Adolescent with Type 1 diabetes has many lifestyle adjustments and may believe diabetes hindersindependence. An effective support system that includes family, peers, and healthcare providers may affect self-care behaviors (Kyngas, 2001). The purpose of this study is to examine differences in perceived social support and the practice of self-care behaviors in two groups of adolescent Type 1 diabetics. One group (N=25) will have traditional diabetic education and the other group (N=25) traditional diabetic education and a structured support group over time. Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory is the framework. The sample will be recruited from Darke County, Ohio who attend the hospital's outpatient diabetes education program. Social support will be measured by Norbeck's Social Support Questionnaire and self-care behaviors will be measured by the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (Kearney & Fleischer). Participation will be voluntary and all information will be anonymous. Findings will provide information for diabetic educators about social support as a factor in self care behaviors of adolescents.