Page 48 - Grasp English C1 (Workbook)

5 WELL-BEING

C. Read the text and circle the correct answers.

Diabetes is a serious condition where there is excess glucose in the blood. We get glucose when our bodies
break down carbohydrates in our food. The glucose is then released into our blood and gives us energy.
Another important substance is the hormone insulin. Insulin is made in our 1 cells / pancreas, and allows
the glucose in our blood to enter our 2 pancreas / cells and fuel our bodies. In a healthy person, the
pancreas senses when there is glucose in our bloodstream and releases just enough insulin for the glucose
to get into our cells. In a person with diabetes, this system doesn't work.

The fault is different according to the type of diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the sufferer cannot make any
insulin at all. In type 2, either the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin, or the insulin can't work
effectively. Both types of diabetes result in a build-up of glucose in the blood, which affects the body's normal
functions. Common symptoms are needing to go to the toilet frequently, especially at night, thirst, tiredness,
weight loss, 3 sedentary / blurred vision and slow healing of cuts and wounds. Tiredness and slow healing
occur because the glucose is unable to be converted to energy. Frequent 4 urination / amputation occurs
as the body tries to flush away the excess glucose, thus leading to thirst and weight loss.

Over time, diabetes can lead to more serious complications. It leads to both chronic problems (long-term
issues that develop gradually) and acute problems (those that happen suddenly). Chronic complications
can lead to 5 blindness / cells, heart attacks, strokes, gum disease, kidney problems, and problems in the feet
which can lead to 6 anxiety / amputation. Acute complications include hyperglycemia (too much glucose
in the blood) and hypoglycemia, (too little glucose). A “hyper” results in frequent urination, headaches and
thirst, while a 'hypo' causes 7 anxiety / blindness, trembling, sweating, hunger and paleness. Both result from
an imbalance of medication, exercise and food.

Nothing can be done to prevent type 1 diabetes, as researchers still aren't sure what causes it. However, type
2 diabetes, which is far more common than type 1, can be delayed or prevented. The risk of developing type
2 diabetes is higher if you are over the age of forty, have a family member with diabetes, have high blood
pressure or are overweight. It's also more common in people from South Asian, Afro-Caribbean or Black
African descent. But by avoiding being 8 blurred / sedentary for long periods of time, sleeping well, avoiding
alcohol and smoking, and managing your weight, you can significantly reduce the risk of the onset of this
condition.

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