In an emergency, call 911. A severe low or signs of DKA can't wait. What to do

Play Don't Die a Betis
diabetis.ca Type 1 diabetes, in plain words

Finding your people

Talking with other people who live with type 1 can help in ways a clinic visit can't. In Canada there are free peer support programs, online communities, camps for kids, and local events.

Section
Living well
Reading time
5 minutes
Checked against
Diabetes Canada, Breakthrough T1D Canada
Last checked
November 2026

Featured partnerFREE TO PLAY

The main screen of Don't Die a Betis: the Calgary skyline through a bedroom window at night, a glucose monitor reading 8.2 mmol/L on the sill, and the menu.

Don't Die a Betis

A beat 'em up about type 1, set in Calgary. Count carbs, dodge the Cinnamon Guy, and find a washroom before it is too late.

Play in your browser

Read the instruction booklet.

Why it helps

Diabetes Canada suggests talking to someone else with diabetes as one way to cope with the emotional side of it. Other people with type 1 know the daily work from the inside.

They can tell you what worked for them at school, at work, on a trip or at a party. Your team still sets your plan, but peers can make it feel less lonely.

Peer support programs

Breakthrough T1D Canada runs several free ways to talk with people who have been there:

  • One-on-one peer support for adults affected by type 1. Trained volunteers with lived experience offer emotional support and point you to resources across Canada. Request it on Breakthrough T1D Canada's peer support page.
  • The Connection Series, a virtual meetup on the fourth Wednesday of each month, for adults with type 1 and for parents.
  • A Parent & Caregiver Conversation, a peer-led session for parents and caregivers of newly diagnosed children.

Breakthrough T1D Canada can also connect you with other adults with type 1, or parents of children with type 1, in your area.

Online communities

  • Diabetes Canada Connect is Diabetes Canada's free online community, for people who are newly diagnosed, people who have lived with diabetes for years, and caregivers. Join from Diabetes Canada's online community page.
  • Breakthrough T1D Canada runs a moderated online support group for people affected by type 1. You ask to join from its peer support page.

Online groups are a good place for shared experience. For changes to your insulin or treatment, ask your own team.

Camps for kids and families

Diabetes Canada runs D-Camps, a camp program that began in 1953. It now runs nine overnight camp programs across Canada, plus programs through the year. Its summer camps are for children living with type 1, and a team of medical professionals looks after campers' diabetes at camp.

D-Camps' summer camps include Camp Jean Nelson in Alberta, Camp Kakhamela in British Columbia, Camp Kornder in Saskatchewan, Camp Briardale in Manitoba, Camp Discovery and Camp Huronda in Ontario, and Camp Lion Maxwell and Camp Morton in Nova Scotia. D-Camps also lists family camps and leadership programs.

Subsidies are available for families who qualify for financial help. Check Diabetes Canada's D-Camps pages for this year's dates, ages and how to apply.

Finding local groups

  • Breakthrough T1D Canada community activities: volunteer committees run local events for adults and families in different regions, such as family outings and adult meetups. Upcoming events are listed by region on its community activities page, each with a link to sign up.
  • Diabetes Canada events: Diabetes Canada keeps a listing of local programs and events, which you can filter by type, including support groups, and by region.
  • Diabetes Canada's Information & Support line can help you find what is near you: 1-800-226-8464.
  • Your diabetes clinic may know of groups nearby. Ask at your next visit.

Follow your own diabetes care team. This page explains the general advice. Your doctor, nurse educator and dietitian know your body and your insulin, and their plan comes first.

Sources

  1. Diabetes Canada. Mental health and diabetes.
  2. Diabetes Canada. Online community: Diabetes Canada Connect.
  3. Diabetes Canada. D-Camps.
  4. Diabetes Canada. D-Camps summer camps.
  5. Diabetes Canada. Local programs and events.
  6. Breakthrough T1D Canada. Peer support.
  7. Breakthrough T1D Canada. Community activities.
  8. Breakthrough T1D Canada. Your care team.

Checked against these sources in November 2026.