Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use insulin normally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells of the body to be used as fuel. When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar can cause problems all over the body.
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 and Your Child: Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
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.