Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
This is a deceptively small book, the size of a standard paperback, but is densely packed with a surprisingly large and useful amount of information. In a twist to the usual books that are aimed principally at the person with diabetes, this is intended as a resource for GPs and other health care professionals seeking to learn the best practice in diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. As such, it contains a great deal of information that might otherwise be omitted from a more basic guide, whilst at the same time giving the patient an insight into the methods and machinations used by HCPs to determine what course of treatment is required, whether it is working, whether self-monitoring should be used, should diet and exercise be allowed etc. As a Type 1 diabetic, I found the insights into the GP perspective very enlightening, and a useful background for challenging HCP decisions that may not appear to follow the guidelines given in this book.
The book takes the format of a number of chapters (history, diagnosis, use of medications, insulin, complications etc.) which contain a number of questions itemised at the commencement of each chapter. As such, it is easy to use as a quick reference, or as an in depth explanation of the various aspects of diabetes. The information is very comprehensive and helpful illustrations and tables are included, to clarify and give substance to certain topics.
I found it to be an impressive, all-encompassing work and a useful addition to the diabetes library. The only area I did find a little confused was the various references to self monitoring (fingerprick testing). In some sections it is described as a necessary part of diabetes management for Type 1 and 2, particularly in the early period after diagnosis, but in other places the value of this seems to be given less importance, suggesting that regular HbA1c tests would suffice (Type 2), or suggesting that a person on basal bolus insulin might only need to test once a day (or ?up to 4 times a day) once a good level of general control has been achieved. Personally, as a Type 1 diabetic I test a minimum of 4 times a day, usually 6, so this does not appear to reflect the reality of insulin dependence and correct dosage calculation. Apart from this, I would recommend this highly to someone seeking an authoritative and comprehensive reference for diabetes , whether as a person with diabetes, carer, or professional.
Diabetes: Your Questions Answered (amazon link)
The book takes the format of a number of chapters (history, diagnosis, use of medications, insulin, complications etc.) which contain a number of questions itemised at the commencement of each chapter. As such, it is easy to use as a quick reference, or as an in depth explanation of the various aspects of diabetes. The information is very comprehensive and helpful illustrations and tables are included, to clarify and give substance to certain topics.
I found it to be an impressive, all-encompassing work and a useful addition to the diabetes library. The only area I did find a little confused was the various references to self monitoring (fingerprick testing). In some sections it is described as a necessary part of diabetes management for Type 1 and 2, particularly in the early period after diagnosis, but in other places the value of this seems to be given less importance, suggesting that regular HbA1c tests would suffice (Type 2), or suggesting that a person on basal bolus insulin might only need to test once a day (or ?up to 4 times a day) once a good level of general control has been achieved. Personally, as a Type 1 diabetic I test a minimum of 4 times a day, usually 6, so this does not appear to reflect the reality of insulin dependence and correct dosage calculation. Apart from this, I would recommend this highly to someone seeking an authoritative and comprehensive reference for diabetes , whether as a person with diabetes, carer, or professional.
Diabetes: Your Questions Answered (amazon link)