| Abstract: |
This handbook helps people with type 2 diabetes understand the role of insulin in a comprehensive program of care to manage their disease. The author first reminds readers that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, so even patients who are doing all the recommended strategies of diet, exercise, and medications may still find the need to incorporate insulin to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels. The book includes chapters that cover the basics of blood glucose physiology and the normal progression of type 2 diabetes, the psychological aspects of adding insulin into a care regimen, the myths surrounding insulin, the different types of insulin, the usual insulin regimen, using insulin to cover meals, carbohydrate counting, sliding scales and pattern management, preventing and treating hypoglycemia, sick-day guidelines, and special circumstances such as traveling, pregnancy, and religious fasting. A final section walks readers through the practical aspects of buying, storing, and injecting insulin. Throughout the book are lengthy quotes from people who have experienced the shift to insulin therapy and who share their thoughts and perspectives about the topics under consideration. The book concludes with a subject index, a description of some of the other titles available from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and a summary of the activities and contact information for various components of the ADA. |