Global Diabetes Non-Profit Beyond Type 1 Announces Launch of Beyond Type 2

Today, global diabetes non-profit Beyond Type 1 announced the launch of Beyond Type 2, a new program that will serve those impacted by type 2 diabetes.

The Beyond Type 2 website and social media platforms are a place for the Type 2 diabetes community to share stories, get connected and find resources on topics from daily management to mental health and beyond.

According to Dana Howe, director of brand communications, Beyond Type 2 will operate as a program of Beyond Type 1, with a dedicated project manager at the helm.

“T’ara Smith, who lives with type 2 diabetes, joined our team in late 2018 to help build out Beyond Type 2,” Howe tells dLife. “She is excited to help build this community and improve life for everyone impacted by diabetes.”

Functionally, Howe says Beyond Type 1 and Beyond Type 2 websites and social media platforms will remain separate to allow each to directly serve their unique communities.

“We believe that both types of diabetes are better understood when we educate in the context of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,” Howe explains.

Beyond Type 2 hopes to radically change what it means to live with Type 2 diabetes. The program has the power to unite the global community and empower everyone living with Type 2 to live beyond it.

“Today’s launch brings the magic of Beyond Type 1 to an entirely new and often underserved audience,” said Thom Scher, Beyond Type 1’s CEO in a statement. “While the two diseases are fundamentally different, understanding where they intersect is key. We believe that everyone impacted by diabetes is stronger together and that issues of education and advocacy can be improved on a global level through our combined voices.”

Beyond Type 2 launches today with websites in English and Spanish, social channels in both languages, and an Instagram campaign titled #BeyondPowerful. The campaign aims to raise awareness of diabetes by sharing empowering profiles of people living with Type 2.

The organization is looking for submissions to the campaign to feature people living with type 2, and you can submit your own or a loved one’s story here: beyondtype2.org/beyondpowerful

“If any chronic illness could use a rebrand, it’s type 2 diabetes,” Howe says, “our hope is that a thriving, empowering community will allow folks to speak openly about their type 2 diabetes for the first time – to find a home on the internet that lifts us all up.”

Beyond Type 2 is made possible with the support of five Founding Partners: Abbott (FreeStyle Libre 14 Day System), the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), Lilly Diabetes (Glucagon), Real Good Foods, and Roche Diabetes Care (Accu-Chek). The Founding Partners share the program’s vision of helping everyone impacted by type 2 diabetes live well today.

Beyond Type 2 will operate as a program of registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Beyond Type 1, whose mission is to improve the lives of those living with diabetes. Explore Beyond Type 2 at beyondtype2.org.

Image courtesy: Beyond Type 2