The NDSS is administered by Diabetes Australia

Welcome to the

Kids corner

Filled with fun facts and interesting information about diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is when your body no longer makes a special thing called insulin. Insulin is like a key that helps your body use glucose for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood. This is why you now have to take insulin.

What you will need to know...

Insulin: Your superhero

Insulin is like a superhero for your body. It helps move glucose from your blood into your cells. This gives your body the energy it needs to do all sorts of things!

Celebrating your diabetes superpowers

Insulin is like a superhero for your body. It helps move glucose from the food you have eaten from your blood into your cells. This gives your body the energy it needs to do all sorts of things!

Needles: tips and tricks

We know finger pricks and needles can hurt, but they are really important. You need needles to give insulin and finger pricks to check your blood glucose levels. This can be a little scary, but there are ways to make it easier. You can count to three, take deep breaths, wiggle your toes, or think of a happy place.

Insulin injections or insulin pump

Your body needs insulin to use glucose for energy. Because your body cannot make its own insulin, you get it from an injection or a pump.

Superhero foods

Did you know fruit, milk, yogurt, bread and cereal are superheroes too? They give you energy to do the fun things you enjoy.

Feeling mad or sad

It is okay to feel mad or sad sometimes about having diabetes. Everyone has tough days. Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. They can give you a big hug or help you feel better. 

Having fun

Staying active helps you to stay healthy. It helps your body use insulin better too. There are some so many fun ways to stay active, from football, dancing, to swimming and playing tag!

Did you know?

Friends and diabetes

Friends can be a big help when it comes to looking after your diabetes. They can help you remember to check your blood glucose level and even learn about diabetes with you! It is okay to talk about your diabetes with your friends. They might have questions, and that is okay. It can help them understand and support you better.

Animals with diabetes

Did you know animals can have diabetes too, like dogs, cats, and even birds. Scientists are working hard to help us understand and find better ways to look after diabetes for people and pets.

Doctors and scientists

Meet the heroes without capes. Doctors and scientists work hard everyday to help kids like you stay healthy. They are trying to find better ways to look after diabetes and some day find a cure.

Express yourself

Drawing, writing, or playing music can be a fun way to express your feelings about diabetes. Draw a picture, make a comic strip, write a story, or sing a song about your diabetes adventures! 

It is your story to tell about what diabetes feels like to you.

Amazing people with diabetes

There are many famous athletes, musicians, and leaders who also have diabetes. They show us that diabetes does not have to stop you from reaching your dreams!

Big things to remember

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The magic of sleep: resting your superhero body

Just like superheroes need rest after saving the world, your body needs sleep to recharge and grow. Sleep makes it better to deal with challenges and tough days. Make sure you get plenty of sleep!

The importance of check-ups

Regular visits to your doctor and diabetes educator are like meeting your superhero team. They can check on how your body is doing, adjust your insulin, and give you high fives for your hard work.

Low blood glucose levels and how to handle them

Sometimes, your blood glucose level can drop too low. This is called hypoglycaemia, or hypo for short. You need to eat or drink fast-acting carbohydrates (or carbs for short) straight away to treat a hypo. This will help your blood glucose levels.

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High blood glucose levels and how to handle them 

If your blood glucose level gets too high, this is called hyperglycaemia, and you will need to take action! Drink extra water. Talk to your parents to check if you need extra insulin to help bring your blood glucose levels down or if it is best to call your doctor for advice.

Diabetes at school

School can be a big adventure! Let your teacher and friends know about your diabetes so they can support you. Remember, asking for help is okay, and diabetes will not stop you from achieving your best.

Parties and special occasions

Yes, you can still have fun at parties and special occasions! Just remember to check your blood glucose level and check with your parents about insulin. It is all about balance.

Positive mindset

Having diabetes can be tough, but remember, you are tougher! Practice thinking positive thoughts and give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work.

Appreciating the good things

Even on hard days, try to think of one good thing that happened. Did you laugh with a friend? Did your pet do something funny? It is a great way to keep a positive attitude.

Who can help?

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. There are many other kids with diabetes and lots of adults who want to help. Reach out to them and share your story.

Food quiz for young people

This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, or further questions, you should contact your health professional.

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How many food groups are in the Australian Dietary Guidelines?

a. 3
b. 5
c. 6
d. 4

ndss-cheese
Answer

b. 5 food groups

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Which food is a vegetable?

a. Carrots
b. Cheese
c. Chicken
d. Bread

ndss-brocolli
Answer

a. Carrots

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How much of your plate should be filled with vegetables to create a balanced meal?

a. One-quarter (1/4)
b. One-half (1/2)
c. Three-quarters (3/4)
d. The whole plate

ndss-fish
Answer

b. One-half (1/2)

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What is the key nutrient that affects blood glucose levels?

a. Protein
b. Carbohydrates (carbs)
c. Fat
d. Vitamins

ndss-kidzone-padlock
Answer

b. Carbohydrates (carbs)

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How many servings of fruit should kids your age eat every day?

a. 1-2
b. 3
c. 5-7
d. 0

ndss-apple
Answer

a. 1-2

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What kind of grains are best for us?

a. Refined grains
b. Whole grains
c. Sugary grains
d. Instant grains

ndss-kidzone-wheat
Answer

b. Whole grains

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Which food is a healthy source of protein?

a. Fish
b. Chocolate
c. Ice cream
d. Soft drinks

ndss-blue-fish
Answer

a. Fish

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You should not eat too many foods that have...

a. Protein and vitamins
b. Sugar, salt, and saturated fat
c. Fibre 
d. Calcium

ndss-kidzone-exclaim
Answer

b. Sugar, salt, and saturated fat

ndss-kidzone-wheat
Which of the following is not the best snack option?

a. A piece of whole-grain toast with avocado
b. Apple slices with peanut butter
c. A packet of lollies
d. Carrot sticks with hummus

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Answer

c. A packet of lollies

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Which type of fats are better for us in small amounts?

a. Saturated fats
b. Unsaturated fats
c. Trans fats
d. Hydrogenated fats

ndss-fats
Answer

b. Unsaturated fats

ndss-donut
Which food group should we have the least of?

a. Grains
b. Fruits
c. Vegetables
d. Treats

ndss-donut
Answer

d. Treats

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If you are thirsty, what is the best drink to have?

a. Soda
b. Fruit juice
c. Water
d. Energy drink

ndss-water
Answer

c. Water

GROW, GO, GLOW and SLOW foods

Learning about 5 food groups for younger ages

GO foods give you the energy to run, play, think at school, and be alert and happy.

GO foods are grain foods such as rice and oats. They are also made from grains such as pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals. GO foods affect your blood glucose levels in different ways. GO foods are carbohydrates, or carbs for short. Making sure you have a healthy amount of GO foods at each meal is important. They stop blood glucose levels from getting too low and giving you a hypo. They give you energy and help your brain to think clearly. 

GROW foods are needed to help you grow.

GROW foods are foods from animals such as lean meat, eggs, milk, cheese, and yogurt. They also include foods such as baked beans, chickpeas, nuts and tofu.

GLOW foods also give you energy and help stop you getting sick.

GLOW foods are fruits and vegetables.  They are also carbs. They are the most colourful foods, and they keep you glowing on the inside and out!  

SLOW foods are high in sugar, salt, and fat.

Try and eat less of these foods and opt for foods from the grow, go or glow section. Some of these foods are useful to treat hypos when needed.