[Skip to Content]

Diabetes (Topic Center)

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes happens when the body can't use glucose normally. Glucose is a type of sugar that comes from the food we eat. It's the main source of energy for all the body's cells. Diabetes treatments help glucose get into the body's cells so a person can feel better again.

  • 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.

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.