What is Diabetes? (page 2)

What is diabetes?

Diabetes means that your blood glucose (GLOO-kos), also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is needed to fuel our bodies. Glucose is also stored in our liver and muscles. Your blood always has some glucose in it because your body needs glucose for energy. But having too much glucose in your blood is not healthy.

An organ called the pancreas (PAN-kree-as) makes insulin (IN-suh-lin). Insulin helps glucose get from your blood into your cells. Cells take the glucose and turn it into energy.

If you have diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin or your cells cannot use insulin very well. Glucose builds up in your blood and cannot get into your cells. If your blood glucose stays too high, it can damage many parts of the body such as the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Are there different types of diabetes?

Yes. There are three main types of diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are destroyed. If you have type 1 diabetes, you need to get insulin from shots or a pump everyday. Most teens can learn to adjust the amount of insulin they take according to their physical activity and eating patterns. This makes it easier to manage your diabetes when you have a busy schedule. Type 1 used to be called “insulin dependent” or “juvenile” diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes some insulin but cells cannot use it very well. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may need to take insulin or pills to help your body’s supply of insulin work better. Type 2 used to be called “adult onset diabetes.” Now more teens are getting type 2, especially if they are overweight.

Gestational (jes-TAY-shon-al) diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs when women are pregnant. Having it raises their risk for getting diabetes, mostly type 2, for the rest of their lives. It also raises their child’s risk for being overweight and for getting type 2 diabetes.

Why do I need to take care of my diabetes?

If you take care of your diabetes you can lower your risk for other health problems. High blood glucose can harm blood vessels and cause heart attacks or strokes. It can also damage organs in the body and cause blindness, kidney failure, loss of toes or feet, gum problems, or loss of teeth.

The good news is that when you take care of your diabetes, you can reduce or avoid these problems.

Do not let diabetes stop you! You can do all the things your friends do and live a long and healthy life.

Learn more! Check out…

National Diabetes Education Program to get free copies of other tip sheets for teens

• Be Active
• Stay at a Healthy Weight
• Make Healthy Food Choices
• Dealing With the Ups and Downs of Diabetes
• Lower Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

www.YourDiabetesInfo.org • 1-888-693-NDEP

American Association of Diabetes Educators to find a diabetes educator near you
www.diabeteseducator.org
1-800-338-DMED (1-800-338-3633)

American Diabetes Association for help to manage diabetes
www.diabetes.org/planetD
1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)

American Dietetic Association to find a dietitian near you
www.eatright.org • 1-800-366-1655

Bam! Body and Mind website for help to stay healthy
www.bam.gov

Children With Diabetes website for more about kids and families with diabetes
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International for help to manage diabetes
www.jdrf.org • 1-800-223-1138

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse for more about diabetes
www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov • 1-800-860-8747

WIN – Weight-control Information Network for weight control help:

• Take Charge of Your Health! A Teenager’s Guide to Better Health

www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/take_charge.htm
1-877-946-4627