Help for Children with Type 1 Diabetes in Western New York

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield partners with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) It can be hard for someone so young to take on such a big responsibility of managing a chronic disease! That's why Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) are working together to expand support groups for children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents. The groups allow parents and children a chance to learn from each other and to discuss any problems they're having. The meetings are held in conjunction with fun events, such as holiday or bowling parties, and speakers (young and old) are brought in to talk to children and parents. When a person has juvenile diabetes (also known as Type 1 diabetes), their body does not produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into the energy needed for daily life. The condition can be deadly if not properly managed. If your child or teen is newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, they may also be interested in a JDRF "Bag of Hope." These bags include materials — from books and a stuffed animal called Rufus the Bear that has diabetes — to help the parent and child adjust to theirr new diagnosis. For more information on the support groups or Bags of Hope, call JDRF at (585) 546-1390. ****************************