This accessibly written book provides a broad introduction to diabetes—its signs, symptoms, and effects on the body; how it can be managed and prevented; and the issues and controversies that surround this all-too-common condition.

Today, nearly one in 10 Americans has diabetes, and complications from diabetes are now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Rates of type 2 diabetes are on the rise, despite the fact that it's considered a highly preventable condition.

What You Need to Know about Diabetes is a part of Greenwood's Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, distilling and consolidating vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of "top 10" essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers' most pressing concerns. The text follows a standardized, easy-to-navigate structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering basics such as causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and management options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critically important, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book and are accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations.