New to D Power Up Hanging on the Planet What's Going On

New to Diabetes

Are you the next National Youth Advocate?

Do you want to make a difference in the fight against diabetes? Apply to be the ADA’s 2008-2009 National Youth Advocate! If you are a young person between the ages of 12-17 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, who likes public speaking and can travel with a parent or guardian, you could be the next National Youth Advocate!

What does the National Youth Advocate do?

For more information and to download an application, please visit http://www.diabetes.org/nya

Meet Tesch West, 2007 ADA National Youth Advocate



Are you new to diabetes and want to learn more? Welcome! You've come to the right place. On Planet D, you'll find information about diabetes and how to manage it on a daily basis.

Here are a few places on Planet D that I really like:

  1. Check out the "My Diabetes" pages to read blogs from other kids with diabetes. The most important thing to know after being diagnosed is… you're not alone. Talking with other people who get what you're going through really makes it so much easier.
  2. Go to the "Managing D" pages to learn more about diabetes, blood sugars, insulin, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Trust me, soon you'll know these words like the back of your hand!
  3. Any time you see a new word in green, you can click on it and get the definition from the "D-fine it!" page. This online glossary of diabetes vocabulary words is always here for you so you never have to memorize the definitions. No vocab tests here!
  4. Once you're ready, you can interact with other kids your age who have diabetes. Build your own identity and then "Sound off!" or share your feelings. The most fun place on the site to hear what others have to say is on "Hanging on the Planet." And if your parents ask – yeah, the site is safe and secure. Send them to the privacy page.
  5. Virtual friends are great – but my friends who live near me are even better. I've made a ton of friends by getting involved with my local American Diabetes Association. Learn how you can get involved in the "My ADA" area.

Want to learn more about me and how I got to be National Youth Advocate? Check out my blog! Or send me an e-mail at nya@diabetes.org.