Diabetes Hands Foundation

I have only been using the tudiabetes site for a few months now, but it is fabulous! As a diabetic for 11 years, sometimes there are frustrations that only other diabetics can understand. Having this site and their forums available to read, search, and share has made a difference in how I am able to manage my day-to-day health. The Diabetes Hands Foundation enables the help that we need, and I am grateful for them being there.

I've been a member of TuDiabetes over five years now, and it continues to be an important part of my life. We now have a chat room open 24/7, where we can have fun and talk, but if someone comes in with a problem, it can quickly turn on a dime into helping and supporting the one in need. We have regular live interviews and events (usually on Thursday afternoons) on a variety of topics, including the latest research, cooking demos, tips for dealing with the emotional side of diabetes, comedians, and medical providers. We strive for friendly, respectful interactions, and we value our wide diversity of our members from all over the world. Recently there was an orthodox Jewish member sharing how he deals with fasting to a Muslim member, recently diagnosed, who was experiencing his first Ramadan as a diabetic. We stood by with words of encouragement as a type2 member overcame his fear to take his very first insulin injection. We kept track of a type1 member, cycling the entire 1100 mile length of England, fundraising for JDRF. Just so many fascinating, helpful, friendly folks!

TuDiabetes literally saved my life, my health. The information I got on day-to-day management of T1 diabetes that's available here is priceless, and unique. Finding a place where I don't have to explain diabetes, explain the emotional ups and down, explain how tiring it can be to manage, is a gift.

I've had the privilege of watching people join the community who were in dire straits - and got the information and support they needed to gain control of their diabetes, rather than letting their diabetes control them. It's a pleasure and privilege to volunteer for an organization that provides so much for so many.

What a great organization. This is the most caring group of individuals I have ever encountered in relation to Diabetes. Upon entry volunteers greet you and direct you to the places most likely to be of interest. They let you ask questions and they care for you if you have an issue.

TuDiabetes is a place where I feel normal and understood. The emotional support it provides is so vital. It's amazing to connect with other people who are walking the same path and motivates and encourages me to manage my health proactively. I've also learnt a HUGE amount about diabetes and feel far better qualified to make well-informed decisions about my health that will ensure that I have a happy future, free from diabetic complications.

DHF is an excellent resource for diabetics old and new. The experience and support from the members is fantastic. The site is user friendly. The resources and links are excellent. And I just like the folks there. 5 stars for TuD :)

Encouraging, always helpful, I can rely on both staff and other community members to get dependable and accurate information.

Diabetes was a very solitary disease until I found TuDiabetes. I am a librarian who is very cautious about information on the internet. TuDiabetes.org, sponsored by the Diabetes Hands Foundation, has given me a new outlook. I am still very cautious, but TuDiabetes has served a population and personal patient needs that make a huge difference in the quality of life of the diabetic patient. I have found other T1 patients who have experienced the same misdiagnosis that I did. I have obtained information about research studies looking for patient volunteers and participated in 2012 and 2013. I found Insulin for Life, an organizaiton that accepts donations of diabetes supplies. I will be donating supplies this week. Simple problems ( ie Where do you put an insulin pump on a Mother of the Bride dress?) can be answered by experienced "pumpers" on TuDiabetes. Problem solved.
I have shared the TuDiabetes website with anyone who might be interested, such as an emergency room doctor in Alaska, a radiologist in Nebraska, a dentist and family members of other T1 patients. I have shared the Big Blue Test with a nurse educator who works in Haiti and college physical education teachers in NY. I have participated in the Big Blue Test for 2 years, read books recommended by the other TuDiabetes members, and participated in the webinars with diabetes experts. I am very encouraged to see diabetes patients on the website who have managed their blood glucose for decades. The TuBiabetes members and the staff of the Diabetes Hands Foundation have offered support in ways that my family and friends cannot. I have also made contributions to the Diabetes Hands Foundation.

I was diagnosed with T1 diabetes 16 years ago. Since then I've managed to control the situation ok but not enough for my standards. Also sometimes felt my diabetes was controlling my life and not the other way around.

This last period turned out GREAT! I've read many books and articles. Finally, while looking for some people struggling with the same condition I found this great community. Can't say how much this is helping me out!

It's like a group of soldiers preparing each day to face obstacles and difficulties, together.
Each and every person I've had the pleasure to meet was kind and open to discuss my issues.

Furthermore, I've got the possibility to give back the community and feel useful and share smiles with my Dmates!

I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic about 2 years ago. Found TuDiabetes and found a wealth of information in one place. The volunteers and community is top notch. Have been having much better control of type 1 since joining.

I have been a member of the TuDiabetes Website for many years. It is run by the Diabetes Hands Foundation. I have had Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes and several other chronic disorders for over 25 years. I happened upon the site and found an amazing group of people with diabetes. I learned up to date information on how to care for myself the absolute best way possible. There are so many people involved in the site of all nationalities and ages, people with type 1 and type 2, pump users, people on injections and people on pills.
The environment is fun, exciting, interesting and friendly. I am always learning new ways of caring for myself and the emotional support is really astounding. I have made lifelong friends there. People get so connected that they actually end up meeting face to face.
There are fun parts to the site too, a forum, blogs, and you get your own page, and email option. They have a design studio for decorating and personalizing your own page. There are meet ups, fundraisers and gatherings. There is a live 24 hour chat.
The best thing is that people that actually live day to day with diabetes have become experts at caring for the disease are happy to share their knowledge. I have never been more impressed with any group and to tell the truth, I have learned more about studies, insulin, dosing, diet and exercise and balancing all of these Online at this site than I have ever learned from a professional. It is an invaluable part of my life. It is a site that truly saves lives.

I've been a member of TuDiabetes (run by Diabetes Hands Foundation) since the early days. I've connected with others close to me that have diabetes, I've been able to get useful and useable advice from other members. It's had a huge positive impact in my life.

DHF organizes an annual event to emphasize the importance of exercise. I've taken part in this several times, it's a great reminder that frequent exercise isn't difficult and helps me control my blood sugars.

I am 85 years old. A Navy veteran of WW@. I was told I was a Type 2 diabetic. Not me. No man in my family ever had diabetes. I went on my merry way addicted to SWEETS in complete denial. I moved to Florida. Found a new endo. Shocked..My A1C was 9.5. Put right on insulin. Somehow I found DHF. I met people got serious got involved and got my A1C to 5.9. I am on the Care Team helping others. I say all the time THANK GOD for DHF it saved my life. I use it daily.

Being diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic is frightening. Once you are done at the doctors office or hospital you are left at home, with a ton of questions and very little answers. Sure you can search online, but interaction and support from actual people, those dealing with the same things you are, is what really helps. Thanks to the Diabetes Hands Foundation support like that exists 24/7. While there may be other resources, I have yet to find more comfort, welcome and information than I have from them.

I find their website TuDiabetes to be a place were all types of diabetics whether they have Type 1, Type2 LADA, MODY , or any other type are welcome. It's a great resource for diabetes related information or it can be a place to discuss problems and issues common to diabetics. Heck, sometimes it's a place just to vent the flustrations of living with diabetes. A place to find understanding voices. I found TuDiabetes when I became an insulin dependent Type 2 diabetic. Without this foundation I don't know how I would have managed the transition to using insulin.

Their website, tudiabetes.org, is best resource I've found for crowdsourced wisdom/experience/commiseration regarding life with diabetes. Everything from diet to devices, and lots in between is covered here.

As a person living with a chronic condition, I've always looked for a way to foster a positive outlook and spread it as well. Diabetes Hands Foundation gave me the tools to do this as a volunteer and the impact in my personal life has been profound - I've been able to deepen and refocus my personal my relationship with type 1 diabetes and have been able to steer my career in a direction that aligns with my passions. The work that DHF does is crucial and relevant to everyone because almost everyone today is somehow touched by diabetes - whether it is personally living with diabetes, or seeing its impact on others and on our society. I'm proud to be able to help and grateful for everything I've learned from DHF and Big Blue Test!

I first discovered DHF when is started to look to social media as a place to connect with other people with diabetes. In addition to others with diabetes, I wanted to connect with a diabetes organizations to take advantage of their resources. There were many diabetes organizations, but dhf offered both things I was looking for - a place to meet others and an organization that offered many resources. The top brass of dhf don't sit behind a virtual desk all day; their execs and advisory board are made up of people who are in the diabetes online community every day and helping people in every way. You can talk to them one on one and they support you as an individual. Their BiG Blue Test event raises much needed money to buy supplies for people all over the world who have diabetes. IMHO they epitomize diabetes advocacy and everyone with diabetes benefits from their never ending efforts and important mission. Brad S. a person with Type 1 diabetes

Leaders and very active advocates for diabetes awareness. We participate in the Big Blue Test every year and I am inspired DAILY by what I read and learn at DHF. The strength of the diabetes community brought together by DHF is nothing short of AMAZING! Thank you for ALL that you do - I am honored to be a part of this community. Every day I read something innovative, interesting and important that I share on my personal social media connections - DHF is a vital resource!

Always a leader & in the forefront for all of us affected by diabetes!

Always at the forefront, always relevant, always timely and always effective. Whether advocating for change, raising awareness either of or for the diabetes community or striving for greater education and innovation in the treatment of diabetes, The Diabetes Hands Foundation has been a tour de force. I have had the good fortune to work with them over the past few years and I'm continually amazed at their tireless devotion to raise funds, develop lasting partnerships and make a real difference in the lives of those they truly serve.

Diabetes Hands Foundation provides an invaluable service to those with diabetes, as well as their friends and families. When someone is feeling lost and alone in the sea of diabetes, Diabetes Hands Foundation is there to toss out a lifeline. Thanks to DHF, no one ever has to be alone with diabetes again.

I became a volunteer for the Diabetes Hands Foundation early this year and I am blown away by the amazing things that the DHF does not only for the diabetes community but also for its volunteers. They are a top notch non profit!!

This organization and its initiatives have truly changed my life. I've found the support I needed when I felt most alone as a person with diabetes, I achieved all of my health goals with the support and information I gleaned from the people I met through the organization, and I continue to offer my support to it! With their help, I've enjoyed two healthy pregnancies and made many lasting friendships. I believe in DHF's mission and am continually impressed by the way it upholds its values.

I am bothered by the activism of this site toward one fringe diet. It actively advocates ultra low-carbohydrate eating, in line with Atkins, Weston Price, Bernstein, etc. It is also, therefore, anti-American Diabetes Association. This activism extends beyond the many volunteer posts that are made - in fact some of the site administrators as well as the co-founder of this site join in the ultra low-carb, anti-ADA, activism. I would not raise my rating of this foundation until they learn that there is more than one diet that works for diabetics.

I am grateful for this organization for having TuDiabetes. It has helped me so much understand the many dynamics of T1 diabetes through open discussions and blogs from other diabetics. Before I joined I had 5 years of frustration and misdiagnoses from doctors. I have learner how to get a lower A1c, true side effects of Mersey and how to avoid lows while excercising. I don't feel alone anymore and I am grateful for that :)

Ten days before my 55th birthday I heard the doctor say "You have diabetes". The rest of that conversation is a blur. I hadn't been feeling well, but I never really get sick. Not even a cold. I ate well and was not over weight. How could this be? I knew next to nothing about diabetes. I needed desperately to learn what I needed to do. How do I eat? What did I have to do to bring my blood sugar down from the dangerous 436 that it was? I was overwhelmed. A trip to the CDE only frustrated me. All of this unknown was daunting. Where and how could I ever get the knowledge I needed to save my life? I knew I could not spend the kind of time it would require simply making Dr. appointments.TuDiabetes was the answer. Somehow in that early fog of uncertainty my wonderful wife came across a link. A community, a home with answers. Answers to questions I didn't even know to ask. I have spent countless hours over the last year reading and learning from the experience of other people with diabetes. The fog and the fear quickly melted away. I have a much better idea now of what to expect. And, I know I have a solid resource to lean on when I need to. A wonderful support team that spans the globe. I cringe to think where I might be today without TuDiabetes. That is no exaggeration. This is truly how I feel about DHF and TuD. They have become a critical member of my healthcare team. Knowledge is power and support is key.

I just came across this website and I have to say I am so happy to see that there are sites like this out there. My sister died at a young age due to complications of diabetes. There weren’t sites like this when she was alive. I believe it would’ve made such a difference in the quality of her life to be able to be part of a community that allowed her to comfortably be a diabetic. Now that I’ve found it I must volunteer!

The Diabetes Hands Foundation operates an online community known as TuDiabetes which is an ever-growing community of people who are going through the same things in their day-to-day lives.

A place where someone who is Diabetic can be just that, a Diabetic, or a place where someone newly diagnosed can come to get advice on how to cope and handle with what life has thrown at them. TuDiabetes is a place to remind you that you are not alone.

I just joined a couple of weeks back, and already I'm diving into the community. I've even found myself in situations where I can't wait to see a reply, or what someone has posted next.

It's a great community for all of us that are in the same boat, and its refreshing to know that we're not in it alone. We have eachother.

When my son was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 18 months of age, I quickly found that the literature offered by my diabetes clinic addressed the larger issues of what was happening, but didn't help with day-to-day issues, particularly in a child so young. TuDiabetes gave me a place to learn the ins and outs of parenting a child -- an infant, really -- with diabetes. The community of members has really been an active partner in my son's care, and for that I'm eternally grateful.

TuDiabetes is a wonderful place to go when you just want to talk about diabetes. Whether you need information, or suggestions for a specific problem, or just someone to listen and understand what you're going through, this is the place.
I found TuDiabetes after suffering a diabetic coma, when I was really needing to talk in order to mentally process my experience. People there really understood what I was talking about, and responded thoughtfully.
I have also enjoyed the opportunity to test my own knowledge of diabetes -- people will correct you if you're wrong!
All in all, I think TuDiabetes is the best diabetes web page out there, because of its scope, large membership, and well-thought-out organization.

I have had a chance to see up close what Manny and the diabetes hands foundation does with diabetes awareness and diabetes social media advocacy and they are a top notch organization doing great works.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation has done a fantastic job using the power of the online communities to help diabetics in need. From a donor perspective, the DHF provides a cost-effective way to reach tens of thousands of diabetics at a time. From a recipient's perspective, the online community of TuDiabetes provides an invaluable service of connecting diabetics, allowing for advice, support, and idea exchange which I believe can tangibly reduce the risk of complications for diabetics.

The TuDiabetes Website sponsored by The Diabetes Hands Foundation is an important gathering place for diabetes sufferers to meet and greet each other while exchanging solutions to common issues with testing equipment, foods and life experiences all with good humor. This website is a source of comfort and insight that is very unique. Thank you Manny Hernandez for creating this venue.

The Diabetes Hand Foundation sponsors TuDiabetes, a message board for diabetics. I have been diabetic for almost 27 years now and suffer from some complications. I have learned a lot being able to talk to other diabetics online and also enjoy being able to help others by sharing the things that I know. I have gastroparesis and doctors were not able to help me figure out how to get good blood sugar control - I learned that by talking to others with the same problem. TuDiabetes has been a life changer for me and really appreciate the fact that Manny and others work hard to provide the message board for us.

Diabetes Hands Foundation and TuDiabetes has helped me not feel so alone in coping with the daily struggle of Diabetes care. The community and support is awesome.

My name is Fabiana, I am Brazilian and live in São Paulo city. I am 30 years old and i am diabetic type 1 since i was 12. When I was diagnosed i felt so frightened, my parents tried to help me but they just felt the same as me or even worst. I think this is a natural feeling of someone who´s starting a journey for life, but still don´t know what this journey is. My endo although technically very well prepared, couldn´t help me in a effective way, because before following the treatment i had to accept my condition. That´s when Tu diabetes, a web community of DHF, came into my life. I found Tu Diabetes at the moment that I was most fighting for this turning on my life, and there i found the force to go on. There I got so much support and so much love. Profound love of people i never met, but who feels the same as i do, and fights every day mainly for the same reasons. This is a connection! And this is so motivating!! As i saw that some of the community friends could get through all the difficulties, i realized that I also could. I consider that Tu diabetes is also an oasis, a resting place that i can go anytime i want, to be in touch with people who understands my deepest feelings and needs.

DHF is truly an invaluable community of people helping people. Since the inception of the Internet one of its most valuable features is the ability to communicate , network with like minded people remotely. This is true since its beginning and its ever so true and valuable today. DHF permits a community of people whose life has been touched for ever, to stand up and reach out a helping hand to others. Mankind is extremely generous in its soul and helping other is a way of helping ourselves. As a doctor touched by diabetes what my own scientific mind found hard to accept the people from all over the world with simplicity and loving care got me on track again.

I am a recently diagnosed Type 1 diabetic. Tu Diabetes has become my most trusted community, on or offline, for support and guidance. The community was instrumental in helping make my decision about beginning on an insulin pump and continues to be an almost daily source of support and inspiration for me.

One of the most active communities of people with diabetes online who each provide a tremendous amount of support to one another and the healthcare community at large. It's led by one of the most passionate, smart people I've met, Manny Hernandez. A great cause that deserves your support.

I've been blogging with those affected and effected by diabetes for two and a half months. I found the site by reading a Juneteenth post on Twitter that was linked to tudiabetes.org. Our meeting was fate. I keyed in my info and voilà-I meant new friends, in addition to buddies from Camp Firefly for Diabetics. Our meeting was fate, as we blogged the words to 30 year old camps songs. I connected with someone searching for a person that knows html. This is a site where you blog smiles, tears, frustration, art and more. This is a site were rights are encouraged and wrongs are corrected. This is a site is a blast!

This Diabetes is like 5 things: Your family, friend, lover, protagonist, teacher, lifelong friend. In life you can't go at it alone in any big situation. These are the people to have on board. Dr Michael Hutch PhD

Diabetes Hands Foundation has been a tremendous help to me and my family, not only by keeping us in check on what is new in the diabetes world, but also it gives us so much support and it make us feel like we are not alone with this condition. It is a great place to talk, to keep your numbers in check and meet good people from around the world that are having the same problems that you are. It is also run by great administrators that are always on top of all the forums in the community and are looking forward to help you and all the rest of the people that is suffering with diabetics.

My work with Diabetes Hands Foundation has shown me how engaged and concerned they are on raising awarenes about diabetes and giving support to every member. They do it in ways one cannot imagine as an outsider, even by publishing a poetry book written by regular people whose inspiration is to have this condition. I can only support and recommend Diabetes Hands Foundation for their courage, involvement, and extend reached so far.

Diabetes Hans Foundation have been very important for my family because they teach us how take care with our diabetic problem. We learn the important to eat quality food not only for to have the ideal weight for the health but to avoit the consequence to not take care of our conditions of diabetic person. We also have learn the important thing that is to do exercise every day. Thank to everybody who do a hard work to help us.

I was new to type 2 diabetes when I discovered TuDiabetes and the Diabetes Hand Foundation. Thanks to this great organization I gained valuable information towards managing my diabetes, and met others who shared in my struggle. My contacts with this organization led to me becoming a columnist for dLife.com, http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/daily_living/Viewpoints/grubb_bio.html

I'm recently released from prison, after serving almost 4 years in a system that is with out question broken; is especially so for Type 1 Diabetics. My family used tudiabetes.com to help me get words of advice and encouragement all through the duration of my times behind bars. In doing so I was able to extend my hand to the other diabetics that I was locked up with, to better help them deal with the msny issues diabetics face behind bars. Now that Im out , I remain an active member of the tudiabetes.com site, and give and receive input on an almost daily basis.. Im grateful that sites liked this, and as I continue my lifes' journey hope I continue to find such positive outlets for dealing with such a life altering disease. Sincerely Adam Magid

DHF is a fantastic source of information. They bring the information together in one place eliminating the searching, digging, and sifting thru everything that is out there to get to the good, reliable information.

I found TuDiabetes.org last summer when I was searching the Internet for information about diabetes. At the time, my doctors didn't know what type of diabetes I had and I was put through a series of tests and treatments that were making me sickier and more stressed out. Not only did I find information about diabetes, I discovered a network of people from all across the world who understood what I was going through. In the end I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and I believe it is due in large part to the encouragement I received from my friends on Tu, and the advice they offered to help me get a correct diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes is a disease of self-management. My doctors can teach me how and when to administer my insulin, dieticians can teach me how to eat, but it's up to me to take these actions and make good decisions. It is not always easy to excuse myself from a business meeting to eat or find something to occupy by infant son while I inject insulin. Some days I want to give up; some days I want to neglect my treatment. Having a resource like TuDiabetes that allows me to talk to others who are going through the same thing, helps keep my spirits up and pushes me to continue my hard work. In my personal life, I don't know anyone else who has Type 1 diabetes, so no one understands when I talk about my numbers, or my A1C or my bolus insulin. It's so nice to have support from people who do.

The diabetes hand foundation is a creative bunch of people, though they may be small they reach out to hundreds of diabetics, they created a safe haven for diabetics on their sitectudiabetes, which I frequent constantly. There site is the one place where a diabetic can feel welcomed, come with questions, or find support. They are branching out in so many ways I can't wait to see what's next. It's really nice to have a voice for this horrible disease, they make it a lot more manageable to be happy diabetics.

I stumbled onto the tuDiabetes web site and found myself joining a group of extraordinary people. I was recently diagnosed with type II diabetes and after talking with some of the people I seen how not alone I was. I learned more about the disease from chatting with people than I did from my own doctor. I learned how important it is to have the right doctor assisting with your case. In essence, I learned a lot from these people about how to cope with my disease and how to take the steps to beat it. The administrative staff are wonderful caring people. The very unfortunate thing is meeting such a great group and coming together with these people required my having this disease. I wish we could have met under different circumstances.

I don't remember how I started going to tudiabetes, but I will never stray from it. This site gives me the opportunity to discuss my heath issues with others who are both professionals and patients. I never feel like I'm being talked down to or scolded. It is a place for learning and making friends who know your world. I didn't realize it before becoming diabetic, but it is a whole different world then most deal with. Tudiabetes gave me the confidence to face this world head on. They have been my friends and family. Please consider them for this grant. I can't imagine who deserves it more.

I have long been a fan of all that Diabetes Hands Foundation does to help anyone touched by diabetes. I frequently visit the online community tudiabetes.org to correspond with people facing the same sorts of challenges I see in my life. I find it very therapeutic to connect and communicate with those touched by diabetes.

2 1/2 Years ago my husband was almost killed in a pedestrian accident. As a result, I lost my insurance, he is covered by the VA. With loss of all of our income except a small amount from the VA, all our money was going to buying my medicine. There was nothing left for testing supplies. We had sold everything, including my husbands beloved "baby" his truck that was bought with his inheritance from his mother. Riding the bus, someone stole me test kit with the few test strips I had left. I had no meter and no strips. TuDiabetes made sure I had both. Not just a few test strips, but about a six month supply. This pulled me through until I could get help with some of my medical. I am so grateful to this organization for their assistance.

I was diagnosed T2 at 57 (a gift from my father) and sent home with an enraging brochure full of smiling people that made me want to throw up. I just wanted to stay in bed and never eat again until my BS didn't matter anymore because I was dead. I struggled alone for 3 months until I found TuDiabetes and suddenly I began to figure it out----every newbie question answered promptly with compassion and exactitude and expertise and humor, too! I love how globally diverse the community is. How diverse we are in experience with this scourge. From newbies to those doing well after 60 years of living with it. I believe that the open-hearted, deeply loving approach to life of the founders has woven itself into every aspect of the site. And hey---when I joined 3 years ago, I didn't even know how to cut and paste--a regular old fogie on the computer. I have gotten to be a whiz at those things as a dividend---there's always an attitude of teaching whatever needs to be taught!

I can say without any doubt that Andreina y Manny (DHF Founders) are two human beings which I'm very honor to know. For years they impress me again and again with hard work, creativity, sensibility in order to offer awareness and education to people touched by diabetes. They brought this organization from zero to a very well driven foundation, so working in the board has been a wonderful and gratifying experience.

I have gone through several new experiences to help me to control my diabetes. I started on a pump, began taking the drug Symlin, used a continuous glucose monitor, and have had an islet cell transplant. In my real life, I only know of a few adult diabetics in my community. It is so nice to be able to share my experience and live vicariously through other members with their experiences with this complex disease. The shear number of members, and its strong leadership makes this group a very positive and powerful domain.

I grow up with the word Diabetes surrounding my family for all angles. My father has it, most of my uncles and aunts for father and mother side has it; without knowing not much about it just that the level of life of the people that has it it is pretty poor. Tudiabetes.com and estudiabetes.com recalls the importance of the topics relative with the diabetes and help me to help other members of my family not to become Diabetics. Thanks to Manny Hernandez and Andreina Davila and their hard work we have a community of people that can share, teach and learn for each other. Thanks

Diabetes is a mystery and a shadow. A mystery because there is no single identifiable cause, nothing that others, or yourself, can see. Diagnosis is provided but often the patient is left to wander around looking for an explanation. A direction. That is when he enters the shadow. How to find information? What is are normal blood sugar levels? How many chocolate cakes eaten before I loose my eyesight? Diabetes Hands provided group support and I quickly learnt that many people who have diabetes go through the same process. With the help of DH I have found books to read, answers to questions from the web pages but also I accept now that this process of 'study to understand' will go on for the rest of my life. My diabetes will not go away but now with the help of DH I am starting to look it in the eye and reclaim my life. I have given DH five stars as I see that equals 'far exceeds expectations'. The truth is that before I had very few expectations or knowledge. Now that is changing as I start to unravel the mystery.The shadow will always be there but with more knowledge and the help of the members of DH I know I will not be alone. I hope these thoughts help you understand the value I have found in Diabetes Hands. Best regards, Tim Duhan

I use this organization's network to help me live day to day. Because I joined their Tudiabetes' blog, I am kept up to date with the Diabetes' community. I also see that there are others out there that are just like me and have the same daily struggles I do with my diabetes.

I love Tudiabetes, it's a great a site. I am a relatively new diabetic and having access to knowledge from more experienced patients in invaluable.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation connects over 150,000 people who have diabetes, allowing them to share their experiences and concerns and benefit from enormous support. As much information as there is all over the web about diabetes, there are still few communities that people feel the kind of connection they do from tudiabetes. Founded by Manny Hernandez, who lives with diabetes, tudiabetes is an organization and a service with an indelible heart-held mission: to improve the lives of those with diabetes through the support and connection of social media

This site is amazing. It has helped bring the diabetes online community together to talk about issues and the ups and downs of diabetes with others. We post questions about everyday things like meds or pump issues and even funny stuff to make us life that only diabetics would understand. It helps you to not feel alone in the journey of diabetes some with type one and some with type 2 but regardless of the type there are people who understand.

I am a late- and recently-diagnosed Type 1 diabetic who was originally diagnosed Type 2. Devastated upon learning the former, I was compelled to search for a non-clinical community where members spoke truth to the vagaries and complexities of diabetes. TuDiabetes has been a lifeline in my darkest moments, and comic relief in lighter times. It gave me hope to turn the corner from devastation to optimism, because the experiences shared there are spoken from the hearts and souls of people who live it and get it. TuDiabetes is my virtual refuge, a diverse and inclusive community where I can be understood or help another understand. It is what society in general ought to be.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation's website is a great source of information from other diabetics! I have learned so much! From the dexcom users' experiences to insights about carbohydrate metabolism, the website has helped me feel more part of a friendly community who are all living with this chronic situation called diabetes. Discussions are candid and respectful.

I received information about this group through a Health Center email. The map is what drew me in. I wanted to participate in the group too and to participate also so that informaton I have as a (not yet diagnosed officially) pre-diabetic can help to cure and save others from diabetes. I believe in prevention and so if an ounce of prevention can prevent me from getting diabetes and help others that I am all for it. I am part of lighting up the map and also have taken part in a few discussions.

this is a great group for people with diabetes to come to get a better understanding of how to eat to keep their blood sugar stable and other ways to manage their diabetes.

TuDiabetes is a social networking site for people with diabetes and those who are touched by this chronic illness (parents, spouses, siblings). There is a wide range of experienced people on this site, from the newly diagnosed, to those who have had the disease for well over 50 years, to the medical community and diabetes device manufacturers and the parents and family members who are dealing with the short and long-term effects of the disease. Because of this wealth of experience, most people who spend time on the site receive a valuable experience by visiting. There is wonderful advice and truth spoken here, capped by the knowledge that the participants truly understand the frustrations of diabetes.

My daughter was diagnosed with diabetes in Dec. 2009. As soon as she was out of the hospital, I was online looking for additional information about her condition. I found TuDiabetes, which is run by the Diabetes Hands Foundation, and have visited the site nearly every day since. It's a wonderful source of information and support.

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, and people are searching for answers about the disease where they have the most access--not in a doctor's office, but online. While there are many places on the Web ready to answer their questions, there are few that are as helpful and reputable as TuDiabetes. Along with beneficial information, there is also a very warm, caring feeling that emanates from the others members that is truly comforting. It is obvious that there are others there that feel the same concern, pain, worry--even joy in victories both large and small. With the diabetic population rising everyday, it is good to know that there is a community such as TuDiabetes and EsTuDiabetes that people can turn to with confidence.

very nice site! makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only one affected by such a horrible sickness like Type 1 diabetes. others give me the hope that all will be ok.

I am terrifically impressed with the Diabetes Hands Foundation and their work to support people touched by diabetes around the US and the world. This non-profit has developed an online social networking community that nurtures ties among people affected by diabetes, perhaps our single most important public health concern. Their efforts have provided opportunity for members of the community to connect with each other in a safe environment, protected from commercial interests, to generate vital social support and shared health information to help many thousands of people address the daily requirements of managing their illness. The Foundation has also taken important steps to align their community with emerging health information technologies and research organizations seeking to improve knowledge, discovery, prevention and treatment--moving beyond an insular approach and working at a top level to support its membership. For example, they have provided opportunities for top tier health organizations such as Children's Hospital Boston, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Joslin Diabetes Center to engage with their membership and the community in a fashion that protects the integrity of the community but seeks to improve prevention practice and disease self management. They have also instituted important quality controls, welcoming new members, vetting participation to protect against unauthorized lurking, and working diligently to keep the community focused on helping itself through non-judgmental dialogue, and protecting members' private data by not selling it. These policy practices distinguish this site. In social media, it is difficult to balance competing needs of protecting the voice of members and the validity of health information, and this site has worked very hard and successfully to do this, instituting new practices with considerable opportunity for community dialogue and input. They are a great model to other nonprofits. They have also worked to influence the technology platform on which they run to insure that it remains available at low cost to other nonprofits, so that the larger non profit community can benefit from their advocacy. In this regard, their leadership works regularly with other diabetes social media groups to support their efforts--exerting a multiplier effect on the larger society. Very laudable efforts at every level.

TuDiabetes, the social network of people that are affected by diabetes, either directly or indirectly, is a wonderful source of information, tips, and simply friendship and comfort for us diabetics. Diabetes is a situation where the availability of information makes a true difference in the quality of life. TuDiabetes has a clearly established leadership in helping people from all over the world deal with their situation on a daily basis, with the help of friends who have the exact same situation to deal with.

Hello My Name is BiBi,I am a member,I am a diabetic since 04..since then I have had a bad battle with this sickness.I have always felt alone ,my family had no clue about this sickness or how it is effecting me.. Some how I came across their site and I'm very grateful for the foundation and its members as well. They have welcomed me and gave me inforation to seek and learn more from.. I don't feel like a lonely warrior anymore,I have people that like me,know what this disease does to us,how it changes our life for ever.thank you.BiBi

TuDiabetes provides a safe place for people who live with this overwhelming disease to find solace, comfort, support and education. There is nothing that can replace the feeling of being in a "room," virtually or physically. TuDiabetes is that "room" for people across the globe.

Diabetes Hands Foundation serves diabetics fr. many demographics and needs. Members support one another w/ nutrition, diet, recipes, exercise, pet care, mental illness, etc. We not only give info regarding health, but we make one another laugh.

TuDiabetes has been a wonderful addition to the support community for type 1 diabetics. Although information pertaining to diabetes has been available through other sources for a long time, namely, the American Diabetes Association, TuDiabetes has addressed the younger population of type 1 diabetics with their unique problems, both physically and emotionally. There is such a broad spectrum of challenges that younge type 1 diabetics deal with on a day to day basis, and focusing on this segment of diabetics has been long overdue.

The founders of DHF have a genuine passion for people with diabetes -- and in finding ways to bring them together. DHF's community outreach and services have touched the lives of tens of thousands of people with diabetes. An organization's mission statement means nothing if the people behind the mission lack focus, drive, compassion, and integrity. DHF folks have all these leadership qualities. I cannot praise the founders and board of DHF highly enough.

As I was reading an earlier review, I was struck by someone's comment that "diabetes is a very lonely disease." Having been a Type 1 diabetic for more than 22 years now, I can say that that statement resounds with me still because I remember the days when I felt very alone, isolated, weak, incompetent, and angry because of this disease. I was diagnosed well before the invention of the Internet and I lived in a community too small for a support group. Now that TuDiabetes and the Diabetes Hands Foundation have created an online community of diabetics of all stripes, I now know I'm not alone. We are an incredibly diverse community-- some of us facing challenges that I can't even imagine, the awareness of which snaps me out of my self-pity like a rubber band to the wrist. But we are also united in our common tie. Communities for people with diabetes existed online before TuDiabetes, but of the few I found, I never really felt at home-- most were geared toward parents raising diabetic kids, or older, Type 2 diabetics. On the cusp of the explosion of the social networking trend, TuDiabetes came along and began serving not only those communities, but the rest of us as well, those of us who never really felt we had a home online before now.

I was reading my e-mails when I came upon Guidestar. I began to review the nonprofits and came upon yours. I am an IDDM for 15 years. I am w/c bound and spend a lot of time one the net. If I can help with typing or other tasks that I can do from home let me know.

Diabetes Hands Foundation is a cutting-edge charity in that it was founded in the age of social media and all things peer-to-peer. The founders of this organization understand the importance of and value in enabling people to discuss their health-related issues and work together using the Internet to improve their lives. The founders are very savvy in the non-profit technology space, and are whole-heartedly invested in the ideals of transparency, honesty, and peer-to-peer networking that are new to the non-profit arena.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation is the most innovative, forward-thinking, patient-focused group in the diabetes patient advocacy space. They know first-hand what their members' unmet needs are and work hard to develop programs to address those needs. DHF embraces the concept of partnering wth organizations that bring expert knowledge and other core competencies to the table and operates always with the best interest of people with diabete in mind.

helping people with diabetes find community. Diabetes can be a lonely disease. I'm the only one in my family with diabetes. Testing, injecting, counting carbs, testing again - no one in my family or friends can really understand that. But ... there is a place where everyone gets it. On TuDiabetes, I can share my challenges and triumphs and learn from others and they can learn from me. It's where everybody know your game.

When I was 12, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. It was a shock. Like so many others, I had only heard of type two. I thought there was only one diabetes. I didn’t know any other people- let alone teens!- with diabetes. At my school, there was no other person with diabetes. I was alone, defeated, scared. When I had to test my blood sugar, I sat in the corner of the office, away from the receptionist who was afraid of blood and needles. There was no nurse at this building in my school- and the temporary school nurse was afraid of needles. For weeks, my mom dutifully arrived at the school at noon and we took over an empty classroom, trying to understand what we were doing. For weeks I came home crying, trying to make my friends understand, trying to convince the math teacher that tests right before lunch weren’t a good idea because I was always low before lunch. Trying to fit in. Even once we got the hang of it and mom stopped coming at lunch, I was always “the girl with the disease” or “the druggie with the needles”. The weird one. The one who “couldn’t eat sweets.” I became desperate to find someone who understood. My doctors studied type one, but they didn’t get the emotional stuff. Therapists didn’t know what diabetes was. And none of these were kids. I’d scan the restaurants, just hoping to find a pump, a needle, a meter, anything that was a sign. Then I found TuDiabetes. Here was this family of people, all who had diabetes, all with their own stories, all with hope and determination. All wanting to find friends to talk to, people to help. Here were these people who lived with diabetes and did amazing things- conquered mountains, go to the Olympics, get on American Idol, the list goes on. Here were people who understood everything Diabetes- the hilariousness in the places where we find test strips, the desperation of trying to get rid of ketones. Here were diabetics all grown up- the people that I want to be. Having kids, getting jobs- living life- even with diabetes. It was TuDiabetes that opened my eyes to the diabetes world- not a world of hate and despair- but a world of hope, determination, acceptance and love. Everyday each and every one of us fights diabetes and we go on to do amazing things. We push past the difficult things- the blood sugars, the ketones, the misconceptions about diabetes- and we live life. With TuDiabetes I met my role models, my friends and my family with diabetes. I met the people that I want to be when I’m older, the other teenagers living like I am and people who have different kinds of diabetes- they helped me learn that type two diabetes isn’t all that I thought it was and that there are types like 1.5 that nearly no one knows about. My family gives me a lot of support, but they’re still learning. They don’t have diabetes, no matter how much they understand about it. Without TuDiabetes, I would be struggling to find a place right now. My pump probably wouldn’t be on my side (and I have Kristin especially to thank for that!) and I most certainly wouldn’t be scheduling CGM classes. My needles wouldn’t be taken with confidence and my head wouldn’t be held high. Today when I walk down the street, through the hallway, around the mall, wherever I am, I walk proudly with diabetes- my pump on my side, my meter in my backpack and a little blood stain on my finger. I like who I am, and I’m that person because of the TuDiabetes family and the support they have given me. TuDiabetes has truly taught me that while I have diabetes, I am not a diabetic. It’s amazing what you can do, what you can get past, when you have this support.

Diabetes Hands Foundation is a thought leader in using social media for social good. They care deeply for their mission, and they've proven they can put the resources, skills and talent together to do great things. They are playing a crucial role, blazing a trail that other non-profits working in other areas can follow.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation truly does touch & improve the lives of diabetics through their many unique projects. I've been a member of Tu Diabetes for several years. I feel honored to be part of such a dynamic on-line community. Nowhere else is there this level of support & information as is shared daily on Tu Diabetes. The Tu D atmosphere of respect, diversity & caring is unparalleled & exemplary. This is entirely due to the commitment of the Diabetes Hands Foundation, founder Manny Hernandez & their volunteer administrators. The Diabetes Hands Foundation & Tu Diabetes is a lifeline for 15,000 members dealing with a complex & devastating disease. Only through support & exchanging information can we handle the daily struggles diabetes demands of us. Tu D offers all this & more. I was fortunate to find Tu D shortly after diagnosis & no longer feel alone.

DHF has been very special for me. It has allow me to meet some incredible people that are touch by diabetes. Their stories have inspired me every day to be accepting but resilient. We have seen the power of connecting people to help each other. It's been quite a journey.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation is an awesome foundation for people who live with diabetes, family members and friends. I gained a lot of knowledge and friendships from the TuDiabetes.com community.

Diabetes Hands Foundation has saved my life. Although I had type 1 diabetes for many years, TuDiabetes.com helped me connect with many other people who supported me and provided invaluable advice about blood sugar management and better ways to exercise. Life with this chronic disease is a lot easier thanks to TuDiabetes and the work of DHF.

My youngest child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 6. Nine years and four pumps later (longboarding is tough on pumps) he is a healthy and happy teenager who, on a daily basis, grows in his ability to independently manage his diabetes. Diabetes Hands Foundation has greatly contributed to his growth because of the support it offered me, his mother. Receiving advice and gaining perspective from other caregivers, DHF provided a community that kept this mother moving forward one day at a time.

While I don't have diabetes myself, I have friends that do. I was very moved by the way in which the Diabetes Hands Foundation uses art to express the powerful emotions people have in coping with this condition. It really sensitized me to understand what they are going through.

This organization has allowed me to connect with others who have diabetes. This may not seem like a big deal, but it really is. Helping people with a condition, such as diabetes, connect with others allows someone like me to not feel so alone, so isolated. It also provides a lot of helpful information about diabetes management. I know I've learned more about diabetes and how to deal with certain situations from this organization than I have from all of my doctors and educators. This organization is a blessing to anyone touched by diabetes.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation has done a superb job, in a relatively short amount of time, of providing much-needed information, outreach, inspiration and community to thousands of people with diabetes around the world. They have engaged so many people in the online world and have provided a wonderful service, partnership and above all concern for those dealing with this devastating disease.

I first met Manny and Andreina (DHF founders) in the summer of 2008. I myself do not have diabetes but am touched by it: my niece has Type I. For me, DHF has opened my eyes to the day-to-day challenges (and multiple complications) that can come from having diabetes. It has helped me understand the issues my niece has to deal with every day and has given me a new understanding (and respect) for those dealing with diabetes every day. I am also motivated to volunteer my time by the fact that DHF does so much to help others. I feel proud that I am helping this organization make a difference in the lives of so many people. When I read the comments and posts from the community members, I realize how important it is to provide this place where people can share their ups and downs and get support from others.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation is masterful at engaging people with diabetes to educate and spread awareness. Through TuDiabetes.com, they have built a cohesive and inspirational social network for people with diabetes. It is truly first in its class.