JDRF’s Online Resources for Type 1 Diabetes Management

New York journalist Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Keatinge Scheideler explores cryptocurrency, personal finance, and business in her work. She is also passionate about financial literacy for women, which led her to create the educational platform FundsSavvy.com. Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Keatinge’s interests extend to philanthropy as well; she has hosted charity fundraisers and galas for nonprofits such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Headquartered in New York City, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a nonprofit organization trying to fight type 1 diabetes via funding research and providing a support network for patients worldwide. The organization also advocates for better medical coverage and insulin access, connects doctors, and educates patients, families and caregivers on lifestyle management with type 1 diabetes.

JDRF organizes and maintains a variety of resources that enable the foundation to achieve its goals, in addition to donations and gifts. One such facility is Diabetes Help, On Call. Diabetes Help, On Call represents JDRF’s Online Diabetes Support Team (ODST), a group of volunteers who are always available to answer emails and questions concerning type 1 diabetes. However, ODST does not provide medical or legal advice as the volunteers are not professionals in either field. The team replies within 48 hours and can be contacted via the JDRF website. The organization website also provides worksheets, articles, and tools for specific demographics depending on their needs related to living with type 1 diabetes. They outline comprehensive plans on how to communicate with teachers of younger students, which include checklists to ensure the student’s safety in class. For teenagers, JDRF provides a care kit that includes a guide to type 1 after being newly diagnosed; an infographic on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; and access to JDRF’s online school resources.