Diabetes

The main source of energy for all cells in the body is glucose. One way the body gets glucose is from eating foods containing carbohydrates.

• The food you eat is made up of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The food goes into your stomach and is digested.
• During digestion, the body breaks down the carbohydrates into glucose. This glucose enters the bloodstream.
• The rise in blood glucose causes the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream.
• Insulin and glucose travel in the bloodstream to the cells. Insulin acts as a “key” to allow glucose into the cell. Cells use glucose for energy.

Diabetes changes how the body works:

• Without insulin or enough insulin, glucose cannot move out of the blood and into the cells.
• Glucose then builds up in the blood and the body cannot use it for energy. This results in hyperglycemia.

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Unexpected bedwetting
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Feeling tired
• Blurred vision

There are two main types of diabetes.  Children and teens can develop either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. 

• Diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar.

• There is nothing you can do to prevent type 1 diabetes.

• Weight loss, exercise and healthy eating may prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
• With proper care, someone with diabetes can be as healthy as someone without diabetes.

• Does My Child Have Diabetes?
• Diabetes and Returning to School
• Diabetes (Type 1) Basics and Nutrition    
• Low Blood Sugar