Diabetes is something that not everyone talks about or is even aware of. A group of students at Marywood decided to challenge this and created the College Diabetes Network.

Nicole LaBarbiera, sophomore, criminal justice major, president of the College Diabetes Network: Marywood University Chapter, had the idea of creating the club.

“There wasn’t any chapter in the area that had to do with diabetes and I didn’t know anyone that had diabetes, so one day I brought up the idea to Angelika, the current vice president of the club, in the gym to make a club,” said LaBarbiera.

Angelika Juzwa, sophomore music therapy major, vice president of the chapter, is a Pre-diabetic and looked forward to being apart of the College Diabetes Network.

“Diabetes is underrated, and it can affect your life,” said Juzwa. “It’s good to have support, and this club is open for anyone, not just people who have diabetes.”

There are currently 30 members in the club, and meetings are held every two weeks either on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of Madonna.

Leslie Mason, second year student and member of the chapter, is a Type 1 Juvenile Diabetic.

Mason has a message for students who have diabetes on campus: “Get involved in your community. Get involved, get out there, participate, do a walk and volunteer in your community because diabetes does affect everyone.”

To join the College Diabetes Network or find out more information, email them at Marywood@collegediabetesnetwork.org

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