Parents want to protect their kids from everything, which is virtually impossible, of course. But can you prevent your child from getting diabetes?
What is diabetes and how does it affect the body? Watch this video to find out!
If your child has diabetes, you may spend a lot of time thinking about the physical effects. But it's also important to understand the emotional issues surrounding a diabetes diagnosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when the body uses fat for energy instead of sugar. People with diabetes can get it if their blood sugar levels are too high for too long and they don’t have enough insulin in their system.
The glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release affect almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.
When blood glucose levels (also called blood sugar levels) are too high, it's called hyperglycemia. A major goal in controlling diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to the healthy range as possible.
When blood glucose levels drop too low, it's called hypoglycemia. Very low blood sugar levels can cause severe symptoms that require immediate treatment.
Insulin resistance happens when the body does not respond properly to insulin. It can can raise a child's risk for type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
For kids diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it's important to create a diabetes management plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.
A balanced diet and an active lifestyle are important for kids with diabetes because weight can influence diabetes, and diabetes can influence weight.
In type 1 diabetes, the body can’t use glucose for energy, making blood sugar levels get too high. People with diabetes need insulin shots or an insulin pump.
Learning what you can about type 2 diabetes will let you help your child manage and live with the disease. Here are the basics.
If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record what he or she eats over a 3-day period.
If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record his or her blood glucose levels.
If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record his or her blood glucose levels.
A diabetes to-go kit holds the supplies your child needs for daily and emergency care. Keep it filled and ready, so you have everything you need at a moment’s notice.
This step-by-step graphic shows how to give an insulin injection.
Blood tests and insulin injections can be a challenge for kids with diabetes and their parents. Here are some tips for coping with these.
Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.
Parents want to protect their kids from everything, which is virtually impossible, of course. But can you prevent your child from getting diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, the body can’t use glucose for energy, making blood sugar levels get too high. People with diabetes need insulin shots or an insulin pump.
Learning what you can about type 2 diabetes will let you help your child manage and live with the disease. Here are the basics.
Sometimes the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the body's own tissues or organs. This is called autoimmunity.
Beta cells are cells that make insulin.
The blood glucose level is the amount of glucose in the blood.
A blood glucose meter is a small, portable machine that's used to measure how much glucose (a type of sugar) is in the blood.
For a person with diabetes, a bolus is a dose of insulin taken to handle a rise in blood glucose.
All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Many people with diabetes use carbohydrate ("carb") counting to estimate the amount of carbohydrate in the foods they eat.
Certified diabetes educators are health care professionals who specialize in treating people with diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that happens when the body can't use glucose (a type of sugar) normally.
Many people with diabetes use a food-balancing program called the exchange meal plan to guide what they eat each day.
The body uses fat as a fuel source, and fat is the major storage form of energy in the body.
Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat.
Glucagon is a hormone that raises the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood.
Glucose is the main type of sugar in the blood and is the major source of energy for the body's cells.
The glycemic index measures how fast and how much a food raises blood glucose levels.
When the body doesn't need to use the glucose for energy, it stores it in the liver and muscles. This stored form of glucose is made up of many connected glucose molecules and is called glycogen.
The glycosylated hemoglobin test shows what a person's average blood glucose level was for the 2 to 3 months before the test. This can help determine how well a person's diabetes is being controlled over time.
Hormones are chemical substances that act like messenger molecules in the body.
Hyperglycemia occurs when the level of glucose in the blood is higher than it should be.
Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of glucose in the blood is lower than it should be.
Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood.
Although researchers are testing other ways to give insulin, it's only available now in a form that must be injected just under the skin.
An insulin pump is an insulin-delivering device that's used by some people with diabetes.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn't respond as well to the insulin that the pancreas is making and glucose is less able to enter the cells.
The pancreas contains clusters of cells that produce hormones. These clusters are known as islets.
Ketoacidosis is a severe life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.
When fats are broken down for energy, chemicals called ketones appear in the blood and urine.
The kidneys are a pair of organs that are found on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage in the back.
Nephropathy is a medical term for kidney disease.
Neuropathy is a medical term for disease of the nervous system.
The pancreas is a long, flat gland that lies in the abdomen behind the stomach.
A pediatric endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children with diseases of the endocrine system, such as diabetes and growth disorders.
A person with polydipsia drinks excessive amounts of fluid.
A person with polyphagia eats excessive amounts of food.
A person with polyuria makes large amounts of urine.
Retinopathy is the medical term for disease of the retina.
A urinalysis is a laboratory examination of a person's urine.
If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record what he or she eats over a 3-day period.
This recipe is especially for kids with diabetes, but can be a nutritious part of almost anyone's diet.
Making smart choices when it comes to carbs and following the diabetes care plan can help keep your child's blood sugars under control.
Carbs are the body's most important and readily available source of energy. The key is to eat healthy ones, like whole grains, and avoid foods with added sugar.
This recipe is especially for kids with diabetes, but would be a nutritious part of almost anyone's diet.
Kids with diabetes don't have to follow a special diabetes diet, but they may need to pay more attention to when they eat and how much is on their plates.
Ever had fresh pear and cheese together? Try it in this grilled cheese recipe.
Dining out should be fun for you and your child with diabetes. The key is to find out the nutritional value of food options and keep portions healthy.
This recipe is especially for kids with diabetes, but it can be a nutritious part of almost anyone's diet.
Get a blast of flavor from these peanut butter, banana, and chocolate chip cookies.
These recipes were created for kids with diabetes, but can be enjoyed by anyone looking for nutritious meals and snacks.
Enjoy this high-fiber snack with a spicy twist.
Looking for a snack? Try this strawberry dip with crackers.
Try this fresh and bubbly English muffin pizza.
Try this zesty main course of turkey and veggies.
This frittata is great for kids with diabetes, but can be a nutritious part of almost anyone's diet.
A balanced diet and an active lifestyle are important for kids with diabetes because weight can influence diabetes, and diabetes can influence weight.
What is diabetes and how does it affect the body? Watch this video to find out!
If your child has diabetes, you may spend a lot of time thinking about the physical effects. But it's also important to understand the emotional issues surrounding a diabetes diagnosis.
If you haven’t used a babysitter since your child was diagnosed with diabetes, you might have some questions about what to do. Here’s how to be prepared.
Caring for a child with diabetes includes knowing when to get medical help. Learn more about when to call the doctor.
Learn all you can about diabetes so you'll be better prepared to talk about it with your child.
Kids with type 1 diabetes can play sports and exercise at the same level as other kids.
Diabetes doesn't have to get in the way of exercise and sports competition. Like anyone else, kids with diabetes are healthier if they get plenty of exercise.
When blood glucose levels (also called blood sugar levels) are too high, it's called hyperglycemia. A major goal in controlling diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to the healthy range as possible.
When blood glucose levels drop too low, it's called hypoglycemia. Very low blood sugar levels can cause severe symptoms that require immediate treatment.
Parents need to take a few extra steps to keep blood sugar levels under control when kids who have diabetes are sick.
When kids with diabetes attend school, parents should discuss the condition with teachers, school staff, and coaches. Here are some tips on what to cover.
For kids diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it's important to create a diabetes management plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.
When you have a child with diabetes, you and your family have a lot to learn, but you don't have to go it alone. Your child's diabetes health care team can help.
What is diabetes and how does it affect the body? Watch this video to find out!
