Diabetes

Diabetes

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Brief general information about diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy needed for daily life. It is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin or when there is resistance to the effects of insulin.
General detailed information about diabetes.
Depression, anxiety and eating disorders are some of the conditions that can affect a child or young person with diabetes.
Healthy meal planning is an important component in the management of diabetes. Healthy eating for people with diabetes is the same as healthy eating for everyone. There is no need for the child or young person to eat special foods.
Children with diabetes attend school and participate in all normal educational and social activities. A diabetes health care provider will generally work with the child living with diabetes, their family and teachers. This ensures that teachers at early learning centres and schools know about the safe management of diabetes and can involve the child fully in school-based activities without discrimination.
As a child or young person with diabetes grows and develops, what they know about diabetes and how they manage it, will also grow and develop. This change is gradual. Knowing what to do and how to do it does not always mean it is put in to practice! People with diabetes (of all ages) need support and encouragement.