OCEAN CITY, Md. - Over 25 million people across the country have diabetes, that's according to the American Diabetes Association. And for kids suffering from this disease, it's not only painful, but an isolating illness.
Children with type 1 diabetes get to know and understand their body sooner than most kids will do. "Sometimes I prick my finger each day five times," says Jasmyne Price, a child diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Nine-year-old Jasmyne was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago. She has to draw blood daily and use an insulin pump to manage her blood sugar blood level, but some her classmates don't understand her condition. "Sometimes at my school my friends tease me," admits Jasmyne, "and say they don't come by me because they don't want diabetes from me."
But Jasmyne found her best friend Morgan at the American Diabetes Association's "Sugar-Free Weekend" in Ocean City. "I never knew that I would have a diabetes friend at all," says her friend, Morgan McLane also diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As much as children need the support of their fellow peers, when it comes to battling with diabetes parents need that same support, too.
The retreat involves eighteen families who are being educated on the latest technology involving the disease and given the added emotional support. "We came last year. It connected us with other people that are dealing with the same issues. It created a wonderful support system for us," says Angel Price, Jasmyne's mother.
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a chronic disease that still has no cure. Type 2 diabetes is far more prevalent and effects mainly adults.
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