Rebecca Has Diabetes

During the summer of 2000 I was in Kelowna at a family reunion. We were relaxing by the beach when suddenly I had to go to the bathroom. Five minutes later I had to go again. I thought it was all the water I was drinking, so I cut back. Still, the frequent trips to the bathroom continued. When I had two "accidents," I realized that something was wrong. I mean, at age 14 these things don't happen. We called the doctor's office and they said it was probably just a urinary tract infection. I was given some antibiotics. Unfortunately, the medication had no effect. We cut our holiday short and returned home to Vancouver.

In Vancouver, we headed to my doctor's office. They took a urine sample, and for once I had no trouble giving one. When they tested it, they found traces of sugar in it. The physician then told me he wanted to check my blood sugar. My grandmother had diabetes, so I knew that meant a needle. The machine read "470." My doctor stepped out of the room and, when he returned, he told me I had to go to the hospital. They were waiting for me there. They pulled my mom aside. I realized that things were not going well.

At the hospital, I was told that I was one of about two and a half million Canadians who have diabetes. I was also told how to manage it. I had to learn what to eat and how to give myself shots. I even had to improve my math skills in order to count carbohydrates.

Understanding Diabetes Choose the best answer. 1. What was the story mainly about? Trips to Kelowna Rebecca's grandmother Rebecca discovers that she has diabetes 2. How old was Rebecca? Fifteen Fourteen Sixteen 3. Did the antibiotics solve the problem? No Yes 4. A physician is a _______________ ? Police Officer Doctor A rabbit 5. The doctor (physician) had to check the blood ________? soup cake sugar 6. How many Canadians have diabetes? five hundred twenty thousand about two and a half million 7. What is a shot? with a needle, an injection of medicine a car Press when complete. Your score: