Latina University

Sede Santiago

Name: Saida Ballestero ID: 9-753-2096

Diabetes

Nowadays more people suffer from diabetes. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism,

which is the process that converts the food we eat into energy. Insulin is the most important
factor in this process. During digestion, food is broken down to create glucose and the major
source of fuel for the body. This glucose passes into the blood, where insulin allows it to
enter the cells. Recall that insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, a large gland
located behind the stomach.
There are two main types of diabetes. Type I, insulin-dependent, is sometimes called
juvenile diabetes because it usually begins during childhood, although it can also occur in
adults. Because the body does not produce insulin, people with type I diabetes must inject
insulin in order to live.
In type II, which occurs in adults, the body does produce insulin, but does not produce
enough, or cannot take advantage of the insulin it produces. Insulin cannot escort glucose
into the cells. Type II tends to occur mainly in people in their forties and older. As we can
see this occurs either because the pancreas does not produce insulin or the body cell does
not respond to the insulin it produces.

Thanks to a number of technological advances in recent years, it has become easier to

improve blood sugar control. Many people with diabetes have been able to improve their
control through intensive insulin therapy, multiple daily injections, or insulin pumps.
Despite all the advances in diabetes treatment, patient education about their own disease
remains the fundamental tool for diabetes management. People with diabetes, unlike those
with many other medical problems, cannot simply take a few pills or insulin in the morning
and forget about their condition for the rest of the day. Any difference in diet, exercise,
stress level, or other factors can affect blood sugar levels, so the better patients know the
effects of these factors, the better control they can gain over their condition.

Personally, I keep myself well informed about this medical condition, as it can also be
hereditary. Several years ago, an uncle was diagnosed. For me, he is a living example to
follow in this condition. He started with insulin injections every time he had to eat and
additional pills. Thanks to him sticking to a good diet, and starting a daily exercise routine,
his condition has improved incredibly. He now only takes one pill before eating and does
not have to inject insulin. This is a serious condition that I understand that we must share
the information we know more and more because it is with knowledge that we can prevent
or control these conditions.