Perspectives on Diabetes Care

JDRF Care Kits Provide Essential Support for Those Newly Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes

Dec 5, 2023, 14:23 PM

By JDRF

A Type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis can be overwhelming at any age.

 JDRF offers free care kits tailored to children, teenagers and adults who are newly diagnosed with T1D. These kits are created by people living with T1D, their families and medical experts to provide age-appropriate education and support to improve health outcomes.

ADCES members can order a free JDRF resource packet that includes a sampling of resources from the Bag of Hope and No Limits Care Kits, along with a flyer with a QR code that directs newly diagnosed patients and caregivers to the Bag of Hope and No Limits Care Kit online request form.

Learn more about JDRF’s care kits below.

For Children Ages 0-11: Bag of Hope

The JDRF Bag of Hope contains age-appropriate resources for children and their caregivers to help make navigating life with T1D easier during what is often a challenging time. The bag includes:

• Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes, a cuddly companion that uses the power of imaginative play to teach children about diabetes management. Rufus has special patches where children (and their caregivers) can practice injecting insulin and doing finger checks. Rufus also has his own mobile app that includes interactive e-books and guides on carbohydrate counting.
• Begin with Hope, an introductory guide to living confidently with T1D. The booklet covers the basics of T1D management and provides guidance on health insurance, exercise, school and more.
• Stickers and storybooks about T1D, including Shia Learns About Insulin and A First Book for Understanding Diabetes.
• Easy-to-read reference sheets on high and low blood sugar and how to connect with JDRF for support.

“Our daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a little over a week ago, and she has been struggling because everything in her life has changed. We just got the Bag of Hope from JDRF this afternoon and it made her so happy — she loves Rufus and learning about T1D. We truly appreciate this bright spot in what has been a really tough time.” – Benjamin K.

For Teenagers Ages 12-17: No Limits Teen Care Kit

The JDRF No Limits Teen Care Kit helps make the transition to life with T1D a little smoother for teens and their caregivers. The kit includes:

• Begin with Hope, an introductory guide to living confidently with T1D. The booklet covers the basics of T1D management and provides guidance on health insurance, exercise, school and more.
• Diabetes supply bag
• T1D stickers for water bottles and laptops
• Easy-to-read reference sheets on high and low blood sugar and how to connect with JDRF for support

For Adults Ages 18+: No Limits Adult Care Kit

The JDRF No Limits Adult Care Kit provides the information adults need to get up and running in their new normal. The kit includes:

• Begin with Hope, an introductory guide to living confidently with T1D. The booklet covers the basics of T1D management and provides guidance on health insurance, exercise, T1D in the workplace, and more.
• Diabetes supply bag
• Bright Spots and Landmines, a guide to the food, mindset, exercise and sleep strategies that make a positive impact on managing T1D
• Quick reference sheets on high and low blood sugar and how to connect with JDRF for support