Publication Guides

Your child and diabetes: What you need to know

If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be feeling overwhelmed and worried. We aim to provide you with information to help you and your child manage their diabetes.

Select this option to receive a guide that is intended to help you prepare for your child’s diabetes care by giving you information on:

• testing your child’s blood glucose level
• the different types of insulin
• how to manage insulin injections
• tips on how to encourage your child to eat healthy foods
• getting them interested in physical activity.

Many parents may feel worried about their child with diabetes going to school. Therefore, we aim to reassure you by also giving you advice on how to help your child receive good support at school.

Type 1 diabetes – What you need to know

Type 1 diabetes develops when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As a result the body is unable to produce insulin and this leads to increased blood glucose levels, which in turn can cause serious damage to all organ systems in the body.

We have produced a guide that answers your questions to Type 1 diabetes, whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with the condition for years. We have information on treatment and your health, including the different types of insulin available. You'll also find advice on eating well with Type 1 diabetes and tips on keeping active.

You may also be interested in finding out about structured education courses to help you manage your diabetes, and what care to expect from the NHS. We also cover all the practicalities of living with diabetes, such as physical activity, work and travelling, helping you live your life to the full.

Type 2 diabetes – What you need to know

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level, or when the body is unable to effectively use the insulin that is being produced.

In this publication you will find information and support to help you manage Type 2 diabetes.

Tips on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, by eating well, keeping active, maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring your health are included. Sometimes diet and exercise is not enough to control Type 2 diabetes and you may need diabetes medication.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed, we have answers to questions you may have. Alternatively you may have had Type 2 diabetes for some time and will want to learn about the complications associated with this condition. We also cover all the practicalities of living with diabetes, such as physical activity, work and travelling, helping you live your life to the full.

Eating well with Type 1 diabetes

This guide explains the steps to eating well with Type 1 diabetes, including information on carbohydrate counting and tips on getting a balanced diet.

Eating well with Type 2 diabetes

This guide explains what you need to know about healthy eating with Type 2 diabetes, with details on reading food labels and tips for getting a balanced diet.