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Diabetes Center

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas loses its ability to make insulin. Without insulin, cells can't get the energy they need.

What is it?

Treatment
Type 2 Diabetes

A person with type 2 diabetes still makes insulin, but their body doesn't respond to it normally.

What is it?

Treatment
The Basics

Here's a quick overview about diabetes.

Diabetes control

Endocrine system

Your Feelings When You Have Diabetes

Just like anyone with a health condition, it's natural to have lots of different emotions when living with diabetes.

Feelings
Everyday Stuff, Like School and Exercise

How do you handle going to school with diabetes? And, how important is exercise? Read on to get some great ideas.

School & diabetes

Sports, exercise & diabetes
Getting Blood and Urine Tests

People with diabetes get blood and urine tests regularly. Check out these short videos to see how the tests are done.

Blood test video

Urine test video

Staying Healthy When You Have Diabetes

There are so many good things you can do to stay healthy.

Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

When you know your blood sugar levels, you can help take charge of your health.

High blood sugar

Low blood sugar
Do You Take Insulin or Other Medicines?

Learn about insulin and other medicines that people with diabetes often take. Find out why people need them and how to take them safely.

Medicines for diabetes
Eat Smart With Diabetes

Find out how to plan meals, cook healthy recipes, and eat out wisely. You'll gain the knowledge and power to make healthy choices.

Planning your meals

Eating out

Carbohydrates and diabetes

Understanding Diabetes
Find out what diabetes is, how it's treated, and what to expect.

Take an Active Role in Your Health Care

Diabetes Care Q&A

A treatment is something that health care experts do to control a patient's health problem, lessen its symptoms, or clear it up. For example, insulin for type 1 diabetes is a treatment that helps people live normal lives. A cure is when a treatment makes a health problem go away and it's not expected to come back.
The best thing you can do is be yourself and enjoy a normal friendship. Since diabetes is a part of who your friend is, you'll probably find you both talk about it at times. You'll want to be there to offer support when your friend needs you, and there are some helpful things you can do to look out for your friend. But it's just as important to share other experiences together.

A TeensHealth Education Partner Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.

Diabetes Center

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

The Basics

Your Feelings When You Have Diabetes

Everyday Stuff, Like School and Exercise

Getting Blood and Urine Tests

Staying Healthy When You Have Diabetes

Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

Do You Take Insulin or Other Medicines?

Eat Smart With Diabetes

Understanding Diabetes

Take an Active Role in Your Health Care

Diabetes Care Q&A