What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, the main type of sugar in the blood.
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Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas loses its ability to make insulin. Without insulin, the cells in the body can't get the energy they need.
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Type 2 Diabetes
A person with type 2 diabetes still produces insulin. But the body doesn't respond to the insulin, so energy can't get into the cells.
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Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy.
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How the Body Works
If you want to understand diabetes, it helps to know how the body works.
Metabolism
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Some Problems That Can Happen
Know what to look for when your child has diabetes.
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Talking About Diabetes
Open communication can help put your child at ease.
Controlling Diabetes Throughout Your Child's Life
You want your child to be healthy into adulthood. Find out how to help them manage their diabetes, talk about it, and know what to do when they don't feel well.
Staying Healthy
There are things you can do to can help your child control their diabetes and stay healthy.
School, Sports, and Exercise
Kids with diabetes can do things that kids without diabetes can do. There are a few extra things to keep in mind.
When Your Child Doesn't Feel Well
Your care team will support you and your child whether your child feels well or not.
Your health care team
Preparing to Move Your Teen to Adult Care
As your teen gets older they'll need to switch to an adult health care provider.
Switching to adult care
Understanding Diabetes
Find out what diabetes is, how it's treated, and what to expect.
Helpful Tips
Diabetes Care Q&A
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Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented.
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Being overweight can lead to health problems, including type 2 diabetes.
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Autoimmune diseases are more common in people with type 1 diabetes.