The Johns Hopkins Guide to Diabetes: For Today and Tomorrow

Combining the perspectives of the authors--a physician, a mental health counselor and a nurse educator--and drawing largely on their experiences at Johns Hopkins Diabetes Center's self-management program, this comprehensive six-part guidebook aims to help diabetetics take control of their condition. Aided by tables, diagrams and lots of patient anecdotes, the authors identify major types of diabetes, how they are diagnosed and the various treatment options, including diet therapy, insulin and oral medications. Practical advice on all aspects of care ranges from procedures for monitoring one's blood glucose, eating wisely and exercising safely to handling the stress of a job interview and working with an HMO. One chapter aimed at diabetics' families gives dos and don'ts for dealing with common real-life situations. Both short- and long-term complications, e.g., of the eyes, skin, feet and kidneys, are clearly explained, and special coverage is given to the effects of diabetes on sexuality and the problems of gestational diabetes. The final chapter describes current promising research and offers pointers on keeping abreast of new developments. (July)