Overview
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body can't make enough insulin or can't use insulin very well.
Insulin helps your body turn sugar into energy. If you don't have enough insulin, sugar builds up in your blood and can cause other health problems. These include diseases of the heart, large blood vessels, eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
It's important to try to avoid more serious problems by keeping your blood sugar in your target range. You can do this if you eat healthy foods and get enough exercise.
At this time in your life, diabetes may seem like a lot to deal with. You may want to ignore it. You might like to go to bed late, sleep in, and eat at irregular times. Lots of people do at your age.
But now is the perfect time to learn how to manage your diabetes. You're at a good age to be more responsible for your own health. This includes paying attention to your blood sugar levels, eating healthy foods, and getting plenty of exercise.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you're having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter A664 in the search box to learn more about "Type 2 Diabetes in Teens: Care Instructions".