Jose Gabriel's Story...

In 1984, José Gabriel, a six-month-old boy in Quito, Ecuador, went into a coma and was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.  Despite the efforts of his parents, both of whom were physicians, they could not keep him healthy.  His parents spent most of the family's income on insulin, but eight years later José fell into another coma. José’s family saved money and sent him to the U.S. for treatment where they soon discovered that a lack of education is as dangerous as a lack of insulin.

AYUDA was founded in 1996 by two teenagers with a vision that spawned from meeting Jose Gabriel. Since then AYUDA has grown significantly in capacity and reach to become an organization that is recognized as an international leader in the development and delivery of diabetes education, advocacy and youth empowerment. AYUDA’s successful growth is a product of the diligence and dedication of its volunteers.  AYUDA's vounteers range from high school students to health care professionals.  The majority of volunteers that participate in AYUDA's programs are students in college or graduate school.

What is AYUDA?

American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA) is a nonprofit organization that empowers youth to serve as agents of change in diabetes communities around the world. An organization run for youth by youth, AYUDA thrives on the premise that youth can serve as agents for change.  AYUDA is dedicated to working with local diabetes communities to develop and implement sustainable diabetes programs throughout the world, with its initial focus emerging out of Latin America. AYUDA’s peer learning model trains teams of international volunteers to work with and motivate youth in local diabetes communities, as well as others in their communities, to live happier and healthier live with diabetes.  In the Fall of 2007,AYUDA was granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.