The Diabetes International Foundation is a recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit foundation organized to address, educate, provide awareness of the disease and raise funds to eradicate diabetes on a national level.  We provide educational facts, statistics, and other related data on the causes, the symptoms, the complications, the importance of exercise and eating healthy, and treatments available to manage the disease.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.   It strikes a child or young adult suddenly, leaving that person insulin dependent for life.....or.....until a cure is identified. 

There are many devastating complications with diabetes such as blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, amputations, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.  Being diagnosed with diabetes means the body produces very little or no insulin at all.  Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life. 

Glucose levels must be monitored closely with a diabetes diagnosis. 

All type 1 diabetics test their blood glucose levels by pricking their fingers six or more times per day and require insulin shots each day, to survive, via insulin injections or an insulin pump. Glucose levels must be managed closely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.   Insulin therapy, however, is not a cure nor does it prevent devastating effects.

Insulin  pump and catheter  plugged into the  insulin site.  Catheter and insulin sites must be changed every three days to avoid infection and further complications for individuals struggling with Type 1 Diabetes.