We’ve carefully selected these diabetes nonprofits because they’re actively working to educate, inspire, and support people living with diabetes and their loved ones. Nominate a nonprofit by emailing us at nominations@healthline.com.
Diabetes is a group of diseases where your body can’t produce or use insulin properly, which may lead to complications. Luckily, diabetes and its symptoms, for both men and women, can be managed well through diet and lifestyle choices, in addition to necessary medicines.
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that diabetes impacts around
There are several great organizations offering support and education to people living with diabetes, their loved ones, and professionals alike. They include resources for people living with diabetes, as well as funding and legislative help for those seeking a cure. Check out these outstanding nonprofits to see how they’re helping the diabetes community.
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) is on a mission to help give people living with diabetes the best possible care. The foundation has raised over 100 million dollars for the Barbara Davis Childhood Diabetes Center, which treats people with type 1 diabetes. The CDF also helps raise awareness about diabetes, provides assistance for families, and sponsors activities in the community. You can visit their site to get more information, learn about community events, fundraising activities, and other ways to help. Their blog is also filled with advice and personal stories from children living with diabetes and their loved ones.
Tweet them @CDFdiabetes
The diaTribe foundation wants to make life happier and healthier for people living with diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. They advocate for recognizing the emotional impact that diabetes has, as well as collaboration across government, nonprofits, and the healthcare industry. The foundation’s publication, diaTribe, presents advice, resources, and educational guides for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This includes medical device reviews and diabetes-specific lifestyle tips. Check out their list of recommended blogs and forums for personal stories, family support issues, and many other topics.
Tweet them @diaTribeNews
DiabetesSisters was founded in response to a need for more education and advocacy around the health of women with diabetes. Their site hosts webinars and has expert advice. In its mission to support and empower women with diabetes, the site also provides several community forums. Women can share and learn from other’s personal stories in the sisterTALK blogs. And they extend that community offline through the Part of DiabetesSisters (PODS) meetups. Find a meetup near you or sign up to start your own.
Tweet them @diabetessisters
Diabetes Hands Foundation wants to build a sense of community around diabetes, believing that “no one living with diabetes should feel alone.” They provide support and access to tools, with two social networks and advocacy leadership. Their blood-testing initiative, Big Blue Test, highlights the positive impact that healthy lifestyle choices can have on the disease. Visit their site to learn more, donate, or read the latest news from their blog.
Tweet them @diabeteshf
JDRF wants to help make type 1 diabetes a disease of our past. The organization funds research and advocates for government support, helping to speed new therapies to market. Since their founding in 1970, they’ve given over $2 billion to research. Visit their site to see what they’re doing, find resources for type 1, or learn how you can get involved. Check out their blog for advice, personal stories, and news about type 1.
Tweet them @JDRF
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRI) boasts that it’s the only national organization dedicated solely to finding a cure for diabetes. Go to their site to learn about their mission and research initiatives, and read helpful advice for managing diabetes. You can also donate to the organization, which maintains a commitment to using the “highest standards of fiscal responsibility.” Stay up-to-date on the latest news as a DRInsider.
Tweet them @Diabetes_DRI
With a network of a million volunteers and over 75 years of history, the American Diabetes Association is a household name. They fund research, advocate for people, and provide a range of important services for the community. They’re also a trustworthy source for diabetes information and advice. The site hosts a wealth of resources ranging from educational materials, to community programs like online town halls and forums. Offering comprehensive advice, including sections on your rights and managing health insurance, their site is a great asset for anyone impacted by diabetes.
Tweet them @AmDiabetesAssn
The Joslin Diabetes Center, affiliated with Harvard University, is a world-class research facility. As one of 11 diabetes centers designated by the NIH, Joslin is at the forefront of curing diabetes. They’re also dedicated to advancing treatment therapies. Visit their site to learn more about the organization, including its clinic, research initiatives, and news. You can also discover important information about managing diabetes for people living with the condition and professionals.
Tweet them @JoslinDiabetes
Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) aims to educate, motivate, and empower health professionals and people living with diabetes. The organization exudes positivity and friendliness, seeing humor as a key part of their uplifting role. Founded in 1995 by a doctor living with type 1 diabetes, TCOYD focuses on making a difference through their educational events and programs. Go online to donate or learn more about attending or exhibiting at their conferences. Healthcare professionals can also earn their continuing medical education (CME) credits online, on their site.
Tweet them @TCOYD
The Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF) hopes to help find a cure for diabetes by funding research. Until that day, they’re also dedicated to providing hope and support, such as services and products, to those impacted by the diseases. Their site has information about living with diabetes and resources to help you live well. You can also learn more about the DRWF and stay up-to-date on their funded research and news. Their wellness network provides access to a helpline and educational materials containing disease research, news, advice, support, and stories.
Tweet them @DRWFwellness
Catherine is a journalist who’s passionate about health, public policy, and women’s rights. She writes on a range of nonfiction topics from entrepreneurship to women’s issues, as well as fiction. Her work has appeared in Inc., Forbes, Huffington Post, and other publications. She’s a mom, wife, writer, artist, travel enthusiast, and lifelong student.