Thanks to the custom communities and all-out support networks born on and nurtured by the Internet, diabetics with a positive attitude and a gung-ho sense of humor can find a slew of tailor-made products to tell the world they're not about to let their sweetness get the best of them.

For kids already facing the grown-up demands of a diabetes diagnosis, the added grown-up look of a traditional metal medical ID bracelet can be an uncomfortable announcement of what makes them different.

But when other kids and grown-ups are wearing silicone circlets for all sorts of causes, a colorful wristband that just happens to spell out DIABETIC can keep a child relaxed. CoolMedID.com, a Michigan-based site, offers trendy, discreet and age-appropriate alerts, each embossed with the caduceus symbol, in children's, teens' and adult sizes. Solid, swirled and patterned colors are available for wristbands; tags are available in solid colors only. $3.49 to $4.99. Coolmedid.com/dia betesroducts.asp.

When Patti LaBelle declared at a Luther Vandross tribute concert, "Diabetes doesn't control me, I control it," Vandross' assistant, Max Szadek, coined "divabetic." That was more than two years ago.

Since then, Vandross' mother, Mary Ida Vandross, has launched the Divabetic campaign for diabetes awareness, which Szadek now manages at Divabetic.org. Empowerment is the Divabetic message, sassy the vibe. Disciplined-Informed-Visible-Active cap-sleeve T-shirt comes in three-color combinations and five sizes, $15.99. cafepress.com/divabet ic.28797834.

Also available in accessories, such as mugs and bags, and in other styles of clothing.

Insulin-pump therapy meets pop culture on these hip shirts from MedTees.com, a Web site run by two doctors in Illinois who say their live-life-to-the-fullest-anyway products for people with chronic illnesses pick up where chats about diagnosis and treatment leave off. Women's iPump T-shirt comes in eight colors and five sizes, $21.99. cafepress.com/med tees.98228303.

There's a version of the T-shirt for men, too.

Not a diabetic but want to show support for a child you know who is? "Cure Juvenile Diabetes," says one of the charms on the sterling silver awareness bracelet at Hope Paige.com. Sapphire, citrine and peridot crystals deck the second charm. One of 11 accessories by Hope Paige Designs of Pennsylvania that benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, $109.95. hopepaige.com/pc/view Prd.asp?idcategory=10&idprod uct=4.

Who wouldn't justify a little extra insulin for potato pancakes smothered in applesauce and sour cream? You don't have to be Jewish to melt at the thought of holiday comfort food that's so yummy and, yes, caloric. But you do have to be a confident and savvy diabetic, one who will know how to adjust for occasional deep-fried, high-carb treats and then turn around and look smashing in a close-fitting American Apparel tank. Made of superfine combed baby-rib cotton. Designed by DiabetesTalkfest.com. Available in four colors and sizes, $22.99. cafe press.com/c2cd.36328078.

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