Diabetes is a growing global concern, with the World Health Organization reporting over 422 million adults affected worldwide—a number projected to rise to 642 million by 2040. Among those impacted are young people, who not only manage the physical challenges of the condition but often face barriers to full participation in education, social life, and youth activities. “LifeLines”, a co-funded Erasmus+ project, is stepping up to address this issue by promoting social inclusion and awareness across Europe. Through its focus on early identification, it seeks to improve health outcomes by emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and management, ultimately preventing long-term complications. At its core, LifeLines aims to empower youth with diabetes by breaking stigmas, raising awareness, and ensuring their voices are heard.

To build lasting impact, LifeLines also strengthens the capacity of youth organizations, helping them develop innovative support strategies and form meaningful partnerships. By doing so, the project not only improves the quality of youth work but also lays the foundation for future collaborations focused on inclusion and diversity. It advocates for social and welfare policies that consider the unique needs of young people with diabetes, especially those who face additional marginalization, such as refugees or individuals with disabilities. In alignment with priorities set by Erasmus+, the EU, and the UN SDGs, LifeLines champions a vision of greater equity, well-being, and empowerment for all youth living with diabetes.