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The step-by-step guide

Start at step 1. Take it one small step at a time.

You do not need a medical background. There are 19 short steps. Each one explains an idea in simple words, gives a real-life example, and then lets you go deeper if you want.

Prefer to jump around? Browse all articles or read the full 18-part report.

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  1. Chapter 1 of 5

    Meet your body’s fuel system

    Your body runs on a sugar called glucose. A tiny messenger called insulin helps keep the amount just right. Learn who does what.

    For example: Think of a car. Food is the petrol, glucose is the fuel in the tank, and insulin is the pump attendant who makes sure the fuel gets where it is needed.

    After this chapter you can:

    • Say what glucose and insulin are in one sentence each
    • Name the body parts that help: pancreas, liver and muscles
    • Explain how the body keeps sugar “just right”
    1. 1The big picture on one pageSee the whole story before the details.
    2. 2What is glucose?Follow your lunch from plate to energy.
    3. 3What does the pancreas do?Meet the small organ that makes insulin.
    4. 4What is insulin?A message with many jobs, not just a door key.
    5. 5How does the body stay balanced?Learn the feedback loop that keeps sugar steady.

  2. Chapter 2 of 5

    When the balance breaks

    Diabetes happens when insulin is missing, or when the body stops listening to it. There are two main kinds, and they are not the same.

    For example: Imagine a school bell. In Type 1 the bell is broken and cannot ring. In Type 2 the bell rings, but the students have got used to it and do not react.

    After this chapter you can:

    • Tell Type 1 and Type 2 apart
    • Understand prediabetes as a warning, not a fate
    • Know why you cannot tell the type by body size
    1. 6What is insulin resistance?When cells hear insulin but respond weakly.
    2. 7What is prediabetes?The yellow light, and the numbers behind it.
    3. 8How does Type 2 develop?A slow change that can be noticed early.
    4. 9Why does Type 1 begin?The body’s defenders make a mistake.
    5. 10The whole Type 1 journeyFrom a silent start to daily care.
    6. 11Type 1 and Type 2 side by sideOne clear table to compare them.

  3. Chapter 3 of 5

    Spot it early

    Many people feel fine at the start. Blood tests can find diabetes early, and knowing the warning signs helps you get help fast.

    For example: A smoke alarm beeps before you see flames. Blood tests work like that alarm: they can warn you before you feel anything.

    After this chapter you can:

    • Recognize common warning signs
    • Know what the main blood tests measure
    • Know which signs need help right away
    1. 12What are the warning signs?Thirst, tiredness and other clues, and their limits.
    2. 13How do doctors find diabetes?Four questions that are often mixed up.
    3. 14What is an HbA1c test?A three-month sugar diary in your blood.

  4. Chapter 4 of 5

    Stay well: prevent and treat

    Small, steady habits can lower the chance of Type 2. Treatment has many tools, and knowing the emergency signs keeps people safe.

    For example: Looking after your health is like looking after a garden: a little water, sun and care most days works better than one huge effort once a year.

    After this chapter you can:

    • Know what the big prevention study actually showed
    • See treatment as a team effort
    • Recognize emergency warning signs
    1. 15Can Type 2 be prevented?What the evidence really supports.
    2. 16How is diabetes treated?Many tools, one team, one goal.
    3. 17What are the emergencies?Sugar too low, sugar too high, and when to get help.

  5. Chapter 5 of 5

    Remission and the road ahead

    Some people with Type 2 can reach remission. Scientists are also working on new ways to help Type 1. Learn what is real and what is still a hope.

    For example: Remission is like a fire that has gone quiet. The flames are out, but you keep an eye on the embers. It is good news, but it is not the same as the fire being gone forever.

    After this chapter you can:

    • Explain remission in your own words
    • Know the main research directions
    • Keep realistic hopes about a “cure”
    1. 18What is remission?Possible, wonderful, and not the same as a cure.
    2. 19How close is a cure?A map of what is solved and what is not.