A concise, handy reference to one of America's most challenging health issues.

Diabetes is not yet fully understood. Its main forms, Type 1 and Type 2, follow different courses of progression and require different types of treatments. The occurrence of Type 2 diabetes linked to obesity and inactivity is on the rise. More than 23 million children and adults suffer from diabetes, and approximately 1.6 million new cases are diagnosed in adults each year in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association.

The A to Z of Diabetes is a complete guide to the different types of this disease, signs and symptoms, and management and treatment. The 246 entries explain the causes of diabetes, how the disease affects the body, and how it impacts daily life. Appendixes include directories of organisations, periodicals, research centres, and Web sites.

Key topics include:


Carbohydrate and carbohydrate counting
Complications of diabetes
Diabetic eye diseases
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Emergency issues
Gestational diabetes
Insulin and insulin pumps
Lifestyle adaptations
Medications.