Diabetes Help Tauranga Youth represents those under the age of 18 with diabetes, mainly type one diabetes. Type One diabetes is an 'auto-immune' condition where essentially the body 'harms' itself by destroying cells, in this case, insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Children and young people with type one diabetes need insulin to live. If they do not take insulin daily they will become very sick or die. Children/youth and families with type one diabetes also need to know there are other people in the local community living with the same condition. They need to be able to reach out and attend social events, education events and just buddy up with other families to share practical tips, support and a vital life-line. Diabetes Help and Diabetes Help Tauranga Youth work hard in the WBOP to provide services to include making sure where possible these services are available for free to families who are often struggling to make ends meet after considering food bills and medication/devices that are not funded. Among other things we are planning a Family Camp 2019 and would love to send the children/teens with type one diabetes, plus one family member for free. We would also like to subsidize other family members who are also affected when a sibling has diabetes If you can help us with finances, planning or other help we'd love to hear from you. Contact our Manager Debbie Cunliffe on 07 5713422 or email debbie@diabeteshelp.org.nz