Teens

About 215,000 young people under 20 years of age have diabetes. Most of them have type 1 diabetes. As obesity rates in children continue to soar, type 2 diabetes, a disease that used to be seen primarily in adults over age 45, is becoming more common in young people. Children with diabetes and their families face unique challenges when dealing with diabetes.

Learn how to lower the risk for getting type 2 diabetes and learn more about type 1 and type 2 diabetes in young people, including how to manage the disease for health and well-being.

What is Diabetes? (La 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.

Be Active (Mantente activo)

Physical activity is good for everyone. Being active is really important if you have diabetes. Check out these ideas on how to be more active.

Stay at a Healthy Weight (Mantente en un peso saludable)

Staying at a healthy weight is good for everyone. It is really important if you have diabetes. Set goals to reach and stay at a healthy weight.

Make Healthy Food Choices (Come alimentos saludables)

Learn more about food and how to make healthy food choices if you have diabetes.

Dealing with the Ups and Downs of Diabetes (La diabetes y tus sentimientos)

Feel good about yourself. Get help to deal with the ups and downs of diabetes. Seek support from other teens and take action to manage your diabetes - one step at a time.

Lower Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes (Disminuye tu riesgo de desarrollar la diabetes tipo 2)

Diabetes means that blood glucose (GLOO-kos), also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose comes from the food we eat and is needed to fuel our bodies.

Quiz for Teens with Diabetes

This interactive quiz asks teens with diabetes to think about the everyday steps that are vital to managing diabetes and how busy teens can make them part of their daily routine. The quiz is also a great learning tool for teens with friends or family members who have diabetes and is based on the Tips for Teens with Diabetes tip sheet series.

Transitions From Pediatric to Adult Health Care

Transitioning to adulthood can be stressful for teens with diabetes and their families. Teens and young adults need to assume more responsibility for diabetes self-management and make more independent judgments about their health care needs. To aid this process, NDEP has assembled materials and resources to make the transition to adult health care a smooth one.