Definitions and Key Characteristics
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the body’s cells for energy.
When there’s not enough insulin, blood sugar levels can become imbalanced.
This leads to two key terms:
Hypoglycemia = Low blood sugar
- Hypo = low
- Glycemia = blood sugar
Hyperglycemia = High blood sugar
- Hyper = high
- Glycemia = blood sugar
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes (T1D): An autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D): A condition where the body still makes insulin but doesn’t use it effectively.
Safety-Pro Tip
Most students you’ll support will have Type 1 diabetes (T1D). They rely on insulin every day and need fast, informed action to stay safe.
Two Types: Decode the Clues
Let’s explore the key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Read each clue and flip the card to find out which type it describes—and learn what makes each one unique.
Myth vs. Facts
Flip the card to bust a common myth.