Learning to Live with Diabetes

Life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be very difficult for children. The level of responsibility required for managing the disease, including constant blood sugar monitoring, can be extremely overwhelming for people so young. The DiabetesLATAM project in Panama was launched with the purpose of educating and supporting children, adolescents, and their families living with T1D.

Thanks to a US$39,080 grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) through its Diabetes Grant Program and a partnership with DiabetesLATAM, Panamanian Lions were able to provide holistic support for families. They offered a summer camp that empowered children and youth with practical knowledge for diabetes management and opportunities for social integration. They also provided a series of educational workshops for parents, caregivers and patients focused on treatment, prevention of complications and emotional support tools.

This project helped 585 beneficiaries. By sharing their experiences, participants connected with others living with diabetes, building a stronger sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. The children spent three days practicing diabetes management without their parents acting as caregivers, allowing them to gain the confidence they needed to successfully manage their health.

The impact also extended to thousands of indirect beneficiaries by circulating educational content on social media and digital platforms, reaching more than 20,000 followers and monthly visitors.

“If it weren’t for the funding and support of LCIF and the Lions Club of Panama, DiabetesLATAM would not have been able to produce this educational initiative that benefited up to 500 families in Panama and other Latin American countries,” project director Ricardo Carvajal said.

LCIF Diabetes Grants can increase access to diabetes care and enhance existing diabetes centers to provide greater service to the community.

Learn more about Diabetes Grants at lionsclubs.org/diabetes-grant.