Girl Scouts become diabetes detectives with new Children's Diabetes Foundation patch program

Press Release: Girl Scouts of America • January 13, 2025

TL;DR

Girl Scouts of Colorado and the Children's Diabetes Foundation have partnered to launch “Be a Diabetes Detective: Exploring Health, Friendship, and Confidence,” an interactive patch program designed to teach young people about type 1 diabetes. Through hands-on activities, real-world experiments, and conversations with people living with T1D, Girl Scouts will build knowledge, confidence, and empathy while learning how to become more supportive friends and community members.

Community program aims to spread awareness and compassion for people with type 1 diabetes

Nearly 1.6 million Americans juggle their daily lives around type 1 diabetes (T1D). Everyone knows someone living with type 1 diabetes even if they don’t realize it — it could be a friend, teacher, family member, or neighbor. Girl Scouts of Colorado and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) have teamed up to create an interactive and educational new patch program,“Be a Diabetes Detective: Exploring Health, Friendship, and Confidence.” The program launches on Jan. 19, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Girl Scout DreamLab (63 N. Quebec St., Denver) with a free community event.

blue diabetes detective girls scouts patch with superhero syringe cartoon and cdf logo

“This program is a wonderful way to educate and inspire young people to better understand the realities of living with type 1 diabetes,” said Dana Davis of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. “By fostering empathy and awareness, we can help build a more supportive community for those managing this lifelong condition. We’re proud to partner with Girl Scouts of Colorado to empower the next generation with knowledge, understanding, and a commitment to health.”


This interactive event will provide youth with valuable knowledge about type 1 diabetes (T1D) and empower them to become informed and supportive friends.



Event highlights:

  • Hands-on learning: Learn about the science of diabetes, including how blood sugar levels are managed and the impact of diet and exercise.
  • Real-world experiments: See how blood sugar levels change in real time by tasting delicious Girl Scout Cookies while using a Continuous Glucose Monitor.
  • Making connections: Meet individuals living with T1D and gain insight into their daily experiences.
  • Optional screenings: Attendees can participate in T1D screenings to learn more about their own health and understand diabetes risk factors.

"This partnership and program are fantastic opportunities for young people to learn about type 1 diabetes and become more compassionate and informed members of their communities," said Girl Scouts of Colorado CEO Leanna Clark.


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