Diana Avina is a girl bursting with energy. At 13 years old, she speaks excitedly, in a melodic Hispanic accent, of running her second marathon. She finished the 26.2-mile trek in five hours and 39 minutes, preparing all year for it with fellow students from Belvedere Middle School.

"I feel great when I run," Avina, an L.A. native said. "It makes me happy."

It's hard to tell that this boisterous seventh-grader is burdened by myriad blood sugar tests, a strict diet and other hardships foreign to her junior high counterparts. And yet, for the last five years, she has dealt courageously with Type 1 diabetes.

To run a marathon is complicated, she says. "It's hard because I have to stop and check my blood sugar and make sure I don't faint," added Avina, who had to stop at least five times during the run to check her blood sugar or have a snack.

Although she has to check her blood sugar (and prick her finger) up to 10 times per day, Avina keeps an upbeat attitude. To kids with diabetes she says, "Don't be sad or depressed. You can do the same things that other kids can. Diabetes doesn't take over you. You take over diabetes!"

Avina has found great support for her condition through the East Los Angeles Center for Diabetes at White Memorial Medical Center. There, along with many other patients and their families, she takes part in education classes, support groups and other activities designed especially for those living with diabetes. The services are vital in a country where diabetes is on the rise.

Nationally, nearly 21 million people have diabetes, which according to the American Diabetes Association, is a disease where the body does not produce or properly use insulin. (Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.) The disease comes in two primary types—Type 1, where the body does not produce insulin, and Type 2, where the body fails to use insulin properly. The majority of those diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2. Though the exact cause is still unknown, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, play a role.

WMMC diabetes educator Ruth Pupo, RD, CDE, talks about the impact diabetes can have on a child's life. "Diabetes is every day," she said. "If you're sick, a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic and after a few days, you're better. With diabetes, it doesn't just go away. You have to remember to check your blood sugar, eat right and exercise, every single day."

"It has to be accepted as a lifestyle, and it's hard. The kids get upset," she added. "In support group meetings, sometimes I have to fight back tears. [With Type I diabetes] it's almost like you're being punished for something you didn't do."

"I wish I could take the diabetes away," said Pupo. "I tell the kids to hold on; there is hope. There will be new technology and new developments, and hopefully one day, a cure."

In the mean time, WMMC, will continue to work closely with the ADA and inspirational patients such as Diana to offer support for those dealing with the disease.

To learn more about WWMC's mission of health and healing, visit www.whitememorial.com.