The Johns Hopkins Guide to Diabetes

June 2, 1997
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.

Starred review from July 1, 1997
Written by a team of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine practitioners, this valuable guide presents critical information about the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of diabetes. The nature of the disease, diet and exercise, treatments, complications, sexuality, pregnancy, and research are covered, often using the stories and concerns of actual patients. The language used, while sometimes complex in concept, is clear, enlightening, and reassuring to the reader. Positive examples stress the importance of individual knowledge and flexibility in daily life. An excellent beginner's guide, more comprehensive for the motivated reader than the American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes (LJ 8/15/96), this book complements The Joslin Guide to Diabetes (LJ 7/95), providing additional information on the subjects of complications, treatments, research, and genetics. A required purchase for all health collections. [See also Laurinda Poirier and Katharine M. Coburn's Women & Diabetes, reviewed above.--Ed.]--Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans Hosp., Tampa, Fla.

July 1, 1997
A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, though not the death sentence it was 80 years ago, can still shock a patient's sense of mental as well as physical well-being. To deal with the many aspects of such a shock, a clinically oriented academic physician, a private practice physician with mental health counseling experience, and a diabetes nurse-educator pool their viewpoints to produce a broad depiction of a difficult disease. Readers learn immediately and forcefully that a person either has or does not have diabetes--there is no middle ground. The authors then describe the tests leading up to a diagnosis, differentiate the disease's various forms, and examine current treatments. Control of diabetes depends not only on many types of insulin and its introduction into the body but also on diet, exercise, self-monitoring, and the patient's psychological state. A well-rounded, accessible resource. ((Reviewed July 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)