Diabetes is a constant and daily challenge for children and adolescents, their parents and carers. Henk-Jan Aanstoot, a paediatric diabetologist, affirms that he is inspired and motivated to see many families dealing well with their condition. Very young children, teenagers and young adults all share the ability to teach him something important every day – about patience, commitment and an unbelievable desire to overcome adversity and to triumph. But there are serious shortcomings in the care afforded to these young people in developed as well as developing countries. In this article he reports on the latest global initiative of IDF and Novo Nordisk to focus attention on the special needs of young people with diabetes and their families, and ultimately improve care worldwide.