| Abstract: |
Diabetes mellitus can result in many complications, but many of them can be prevented. This book explains to patients how early testing, new medical treatments, and improvements in diabetes control can prevent or slow the development of complications. Each complication is discussed, including symptoms, medical treatments, and self care approaches, in nontechnical language. Twenty chapters cover acute complications (diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA, and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state or HHS), hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), foot problems, eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), heart disease, cholesterol and other blood fats, stroke, hypertension (high blood pressure), nephropathy (kidney disease), peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy (nerve disease), autonomic neuropathies, gastrointestinal complications, infection and diabetes, diabetes and skin, psychosocial complications, men's sexual health, women's sexual health, oral health, and prevention strategies. This edition includes information on the discoveries and recommendations from the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program, which linked improved diet and exercise with a slow-down in the development of diabetes and of its complications. One appendix lists medical tests, including recommended scheduling for those tests. A brief description of the activities and resources of the American Diabetes Association is included. A subject index concludes the book. |