Sugar & Socialize: A Quarterly Meetup for Youth with Diabetes and Their Families
At DYF, we understand the unique challenges faced by young individuals living with diabetes. It’s not just about managing a condition; it’s about thriving in a community that understands. That’s why we’re excited to introduce “Sugar & Socialize,” a special monthly gathering designed for youth ages 0-17 with diabetes, accompanied by their family.
This event is more than just a meetup; it’s a vibrant, supportive space where families can connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. It’s an opportunity to not only meet others who are navigating life with type one diabetes but also to grow your support network.
Upcoming Dates:
2026 Dates Coming Soon
Please email Julia at philips@dyf.org if you have any questions.
Insulliance Buddy Program
In partnership with the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, Insulliance is a peer buddy program for youth and young adults with T1D ages 12-17. Submit an application and we will pair you with a similar aged person with T1D with interests like yours. We’ll kick off each quarter with a virtual onboarding session for new buddy pairs and we plan on having in-person meet ups several times a year in the San Francisco Bay Area. In between meet-ups, buddies can hang out and communicate as frequently as they’d like. Parents of buddies may also find great support in getting to know another family experiencing similar challenges with T1D.
Sign-Up Forms:
Insulliance Sign-Up Buddy (Spanish)
Applications can be submitted by filling out one of the forms above and sending it to Julia at philips@dyf.org.
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We know caring for a child with diabetes can be challenging and exhausting whether you are a parent, guardian, school teacher, school nurse, grandparent, etc. This group is here to support you and answer any questions you might have. Feel free to send questions before the meeting to make sure they get answered or ask them real time during the sessions. The meetings will be held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7PM PT via Zoom.
Please email Julia with questions or topic suggestions at philips@dyf.org.
2026 Dates Coming Soon
Brave Buddies is an online support group for parents of children with type 1 diabetes. While most members primarily live in the San Francisco Bay Area (including South Bay, East Bay, North Bay/Marin, East Bay/Sacramento, Santa Cruz, and surrounding areas), the group is open to parents in any geographic region.
The focus on Brave Buddies is sharing practical information related to our day-to-day lives with T1D. We try to keep email on-topic so that the list remains useful. Typical topics could include how to handle school, 504 accommodations, managing sports, useful products, research studies, pumps and CGMs, and diabetes supplies.
Through Brave Buddies and DYF, you will have the opportunity to connect with other parents and families.

