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• What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

  Learning what you can about type 2 diabetes will let you help your child manage and live with the disease. Here are the basics.

• What Is an Insulin Pump?

  An insulin pump is a wearable device that some people with diabetes use to get insulin, instead of getting it from an injection.

• Keeping Track of Your Child’s Blood Sugar

  To keep blood sugar levels under control, you have to check them regularly. Learn about checking and recording your child's blood sugar levels.

• Kids and Diabetes: Healthy Eating at Restaurants

  Dining out should be fun for you and your child with diabetes. The key is to find out the nutritional value of food options and keep portions healthy.

• Making Fingersticks and Insulin Shots Easier for Kids With Diabetes

  Blood tests and insulin injections can be a challenge for kids with diabetes and their parents. Here are some tips for coping with these.

• Managing Blood Sugars When Your Child Has Type 1 Diabetes

  You've probably heard your child's doctor talk a lot about diabetes control. What is it and why is it important?

• Medicines for Diabetes

  Whether your child is taking insulin or pills (or both) to control diabetes, it's important to learn how diabetes medicines work.

• Preparing Teens With Diabetes for Adult Care

  Most teens with diabetes should switch to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them get ready in the years leading up to the switch.

• Taking Insulin for Diabetes

  Some people with diabetes need to take insulin to help keep their blood sugars in a healthy range.

• Treating Type 1 Diabetes

  For kids diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it's important to create a diabetes management plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.

• Treating Type 2 Diabetes

  Kids who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes follow a diabetes care plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.

• Understanding Diabetes (Video)

  Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose (say: GLOO-kose), a sugar that is the body's main source of fuel. Your body needs glucose to keep running.

• What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

  In type 1 diabetes, the body can’t use glucose for energy, making blood sugar levels get too high. People with diabetes need insulin shots or an insulin pump.

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis

  Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when the body uses fat for energy instead of sugar. People with diabetes can get it if their blood sugar levels are too high for too long and they don’t have enough insulin in their system.

• Eating Smart When Your Child Has Diabetes

  Kids with diabetes don't have to follow a special diabetes diet, but they may need to pay more attention to when they eat and how much is on their plates.

• Failure to Thrive

  Most kids grow well but some have ”failure to thrive.” This means they don't gain weight as expected and may not grow as tall as they should.

• Gestational Diabetes

  Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy. When a woman has it, her blood sugar levels are high. That makes the unborn baby's blood sugar levels higher too.

• Glucagon and Diabetes

  Sometimes, if someone with diabetes has very low blood sugar, they need a dose of glucagon to get their blood sugar back to a healthy range.

• Growth Hormone Deficiency

  When the body doesn't make enough growth hormone to allow a child to grow at a normal pace, it's called growth hormone deficiency. Learn how doctors check for and treat this problem.

• Helping Your Child Adjust to Diabetes

  Learn all you can about diabetes so you'll be better prepared to talk about it with your child.

• Helping Your Young Athlete With Type 1 Diabetes

  Kids with type 1 diabetes can play sports and exercise at the same level as other kids.

• How Being Active Helps Kids With Type 1 Diabetes

  Diabetes doesn't have to get in the way of exercise and sports competition. Like anyone else, kids with diabetes are healthier if they get plenty of exercise.

• How to Give an Insulin Injection

  This step-by-step graphic shows how to give an insulin injection.

• Hyperglycemia and Diabetes

  When blood glucose levels (also called blood sugar levels) are too high, it's called hyperglycemia. A major goal in controlling diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to the healthy range as possible.

• Hypoglycemia and Diabetes

  When blood glucose levels drop too low, it's called hypoglycemia. Very low blood sugar levels can cause severe symptoms that require immediate treatment.

• Insulin Injections

  Before giving an insulin injection, know the basics so you can set up and do it safely and with confidence.

• Insulin Resistance

  Insulin resistance happens when the body does not respond properly to insulin. It can can raise a child's risk for type 2 diabetes and other health problems.

• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

  Intrauterine growth restriction is when a baby in the womb doesn't grow at the expected rate during the pregnancy. Women with IUGR should eat a healthy diet; get enough sleep; and avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

• Talking to Your Kids About STDs

  Your kids need to understand how STDs spread and how to protect themselves. Here's how to talk to them about sexually transmitted diseases.

• Vaginal Yeast Infections

  Vaginal yeast infections are common among growing girls, and can cause some pain and discomfort. They usually clear up quickly with proper medical treatment.

• Vaginitis in Children

  Vaginitis is redness, soreness, or swelling in and around the vagina. It's common in girls of all ages, and usually can be treated at home.

• Your Daughter’s First Gynecology Visit

  The idea of going to the gynecologist may make your daughter feel nervous. Here's how to make her feel more comfortable about a well-woman visit.

• A to Z: Failure to Thrive

  Failure to thrive refers to a child's inability to gain weight and grow as expected for kids of the same age and gender. Most diagnoses are made in the first few years of life.

• Acanthosis Nigricans

  Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition that causes the skin to thicken and darken in places. AN is not harmful or contagious, but can be a sign of certain other medical conditions.

• Adrenal Insufficiency

  Adrenal insufficiency is a condition that happens when the adrenal glands do not work as they should.

• Carbohydrates and Diabetes

  Making smart choices when it comes to carbs and following the diabetes care plan can help keep your child's blood sugars under control.

• Cushing Syndrome

  Cushing syndrome can happen when there are too many glucocorticoid hormones in the body.

• Delayed Puberty

  Puberty usually begins in girls 8-14, and in boys 9-15. If kids pass this normal age range without showing any signs of body changes, it's called delayed puberty.

• Diabetes Center

  Does your child have type 1 or type 2 diabetes? Learn how to manage the disease and keep your child healthy.

• Diabetes To-Go Kit

  A diabetes to-go kit holds the supplies your child needs for daily and emergency care. Keep it filled and ready, so you have everything you need at a moment’s notice.

• Diabetes: Getting Comfortable With a New Babysitter

  If you haven’t used a babysitter since your child was diagnosed with diabetes, you might have some questions about what to do. Here’s how to be prepared.

• Radioembolization (TARE-Y90) for Liver Tumors

  Radioembolization is a procedure used to treat some kinds of liver tumors. A radioactive material works on the tumor, not the healthy tissue around it.

• Rhabdoid Tumor of the Liver

  A rhabdoid tumor of the liver is a cancer that often spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Most of these very rare tumors happen in babies and toddlers.

• Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS)

  Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that shows up in the body's soft tissues. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, most kids make a full recovery.

• Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation

  Side effects of cancer treatment can include flu-like symptoms, hair loss, and blood clotting problems. After treatment ends, most side effects go away.

• Skull Base Surgery

  Skull base surgery is done to remove tumors and other growths that appear at the bottom of the skull.

• Testicular Cancer

  Testicular cancer is uncommon in boys. Most cases are in young and middle-aged men. It responds well to treatment, especially when it’s found early.

• Thyroid Cancer

  Thyroid cancer is uncommon in kids. Most who develop it do very well when the cancer is found and treated early.

• Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver (UESL)

  Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is a rare kind of liver cancer that happens mostly in children.

• A to Z: Yeast Infection

  See: Candidiasis.

• Miscarriages

  Miscarriages are common, and in most cases aren't preventable. But you can take steps to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

• PMS, Cramps, and Irregular Periods

  Most period problems are common and normal. But some might be a sign that there's something else going on.

• Precocious Puberty

  Precocious puberty - when signs of puberty start before age 7 or 8 in girls and age 9 for boys - can be tough for kids. But it can be treated.

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer. It's treated by a health care team of specialists in many areas.

• Hodgkin Lymphoma

  Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Most kids and teens who get Hodgkin lymphoma get better.

• Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML)

  Learn about this rare type of cancer, which usually affects kids under 4 years old.

• Leukemia

  Leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells. With the proper treatment, the outlook for kids with leukemia is quite good.

• Liver Tumors

  Tumors happen when cells form a mass or growth. Liver tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

• Lymphoma

  Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body's lymphatic tissue. It's a common type of cancer in children, but most recover from it.

• MIBG Treatment for Neuroblastoma

  MIBG is a molecule that doctors combine with low-dose radioactive iodine to look for neuroblastoma. Given with higher-dose radioactive iodine, it can treat this cancer.

• Melanoma

  Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Find out how to lower your family's risk of getting melanoma and how doctors treat it.

• Neuroblastoma

  Learn about neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer that develops in infants and young children.

• Neutropenia

  Certain cancers, or cancer treatment, can weaken the immune system, requiring a child to stay home to avoid exposure to germs. Here are ways to help your child make the best of it.

• Proton Therapy for Cancer

  Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy. It's an effective treatment for many childhood cancers.

• Radiation Therapy

  Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, irradiation, or X-ray therapy, is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment.

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer. Because it develops and gets worse quickly, prompt treatment is very important. With treatment, most kids are cured.

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) happens when the body makes too many immature white blood cells. Among kids with leukemia, 20% have this type. With treatment, most recover.

• Cancer Center

  This site has information and advice on treating and coping with cancer.

• Cancer Treatment & Fertility

  While some cancer treatments have little to no effect on reproductive health, others are more likely cause temporary or permanent infertility.

• Chemotherapy

  Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells.

• Childhood Cancer

  Different kinds of childhood cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. But today, most kids with cancer get better.

• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

  While this type of blood cancer is more common in adults, it affects children, too. Thanks to advances in therapy, most kids with CML can be cured.

• Ewing Sarcoma

  This type of cancer mainly develops in the arms, legs, ribs, spinal column, and pelvis. Early diagnosis and treatment mean most kids have a good chance of recovery.

• Germ Cell Tumors

  Germ cell tumors happen when reproductive cells in an unborn baby don't develop as they should.

• Hemolytic Anemia

  Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia that happens when red blood cells break down faster than the body can make them.

• Hepatoblastoma

  Hepatoblastoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the liver but rarely spreads beyond it. Most cases are in children younger than 3.

• Bronchitis

  Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When a person has bronchitis, it may be harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs.

• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

  Babies who are born prematurely or who experience respiratory problems shortly after birth are at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sometimes called chronic lung disease.

• Chylothorax

  A chlylothorax happens when chyle (lymphatic fluid) collects in the space around a lung.

• Coughing

  Coughs are a common symptom, but most aren't a sign of a serious condition. Learn about different coughs, how to help your child feel better, and when to call your doctor.

• Cystic Fibrosis

  Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system Kids who have it can get lung infections often and have trouble breathing.

• Cystic Fibrosis and Nutrition

  Besides extra calories, kids with cystic fibrosis have some specific nutritional needs. Find out ways to help your child with CF grow healthy and strong.

• Dietary Tips for Kids With Cystic Fibrosis

  Kids with cystic fibrosis have some special nutritional needs. Here's how parents can help them.

• Fetal Lung Mass

  A fetal lung mass is an unusual lump that grows inside or next to an unborn baby’s lung. Some are treated before birth, while others are removed after the baby is born.

• Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Newborns

  An intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding in and around the brain’s ventricles. Most babies with a mild IVH do well.

• Lungs and Respiratory System

  We need the respiratory system for breathing. Find out how it works.

• Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)

  Meconium aspiration can happen before, during, or after labor and delivery when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Although it can be serious, most cases are not.

• Plastic Bronchitis

  Plastic bronchitis happens when fluid collects in the lungs. Instead of draining out, it leaks into the airways and forms rubbery plugs called casts.

• Respiratory Distress Syndrome

  Sometimes when babies are born premature, they have trouble breathing. This can be caused by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Learn what RDS is, and how babies can be helped.

• Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)

  For some newborns, the first few breaths of life may be faster and more labored than normal because of a lung condition called transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).

• Vitamin D

  Vitamin D is needed for strong bones, but is hard to come by because it's found in few foods. Here's how to make sure kids get enough vitamin D.

• What Is Collagen?

  Collagen is a protein in the body that helps make bones strong.

• X-Ray Exam: Ankle

  An ankle X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling, or deformity of the ankle joint. It can also detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

• X-Ray Exam: Bone Age Study

  A bone age study can help evaluate how a child's skeleton is maturing, which can help doctors diagnose conditions that delay or accelerate growth.

• X-Ray Exam: Cervical Spine

  This X-ray can, among other things, help find the cause of neck, shoulder, upper back, or arm pain. It's commonly done after someone has been in an automobile or other accident.

• X-Ray Exam: Elbow

  An elbow X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or a deformity. It can also help to detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

• X-Ray Exam: Finger

  Doctors may order a finger X-ray to find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or swelling, or to detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

• X-Ray Exam: Foot

  A foot X-ray can help doctors find the cause pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformities. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

• X-Ray Exam: Forearm

  A forearm X-ray can help doctors find the causes of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, see if it has healed properly.

• X-Ray Exam: Hand

  A hand X-ray can help doctors find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, and deformity. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

• X-Ray Exam: Hip

  A hip X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as limping, pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity in the hip area. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

• X-Ray Exam: Knee

  A knee X-ray can help find the causes of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the knee, and detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

• X-Ray Exam: Leg Length

  Some kids may have significant differences in the length of their legs, a condition known as leg length discrepancy. This X-ray exam can help doctors see the exact difference in leg length so they can decide on a treatment.

• X-Ray Exam: Lower Leg (Tibia and Fibula)

  An X-ray of the tibia and fibula can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the lower leg. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, help see if it has healed well.

• X-Ray Exam: Pelvis

  A pelvis X-ray can help find the cause pain, swelling, or deformity in the pelvic, hip, or upper leg regions, and can detect broken bones.

• X-Ray Exam: Upper Arm (Humerus)

  An upper arm X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the upper arm. It can detect a broken bone, and after the bone has been set, show if it has healed well.

• X-Ray Exam: Upper Leg (Femur)

  A femur X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, limp, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the upper leg. It can detect a broken bone, and after a broken bone has been set, it can help determine whether the bone is in alignment.

• X-Ray Exam: Wrist

  A wrist X-ray is a safe and painless test that can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, or show deformities of the wrist joint. It can also detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

• X-Ray Exams

  An X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make an image of bones, organs, and other parts of the body.

• Apnea of Prematurity

  Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for more than 15 to 20 seconds during sleep. AOP usually goes away on its own as a baby matures.

• Spondylolisthesis

  Spondylolisthesis happens when a bone in the back slips forward and out of place. In kids and teens, it’s a common cause of lower back pain.

• Spondylolysis

  Spondylolysis is a very common cause of lower back pain in kids, teens, and young adults. It usually heals quickly with rest and other nonsurgical treatments.

• Strains and Sprains

  Sprains and strains are common injuries, especially for kids who play hard or are into sports.

• Stress Fractures

  A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone. They usually happen from repeating the same movement over and over.

• Symbrachydactyly

  Babies with symbrachydactyly are born with short often webbed fingers. Some might be missing fingers.

• Syndactyly

  Syndactyly is when a baby is born with two or more fingers or toes joined or "webbed" together.

• The Ponseti Clubfoot Brace: Tips for Parents

  Correcting your child’s clubfoot begins with a series of casts and ends with a brace. Here's how to help your child wear it successfully.

• The Ponseti Method: Bracing Phase

  The Ponseti method to treat clubfoot is done in two phases – the casting phase gradually moves the foot to the correct position, and the bracing phase makes sure it stays there. Learn about bracing.

• The Ponseti Method: Casting Phase

  The Ponseti method to treat clubfoot is done in two phases – the casting phase gradually moves the foot to the correct position, and the bracing phase makes sure it stays there. Learn about casting.

• The Ravitch Procedure

  The Ravitch procedure is a surgery to correct severe pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum.

• The WREX Orthosis (Assistive Device)

  The WREX is an assistive device that kids can wear to help them if they have weak arms.

• Thumb Duplication

  Babies with thumb duplication (or thumb polydactyly) are born with an extra thumb on one or both hands. Most will have surgery to fix the problem.

• Thumb Hypoplasia

  Babies with thumb hypoplasia are born with a thumb that is smaller than normal, or with the thumb missing completely.

• Toe Walking

  Toe walking is when kids walk on the balls of their feet, with their heels off the ground. Most children stop toe walking on their own by age 2.

• Torticollis

  Torticollis is a common condition that causes a stiff neck or neck pain that makes it hard for kids to turn their heads.

• Torticollis in Infants

  Babies with this condition have trouble turning their heads, due to muscle tightness. Simple stretching exercises and physical therapy can help babies get better.

• Ulnar Dysplasia

  Babies with ulnar dysplasia (also called ulnar club hand) are born with a short or missing ulnar bone. This makes the wrist turn out.

• Radial Dysplasia

  Babies with radial dysplasia (also called radial club hand) are born with a short or missing radial bone. This makes the wrist turn in.

• Repetitive Stress Injuries in Sports

  Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) happen when movements are repeated over and over, damaging a bone, tendon, or joint.

• Rickets

  Rickets is when bones become soft and weak, usually because a child doesn't get enough vitamin D. Most kids with rickets get better with treatment.

• Rigo Cheneau Brace

  A Rigo Cheneau brace is a type of spine brace for scoliosis. Used with physical therapy, it can improve a child’s posture.

• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

  Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder bones.

• Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

  Scheuermann's kyphosis is a condition affecting the upper back that makes it rounded so it looks hunched over.

• Scoliosis

  Scoliosis makes a person’s spine curve from side to side. Large curves can cause health problems like pain or breathing trouble. Health care providers treat scoliosis with back braces or surgery when needed.

• Scoliosis: Bracing

  Some kids with scoliosis wear a brace to help stop their curve from getting worse as they grow. Find out more about the different types of scoliosis braces.

• Sever’s Disease

  Sever's disease, a common heel injury in kids, is due to inflammation (swelling) of the growth plate in the heel. While painful, it's only temporary and has no long-term effects.

• Shin Splints

  Shin splints are pain on the inner part of the shinbone, often from running or another high-impact activity. They get better with rest.

• Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

  Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a shift at the upper part of the thighbone, or femur, that results in a weakened hip joint. Fortunately, when caught early, most cases of SCFE can be treated successfully.

• Spina Bifida Occulta

  In spina bifida occulta, a baby is born with a gap in the spine's bones, but the spinal cord and its covering do not push through it.

• Spinal Fusion Surgery

  A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that's done to stabilize or straighten the bones in the back. It can help kids and teens with scoliosis.

• Splints

  A splint is a support device that keeps an injured area from moving. Doctors often use splints to hold bones and joints in place so they can heal after a fracture.

• Myelomeningocele

  Myelomeningocele is a type of spina bifida in which a baby is born with a gap in the bones of the spine.

• Nursemaid’s Elbow

  Young kids are at risk for a common injury known as nursemaid's elbow, which is easy for a doctor to fix. To help prevent it, never swing or lift a child by the lower arm, hands, or wrists.

• Osgood-Schlatter Disease

  Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents. It's really not a disease, but an overuse injury.

• Osteochondritis Dissecans

  Osteochondritis dissecans is when a piece of bone and the attached cartilage break down and become loose. If it heals completely, kids who have it usually don't have any long-lasting problems.

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)

  Osteogenesis imperfecta (or brittle bone disease) prevents the body from building strong bones. People with OI have bones that might break easily.

• Osteomyelitis

  Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can happen when germs enter an open wound. The easiest way to prevent it is to keep skin clean.

• Osteosarcoma

  Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It happens most often in the arms and legs but can happen in other bones too.

• Out-Toeing

  Out-toeing is when feet point outward while walking. It happens to a lot of kids when they are learning to walk.

• Panner’s Disease

  Panner's disease is a painful bone condition linked to overuse of the elbow. Kids with Panner's disease need to avoid all activities that cause pain so the bone can heal.