Response

Donation centers began receiving and distributing supplies. Someone has posted a sign at the donation center a few blocks from my apartment: “We need insulin, gauze, medicines”. Below another poster reads: “We need perishables, water, canned food”. Insulin is at the top of the list. Insulin requires refrigeration. Refrigeration requires electricity. Over 15% of adults live with type 2 diabetes in Mexico City. Not all of them require insulin, but many depend on it. Stress, dehydration, not being able to eat normal meals on schedule—these are day-to-day issues in the wake of the earthquake. They can also make blood sugars spike. This puts people with diabetes at particular risk.