About the Joslin JumpStart Program

When a child or teen is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, the whole family has a great deal to learn in a short time. JumpStart is a program designed to make the process of fitting diabetes into family life more manageable. The goal is to make sure every child with type 1 or type 2 diabetes gets off on the right track. From research we know that young people who learn good management skills early on are more likely to enjoy a lifetime of better health.

We will assign your child an entire team of professionals to help you learn how to manage diabetes. This includes a physician, nurse, dietitian and a care ambassador, who will be in regular contact with you to see how things are going. In addition to family support, JumpStart provides financial assistance to patients who do not have insurance, or who may experience a lapse in coverage.

The JumpStart Program Includes:

• Care by our pediatric endocrine specialists.
• Education by certified diabetes educators.
• Services of a care ambassador to help support the entire family.
• Routine laboratory work.
• Round-the-clock access to the healthcare team.
• Regular communication with the child’s primary care provider.
• Access to our health services, including eye, kidney and mental health specialists.
• Special programs, including the Teddy Bear Clinic, Summer Magic, our Halloween Party and Teen events.
• Online discussion boards.