American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes

July 1, 2011

The American Diabetes Association intends this volume to be the authoritative resource for learning about the latest advances in diabetes research and treatment. This fifth edition has more chapters than the previous edition. They are grouped into eight sections and are shorter and more focused on specific aspects of diabetes. New chapters cover women's and men's health and the effects of the disease on mental health. There are updates on health insurance and new blood glucose technology. In addition to the basic chapters on type 1 and type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, a new section, "Life with Diabetes," contains chapters on family life; children with diabetes; and dealing with diabetes at work, at school, or when traveling. Chapters contain definition boxes for technical terms, along with more facts and diabetes-related tips. A "Resources" section features sample forms and organizational information. VERDICT Despite the comprehensive list of organizations in the "Resources" section, additional resources--such as books or magazines for those seeking further information on topics such as diabetes-friendly recipes or exercise--are not listed. Still, this well-organized and straightforward book will again serve as the go-to resource for anyone who needs information about diabetes. Recommended for public libraries and health sciences collections.--Rebecca Raszewski, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 1996
This well-designed, very clearly written compendium encourages diabetics "to mesh the day-to-day management of diabetes" into the routine of their lives. Chapters move from "What Is Diabetes?" (with discussion of causes and effects of Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes) to a glossary, an appendix on self-monitoring and injection techniques and a list of resources and organizations. The intervening chapters cover the means by which the goal of personal, daily diabetes management can most effectively be reached. One's personal physician, dentist, podiatrist, pharmacist and dermatologist are portrayed as members of a health-care team captained by the patient. Insulin types and use, glucose control, medications, test strips and blood-glucose meters (where to buy and how to use) are thoroughly examined. Intensive diabetes management (tight glucose control) rates its own chapter; "Diabetes and Sex" covers common problems encountered by both genders. Fitness and nutrition for the diabetic are considered, as are such complications as infections, retinopathy and neuropathy. A model of clarity in prose and design, this overview effectively helps its readers pursue the goal of "living well with diabetes."