Understanding Diabetes

metabolic syndrome is a diagnosis made when you have 3 or more risk factors from a set of 5. But you can take action to control these factors.

There are two simple blood tests used to diagnose prediabetes. Learn what they are, and how they measure your blood glucose.

Learn how setting small goals toward making healthier food choices and becoming physically fit can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Making healthy food choices is very important when you have prediabetes. Watch this video to understand which kinds of fats, carbohydrates and meats to select when you need to improve your blood glucose levels.

Controlling the amount of food we eat is important to our overall health. Learn tips and strategies for managing portion sizes when cooking for yourself and when dining out.

Being physically active is important to your overall health, especially if you have prediabetes. See how regular exercise helps you manage your weight, and helps to reduce your chances for developing type 2 diabetes.

Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as being physically active and eating healthy are the best ways to manage your prediabetes. Learn when medication may be needed, and the importance of taking it as prescribed.

Changing your eating and lifestyle behaviors is challenging and often frustrating. Watch this video to learn how supportive friends, family members and healthcare team members can help make these changes easier for you.

You've been told that your child has prediabetes. This means that your child's blood sugar (glucose) is too high. Your child is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. You can take action now to lower your child's blood glucose level and help prevent diabetes in your child.

Learn the definition of hypoglycemia, and how your body reacts to it.

Learn the definition of hyperglycemia, and the signs and symptoms of it.

Watch this clip to learn about Hemoglobin A1c.

Watch this clip to learn about neuropathy and how it can affect your body.

Watch this to learn what retinopathy is.

Watch this to learn about a possible complication of diabetes called nephropathy.

Watch this to learn about diabetes burnout.

Watch this to learn how changes in your hormone levels can affect your blood sugar level.

Watch this to learn some key areas of your management plan to help you manage your diabetes.

Watch this to learn if you are at risk for diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition in which your body has trouble using a sugar called glucose for energy. Read on for questions to help you understand the signs of diabetes, and if you should see your healthcare provider.

Type A insulin resistance syndrome is a rare disease that causes your body to not process blood sugar well. This happens because insulin can't be used normally by your body's cells.

To get energy, the body breaks down food into fuel. When you have diabetes, your body has trouble using this fuel for energy.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition. Managing your diabetes means making some changes that may be hard. And it means taking good care of yourself.

Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by taking insulin, eating a healthy diet, and being active. These help your child's body keep healthy blood sugar levels. Read on to learn more.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. But diabetes can be managed so your child can live a full, healthy life. Read on to learn more.

You've been told that your child has type 2 diabetes. This means their body has trouble using a sugar called glucose for energy. Diabetes is a lifelong condition. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. But diabetes can be managed so your child can live a full, healthy life.

Diabetes care in young children is not always easy. It might seem like there is a lot for you to remember. But you don't have to do it alone! You'll work with your child's healthcare provider, nurse, a diabetes educator, and others to develop a diabetes management plan.

Diabetes care in young children is not always easy. It might seem like there is a lot for you to remember. But you don't have to do it alone! You'll work with your child's healthcare provider, nurse, a diabetes educator or others to make a diabetes management plan.

Diabetes care in children is not always easy. It might seem like there is a lot for you to remember. But you don't have to do it alone! You'll work with your child's healthcare provider, nurse, diabetes educator, and others to develop a diabetes management plan. Use the tips on this sheet to help you adjust to managing your child's diabetes. You should have a diabetes management plan that tells you what to do overall for your child's diabetes.

Diabetes care in preteens and teens is not always easy. It might seem like there is a lot for you to remember. But you don't have to do it alone! You'll work with your child's healthcare provider, nurse, diabetes educator, and others to develop a diabetes management plan. You should have a diabetes management plan that instructs you on the overall treatment plan for your child's diabetes.

Your healthcare provider says that you have diabetes. This is why you may have been feeling sick. But you can learn how to live with diabetes and feel better. Having diabetes isn't your fault! It does mean making some changes in your life. You might feel like there's a lot to learn. But diabetes doesn't have to stop you from doing the things you like to do.

Your healthcare provider says that you have diabetes. It's a serious health problem that can make you feel sick if not treated. But you can learn how to live with diabetes and stay healthy. Make some changes in your life so diabetes doesn't stop you from doing the things you like to do. This sheet tells you some of the basics of coping with diabetes. You can talk to your healthcare team and go on the Internet to learn more.

Diabetes is a long-term health problem that means your body does not make enough insulin. Or it may mean that your body cannot use the insulin it makes.

If you have been high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), it may be because of an infection or other illness, eating too many sweets or starches, or not taking enough insulin. This sheet can help you care for yourself at home.

If you have high blood sugar, it's possible you may have diabetes or another underlying problem. Tests will be done to find the cause of your diabetes.

When you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin. Or it can't use the insulin that it makes. Read on to learn more about this condition.

When your body can't make enough insulin or can't use insulin, it is called type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps the cells in the body absorb glucose, or sugar, for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood resulting in high blood sugar.

Taking control of your diabetes will help you head off the complications that can come with it. You can reduce your risk of heart attacks, stroke, damage to your kidneys and nerves, and loss of vision by keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure in check. A diabetes educator can help you find the best ways to eat healthy, be active, monitor your blood sugar, take medication, solve problems and cope in a healthy way.

Having diabetes does not mean you have to give up your favorite foods or stop eating in restaurants. In fact, there is nothing you can't eat. But you need to know that the foods you eat affect your blood sugar or blood glucose. By eating regular meals, thinking about the amount and types of food you eat, you can better control your diabetes and prevent other health problems.

Being active is an important part of being healthy, and not just by helping you lose weight. Activity gets your heart rate up, burns calories and strengthens your muscles and bones. That, in turn, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, improves blood pressure and can improve your mood by lowering stress and anxiety.

Like many people with diabetes, you may need to take medication to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) level steady. Diabetes increases your risk for other health conditions, such as heart or kidney related problems, so you may need to take medicine to help with those, too.

When you have diabetes, your body doesn't properly manage blood sugar (glucose), its main source of fuel. To keep your blood sugar level on target and avoid problems with your eyes, kidneys, heart and feet, you may need to take medication. But you also need to monitor your blood sugar to see if it's too high or too low, so that you can get it back on track and prevent long-term health problems.

Life is filled with stress from traffic jams to more serious issues such as divorce or money problems. Add in the challenges of managing diabetes, and stress sometimes can feel overwhelming. It's important to find healthy ways to cope because having a lot of stress can increase your blood sugar levels. There are many healthy ways to cope with stress so you don't turn to harmful habits such as smoking, overeating, drinking alcohol or being less active.

When you have type 1 diabetes, your body can't process blood sugar. Too much sugar in your blood can cause serious health problems. Watch and learn more about type 1 diabetes and how to stay healthy.

Making sure your blood sugar is under control is key to managing your type 1 diabetes. It will also help you stay healthy. This video explains how to test your blood sugar and give yourself insulin. It also tells you what problems to watch for.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the immune system. But your child can learn things to do to manage diabetes and live a normal life.

Here's how to mix 2 types of insulin in the same shot. One type is usually a shorter-acting insulin, which looks clear. The other is an intermediate-acting insulin, which looks cloudy.

Giving yourself an insulin shot takes some practice. But you can do it. Here's how.

The first step in handling hypoglycemia is knowing the warning signs. They can be different for everyone. So take note of your own symptoms.

If you have diabetes, wearing a medical identification (ID) bracelet or necklace at all times is a good idea.

When your body is working normally, the food you eat is digested and used as fuel. This fuel supplies energy to the body's cells. When you have diabetes, the fuel can't enter the cells. Learn more with this helpful article and diagrams.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) condition that keeps your body from turning food into energy. That's why you feel tired and run down. Controlling your diabetes means making some changes that may be hard at first. Controlling the level of sugar in your bloodstream is the key to managing your diabetes.

Do you find it hard to keep track of your supplies? Make it easy by creating a diabetes tool kit. The list of supplies below can help you get started.

Having diabetes may mean adjustments at work and in your social life. But these changes need not keep you from succeeding at work and enjoying your leisure time.

Taking care of yourself means creating a routine for things like meals, exercising, and taking medicine. But sometimes this routine is disrupted when you travel. Your healthcare team can help you work out a travel plan. Read on for some helpful tips to get you started.

Find out how to make the most of your diabetes care visits to help you learn more about your diabetes self-management.

Learn how small, positive changes in your lifestyle can lead to a lifetime of better blood glucose control.

Watch this to learn small steps to keep your blood sugar in check.

Understand how regular A1C blood tests can help you know whether or not your diabetes management plan is working.

These no-sweat tips can help you prevent diabetes-related problems caused by summer temperatures.

The answer can vary depending on what type of diabetes you have, and how long you've had it.

Read on to learn about treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

When you have diabetes, you'll also have a team to help you manage your condition. You may see several healthcare providers every year who help keep you healthy.