blood sugar CGM while hiking.

Article

Exercise and Type 1

With type 1 diabetes, it’s very important to balance your insulin doses with the food you eat and the activity that you do—even when you are doing house or yard work.

Get the Tips

Resources

Living with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 means that your body doesn't use insulin properly.

Learn More

multinational mom and dad enjoying healthy cooking

Diabetes Food Hub

Fun Foods for Kids

Get kid-friendly recipes for people living with diabetes.

Get the Recipes

Group of students working together in the library

Podcast

Preparing for College Life with Diabetes

Delve into the challenges and triumphs of starting college with diabetes, discussing everything from dorm life to available resources.

Listen Now

Smiling young teen girl with mother and father

Safe at School

Help for Parents of Children in School

Schools need to provide proper care and support to help prevent life-threatening medical complications.

View the Resources

Camp
Safe at School
Project Power for Youth

ADA Camp

Camp offers a unique and empowering experience for kids and teens with diabetes, providing a supportive community where they can connect with others who understand their journey. At camp, children make lasting friendships, learn valuable skills to manage their condition, and gain confidence in their ability to thrive with diabetes. In a fun and engaging environment, campers participate in activities like archery, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures, all while receiving guidance from trained medical staff and counselors.

Explore Camps

ADA Camp

Learn About Camps

ADA Camp is a lifeline for children with diabetes to develop the critical skills needed to thrive while managing their diabetes.

Safe at School®

Smiling Latin American children outside at school

Kids with diabetes deserve to have a safe environment to learn and grow. Our Safe at School campaign works to make sure the diabetes management needs of children are met so they are healthy and safe and able to enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.

Learn More

Project Power for Youth

The American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Project Power for Youth program is a health promotion program for kids aged 5–12 with the aim to slow the trajectory of childhood obesity and diabetes, and their related complications.

Project Power

Project Power for Youth at Jewell Elementary School

Learn about Project Power for Youth at work in the commumity.

Learn About Project Power

Digital Event Recordings

If you have a child living with diabetes, check out these event recordings which cover some of the topics families ask about most, including ADA Camp, mental wellbeing, and more.

Preparing for Camp

Upcoming Events

Virtual or in person, there are plenty of ways to get involved at ADA events. Here you’ll find more information about our new youth and families virtual program—online events designed to give children with diabetes, parents, and caregivers practical tools, emotional support, and expert guidance—as well as Tour de Cure®, Step Out® Walk, and more.

Upcoming events

Parents’ Role in Supporting Independent Diabetes Management

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST

2026 Tour de Cure®: Arizona

Saturday, February 14, 2026

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM MST

Goodyear Ballpark -1933 S Ballpark Way,, Goodyear, AZ, 85338

Cooking Class: Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini

Thursday, March 12, 2026

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

Sharing Your Stories

You're not alone in your family's journey. Hear from others who are living with or have children living with diabetes. You can even share your experiences to help inspire and support others.