About Diabuddies:

DiaBuddies has joined forces with JDRF to expand and support its growing Outreach Program. DiaBuddies directly supports people in San Diego with diabetes in a number of ways. We offer a one-on-one Mentor Program, we host Teen Events and Young-Adult Events, and we have an enthusiastic network of Volunteers to help diabetes events in the community.

DiaBuddies was originally founded as a student service organization at the University of California, San Diego in 2006. DiaBuddies expanded beyond UCSD to develop a mentor program with the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, local experts on the emotional side of diabetes.

DiaBuddies Mentor Program:

This program matches up youth, teens, and young adults with a DiaBuddies Mentor that can best relate to their needs, based on age, gender, type of diabetes and other considerations. DiaBuddies provides personal support to help adjust to a new diagnosis, address ongoing issues with diabetes, and offer understanding and motivation towards a more successful life with diabetes.

To get matched up with a Mentor who really understands, please complete and return the Diabuddies Mentor Request Form and Diabuddies Mentee Waiver.

If you would like to become a Mentor yourself, please complete and return the New Diabuddies Mentor Application. Use your life experience with diabetes to help someone!

DiaBuddies Teen Events:

DiaBuddies hosts quarterly Teen Events for the younger crowd with type I. These events provide an opportunity to meet others with a similar lifestyle, get active, make new friends, have fun, and build a support network. Past events have included Laser Tag, Rock Climbing, Baseball games, and Beach BBQs attracting many enthusiastic teens.

DiaBuddies Young Adult Events:

Our Young Adult Events are a great chance for the older 18+ crowd to meet, relate, and have their own fun while speaking openly about life with diabetes. Quarterly young adult events include dinner outings, comedy clubs, and trips to the Del Mar Races.

DiaBuddies Volunteers:

Our volunteers help with DiaBuddies, JDRF, and other diabetes related events in the community. Whether you have diabetes or just want to help, come join our monthly dinner meetings to find out how to get involved. Anyone can be a volunteer!

Get involved!

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions or to join the email list for Volunteer opportunities, Teen Events, or Young Adult Events (please specify your interest). To take part in the Mentor Program, download, complete, and return the appropriate forms above to become a Mentor or request one.

For info on a different local mentor program specifically for adults with type I and II diabetes, please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2009-2010 DiaBuddies Officers

DiaBuddies Director/Founder – Rachel Jaffe
Mentor Chairs - Michelle Fourney & Leah Bruno
Outreach Chairs - Leigh Mason & Kerri Orr
Teen Chairs - Jamie Kowatch & Somia Said
Young Adult Chairs - Christine Spencer & Nimitz Bagtas
Finance Chairs - Nicole Szeto & Jeanette Sprague
Legal Chair - Steven Brumer