Diabetes explained for kids
Simple pages for curious kids, with a box for grown-ups on each page.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is when the body has trouble using glucose, the sugar that gives us energy. It's very common, it's nobody's fault, and you can't catch it from anyone.
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Type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin. Kids with type 1 get insulin from a pen or a pump, and they check their glucose every day.
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Type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but the insulin doesn't work as well as it should. It's more common in grown-ups, but some kids and teens have it too.
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What does insulin do?
Insulin is a hormone, a messenger made by the body. Its job is to help glucose move from your blood into your cells.
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Highs and lows
Kids with diabetes try to keep their glucose in a target range. Sometimes it goes too low (a hypo) or too high (a hyper). Knowing the signs helps you act fast.
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Carbs: food that turns into glucose
Carbohydrates, or carbs, are the part of food that turns into glucose. They give you energy, and kids with diabetes learn to count them.
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Diabetes tools
Kids with diabetes use some clever tools to check their glucose and get insulin. Here they are!
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Sport and diabetes
Kids with diabetes can play every sport! Moving is great for the body. It also makes glucose go down, so a little planning helps.
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School and friends
Kids with diabetes go to school, play with friends, go on trips and sleepovers. A few simple things help everyone feel safe.
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Feelings and diabetes
Having diabetes can bring lots of feelings: worried, angry, tired, sad or proud. All of them are OK.
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