DIABITE Diabetes Club for Children and Youth unites children with type 1 diabetes and their families across Lithuania.
We believe that together we are stronger than diabetes, so our goal is to help children and their families overcome the challenges of diabetes. As parents of children with type 1 diabetes ourselves, we know what it’s like to have a difficult start and the challenges that come with it. DIABITE helps us to survive these challenges together, finding help in the community.
We help families overcome challenges by offering the support they need. Children and teenagers are invited to make friends in DIABITES – in live or remote DIAKLASE classes, meetings, excursions, festivals and camps. We care for parents and relatives by providing emotional and other mutual support. Volunteers from the Diabetes First Aid Team visit families while they are still in hospital. Later, it’s easy to find answers to any questions you may have in the DIALINIJA – individual consultations on diabetes management, technology or nutrition. If sadness, tiredness or other feelings overwhelm you, the Emotional Helpline volunteers, including professional psychologists and a team of trained counsellors, will calm you down. Almost all of these support methods are free of charge for club members.
We operate as an association – we are a public legal entity with limited civil liability, non-profit, non-political, non-governmental organisation.
The history of DIABITE was started in 1994 by paediatric endocrinologist Raselė Kiseliūnienė and diabetologist Audronė Umbražiūnienė. They took the initiative to bring together Vilnius residents who have children with type 1 diabetes.
A year later, in October 1995, the Children’s Diabetes Club DIABITE was founded in Vilnius. Vaidotas Stepšys became the first chairman of the club, and was in charge of the club from 1995 to 1997. In 1998, he was replaced by Rolandas Lisauskas, who was in charge of the club until 2002.
In the autumn of 2002, after noticing that children who had reached the age of 16 were reluctant to leave the club, the organisation expanded its activities – DIABITE became DIABITE PLIUS, a diabetes club for children and young people in Vilnius. Eglė Marija Jakimavičienė was then elected President of the club and led it until 2019.
In March 2019, a new board of directors was elected at the club’s general meeting, and Gvidas Grinkas became the new chairman. In the same year, it was decided to return the club to its former name – DIABITE.
At the Members’ Meeting in February 2020, Eglė Baradinskienė bacame the new chairman.
At the Members’ Meeting in September 2024, Kristijonas Šešelgis was elected as the new President of the Club.
The DIABETES club offers free consultations, first aid training, emotional support for families, DIAKLASE training, distance competence training, and inspirational events and camps. Our activities help manage the challenges of type 1 diabetes, promote emotional health and communication through help and support, healthy lifestyles, and diabetes management using modern technology.
DIALINIJA provides free consultations for families with children who have type 1 diabetes. Call +370 673 17514 or register online for help with sugar spikes, diabetes tech, and daily challenges.
DIABITE volunteers help children and teenagers newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. They provide information, emotional support, and advice on managing the disease. Contact the First Aid team at +370 673 17514 or email pagalba@diabite.lt.
When you are faced with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, you do not feel alone. Our free Emotional Helpline is staffed by professional psychologists and experienced diabetes counsellors. Call +370 669 54858 or +370 673 17514.
DIAKLASE offers diabetes classes for children aged 7-15 in groups or individually. They learn to manage diabetes safely, including modern technologies, nutrition, and physical activity. Attend in person or remotely. Contact us at +370 673 17514 or online to know more.
Join our distance learning program for parents of children with type 1 diabetes. Lectures cover technology that aids diabetes management, insulin and carbohydrate calculation, nutrition, and sports habits—conducted by experienced doctors and specialists. Please find us on Facebook or in community groups for more information.
Every summer, we organize family camps with a lot of involvement and activities. Children and teenagers boldly make new friends in joint activities, while parents learn about the latest disease management solutions and tools, ask all their questions, and consult and seek solutions.
Join the DIABETES club events to meet like-minded people, including children and parents. At our events, children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes can meet people like them, and family members can connect with other parents.
DIABITĖ, a club for children and youth with diabetes, regularly participates in various programs to improve the competencies and abilities of the volunteer team. Activities include training for volunteers, consulting for the club manager, attending conferences, completing digital courses, and others.
“Here are some ways to help club DIABITE:
– Become a sponsor or partner;
– Transfer monetary support to the DIABITĖ account;
– Join the volunteer team.”
Join us in making a difference! By becoming a club partner, you help families cope with illness and everyday life. You’ll be included in our sponsors list and receive our gratitude. To become a partner, fill out the form on the right.
Club DIABITĖ organizes activities for children with diabetes and their families, including training, events, and summer camps. To continue these initiatives, we need financial support. Even a small amount can make a difference in the lives of these children.
By joining the DIABITE volunteer team, you help improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. You can contribute by providing first aid, counseling, education, creating content, and more. Contact us for more information.
Join the DIABETES Club to face challenges together. As a member, you’ll connect with like-minded people and get free emotional and interpersonal support. You’ll also have access to exclusive seminars, consultations, and events and enjoy discounts from our sponsors. Fill out the application form and pay the entrance and annual membership fees and join us now.
Fill in the application form (in lithuanian/ soon in english)
Gailė Lisauskaitė