In 2001, the Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN) study interviewed more than 5400 adults with diabetes and more than 3800 diabetes care professionals in 13 countries. The main purpose of  that research was to identify new ways to overcome the psychosocial barriers to the optimal health and quality of life of people with diabetes and those at risk. At the time of the DAWN study, it was realized that diabetes in young people was different to diabetes in adults, and that a separate study would be required to identify opportunities to improve outcomes among young people with diabetes and their families. This realization gave rise to the DAWN Youth survey. Mark Peyrot presents the survey findings and calls for wide changes to improve support for young people with diabetes and their families.