Summary: Beyond Type 1, co-founded by Nick Jonas, has launched “A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving with Diabetes” as part of their new Beyond Diagnosis program, providing resources for those newly diagnosed with diabetes.

Takeaways:

  1. Resource Availability: The guide is available in English and Spanish, covering both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and can be downloaded as a PDF for easy access.
  2. Community Involvement: Individuals with diabetes are invited to contribute their experiences to help shape future resources.
  3. Support Focus: The guide aims to offer practical tools, emotional support, and medically-reviewed information to help individuals confidently manage their diabetes.

Today Beyond Type 1, the diabetes nonprofit co-founded by Nick Jonas, launched A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving with Diabetes, the first of many planned resources from the organization’s new Beyond Diagnosis program, designed to support individuals navigating life with diabetes, whether newly diagnosed or seeking renewed support. Separate guides will be available for type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, in English and Spanish. To emphasize the valuable voices and experiences across its community members, Beyond Type 1 invites individuals living with diabetes to become co-authors of the future Community Guide by adding their advice to the newly diagnosed.

“Receiving a diabetes diagnosis can be a daunting experience, often filled with fear, confusion, and isolation. With steep learning curves, overwhelming to-do lists, and lifestyle changes that can seem insurmountable, many individuals struggle to find reliable information amid a sea of misinformation and stereotypes,” says Kristian Hurley, SVP of Social Impact and Global Advocacy of Beyond Type 1. “This can lead to immediate, severe health complications for those with type 1 diabetes and long-term complications for those with type 2 diabetes.”

Resource Guides Available for Download on Beyond Type 1 Website

In its initial phase, Beyond Diagnosis provides a downloadable PDF guide for mobile and print that covers the basics of diabetes management in an approachable way. This guide, which offers practical tools, emotional guidance and encouraging personal stories, ensures that individuals can tackle the crucial first months following their diagnosis with confidence.

“There are over 537 million adults living with diabetes globally, but there are too many barriers to quality care and information. As we work on the systems and stigmas that keep people from the care they need and deserve, we believe getting approachable help into individuals’ hands is crucial,” says Hurley. “Our guide combines medically-reviewed information, encouragement from diabetes community members, and tools to help people mentally and emotionally check in. Making it free and easy to access online means everyone can share it with anyone who needs it, fostering a network of understanding, empathy, and shared strength.”

Beyond Type 1 Encourages Patients to Participate

For individuals with diabetes interested in co-authoring the future Community Guide, Beyond Type 1 encourages the community to share their experiences and advice from their early days post-diagnosis at BeyondType1.org/BeyondDiagnosis. This feedback will play a crucial role in shaping Beyond Diagnosis to meet the real needs of those living with diabetes.

Visit BeyondType1.org/BeyondDiagnosis to learn more, download current and sign up to get upcoming guides, and lend your advice.