Diabetes is a condition where the body can't make insulin (Type 1) or where the insulin doesn't work like it should (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone, made in the pancreas, that helps the body use the glucose in food.
Without enough insulin, glucose stays in the blood and can't get into cells for energy. This high blood sugar makes people feel tired. They also urinate a lot, because the body tries to get rid of extra sugar through the kidneys. Then, they have to drink a lot to make up for going to the bathroom a lot.
There is no cure for diabetes. Kids watch what they eat, exercise regularly, and check their blood sugar often. Some have to take insulin shots; others take pills to help insulin work.
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- The Diabetes Quiz Facts about the disease are presented as a series of multiple choice questions which can be answered against the clock. A separate database contains the correct answers.
- Children with Diabetes Meet other kids and teens, read about parents' feelings, and tips about tests and shots. Includes mailing list for kids and mailing list for teens.
- Kids R Pumping Learn about the insulin pump, and some kids and teens who use it.
- Kids' Health: Diabetes Learn what it is, different types, problems that it causes, and how to help a friend.
- D-Zone For teens to learn about Type 1, managing at school and talking to friends. Sections on risky behavior, dealing with parents and what to do on the job.
- Kidszone Learn about Type 1, how to manage at school and what to tell friends. Color pictures, learn about foods and solve puzzles.
- Grandma Sandy Books Illustrated stories about type 1 diabetes and insulin pumps. [Free Adobe Acrobat download required.] (In Hebrew, French, Spanish, Swedish, Italian and Afrikaans.)
- Overcoming Juvenile Diabetes With A Little Planning And High-Tech Tools Information for teens includes controlling diabetes, the importance of insulin, and progress toward a cure.
- Enchanted Kingdom Jared tells his diabetes story. Provides recipes and tips for food choices and eating away from home for diabetic children.
- The Juvenile Diabetes Forum Interactive medical question and answer format about all aspects of juvenile (type 1) diabetes.
- KidsHealth: Recipes for Kids With Diabetes Recipes that won't upset blood sugar levels, like a club wrap, chocolate chip cookies, and a pizza snack.