North country families who have children with Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes should consider attending a support group that was started last spring by two Watertown women.

Judith George and Dona-Rae Yaussi established the group as a result of their own experiences with the disease. Both women have grandchildren with Type 1 diabetes and know firsthand the challenges of treating the lifelong medical condition.

"There is no vacation from diabetes," said Mrs. Yaussi. "It can be very overwhelming for both children and their parents."

Type 1 diabetes is the less common form of the disease, accounting for 5 percent to 10 percent of cases. It's referred to as juvenile diabetes because the diagnosis most often occurs in childhood and adolescence, although it can strike young adults as well.

The condition is considered an autoimmune disease because the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Those with Type 1 diabetes must have insulin injections daily or continually infuse insulin through a pump, and test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers several times a day.

A careful diet must be followed and close attention paid to the total number of carbohydrates consumed on a daily basis. Type 1 diabetics must be prepared for emergency situations that can arise with either very high or low blood sugar.

The two women decided to start the support group after finding they could learn a lot about the disease just by exchanging information themselves.

"We wanted to do something to develop more awareness about juvenile diabetes" and give families who have children with the disease the opportunity to share information about "what works and what doesn't work," Mrs. George said.

Those who attend the group are "encouraged to ask questions and counsel others based on their own experiences," she added.

The support group also offers presentations by medical professionals and others who can provide valuable information about Type 1 diabetes, she said.

Children, parents, grandparents, other relatives, caregivers and friends are encouraged to attend the meetings. The group offers an informal setting, and no advance registration is required.

The next support group meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Flower Memorial Library, 229 Washington St., Watertown. Anyone needing more information may contact Mrs. Yaussi at 938-5310 or Mrs. George at 782-8105.

The meeting will feature a panel discussion by parents of children with diabetes. Members will also discuss and plan a schedule of possible speakers for the remainder of the year.

There will be no February meeting, but the group will resume meetings in March.

"The group can be a great resource, especially for newly diagnosed families," said Mrs. Yaussi.

Some of the topics the organizers are hoping to cover this year include the latest technology in diabetes treatments, communication with school personnel, enhanced nutrition and the emotional challenges of the disease.

"A child's emotions can go up and down so quickly," Mrs. Yaussi said.

The women are seeking any interested speakers, including parents of children who have been dealing with Type 1 diabetes for many years, she said.

The group's official name is the North Country Support Group for Juvenile Diabetes, and it's an affiliate of the Central New York Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Several fundraisers are being planned this year for the JDRF, which is working to find a cure for the disease, Mrs. George said. One of the research projects being funded by the nonprofit organization is the development of an artificial pancreas.

The next event will be a Community Day coupon booklet fundraiser March 1 at Bon-Ton in the Salmon Run Mall.

For more information on Type 1 diabetes, visit the JDRF Web site, www.jdrf.org.