American Diabetes Association - American Diabetes Association : the Ultimate Home Reference from the Diabetes Experts

Writer, Kate Ruder; Director, Book Publishing, Robert Anthony; Managing Editor, Abe Ogden; Acquisitions Editor, Victor Van Beuren; Production Manager, Melissa Sprott; Editor, Greg Guthrie; Composition, Naylor Design, Inc.; Cover Design, Jody Billert; Illustrations, Pam Little, CMI.

2011 by the American Diabetes Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including duplication, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the American Diabetes Association.

Printed in Canada
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The suggestions and information contained in this publication are generally consistent with the Clinical Practice Recommendations and other policies of the American Diabetes Association, but they do not represent the policy or position of the Association or any of its boards or committees. Reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the American Diabetes Association cannot ensure the safety or efficacy of any product or service described in this publication. Individuals are advised to consult a physician or other appropriate health care professional before undertaking any diet or exercise program or taking any medication referred to in this publication. Professionals must use and apply their own professional judgment, experience, and training and should not rely solely on the information contained in this publication before prescribing any diet, exercise, or medication. The American Diabetes Associationits officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and membersassumes no responsibility or liability for personal or other injury, loss, or damage that may result from the suggestions or information in this publication.

The paper in this publication meets the requirements of the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1992 (permanence of paper).

ADA titles may be purchased for business or promotional use or for special sales. To purchase more than 50 copies of this book at a discount, or for custom editions of this book with your logo, contact the American Diabetes Association at the address below, at booksales@diabetes.org, or by calling 703-299-2046.

American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22311

DOI: 10.2337/9781580403306

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

American Diabetes Association complete guide to diabetes / American Diabetes Association. 5th ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-58040-330-6 (alk. paper)
1. DiabetesPopular works. I. American Diabetes Association. II. Title: Complete guide to diabetes.
RC660.4.A485 2011
616.462dc22
2010041272

eISBN: 9781580403689

Contents

Foreword

I t is with both pride and a great sense of service to the diabetes community that all of us at the American Diabetes Association provide this all-new, fully revised 5th edition of the Complete Guide to Diabetes. As recently reported, the diabetes epidemic now reaches both across the country and around the globe. Even more individuals are affected by diabetes and many more can be identified as at risk for diabetesparticularly for type 2 diabetes.

The tools available for diabetes care continue to improve, and knowing exactly what tools are available to treat your diabetes is more important than ever. In this 5th edition, we have updated the entire contents and provided even more insight into the use of the many tools available to those affected by diabetes.

This edition emphasizes the important role the diabetes patient plays in his or her own care. In this era of patient-centered care, we trust that this will help you become an ever more important resource for improving your diabetes control. The Guide offers insights and advice, reviews all of the new and old tools for management, and gives a personal perspective on how to live well with diabetes. This edition includes updated discussions of:

The many important components of managing diabetesincluding treatment goals, eating healthy, remaining active, and understanding the medications used for treating both type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Information on new and improved technology for monitoring and controlling diabetes

Helpful ways to stay on trackand track blood sugar/glucose control, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control

The role of the health care teamand living a happy, healthy life with diabetes

We are grateful for all of the effort the contributors have put into this Guide and extend our sincere thanks to the many patients and health professionals who treat, research, and teach about diabetes for their help in making this book possible. The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its complicationsand we know that you have in your hands an incredibly valuable toolbox that provides you with the information you need to work with your health care team to achieve the best care possible.

David Kendall
Chief Scientific and Medical Officer
American Diabetes Association
January 2011

Introduction

I ts a time of empowerment for people living with diabetes. Patients have never had so many tools and choices at their disposal. Every year, we see new technology for monitoring and treating diabetes. We also see more choices for people to manage diabetes on their own termswhether its an application on a mobile phone that tracks readings or a better insulin pump for swimming laps in the pool.

At the same time, scientists and health care providers are finding that tried-and-true methods in diabetes caresuch as keeping your blood glucose on target and maintaining a healthy weightwill help you live a long life.

This is all great news for people with diabetes. After all, you are the person most responsible for keeping yourself healthy day to day and into your nineties.

Whats New

This newest edition of the American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes explains the latest advancements in managing and treating diabetes. More importantly, perhaps, the book provides the kind of trusted, in-depth, and essential information that youd expect from the American Diabetes Association.

Heres whats new: Youll find a new . A more comprehensive discussion of mental health and how it affects people with diabetes is also included.

There are updates on health insurance: how to make it work for you and your diabetes and the impact of health care reform. A few changes to workplace laws and airport security are also tucked inside.

The book provides updates on the latest blood glucose technology, including features to consider when buying a new meter. New to the book also is a section on continuous blood glucose monitorshow they work and who is using them.

How to Read This Book

Of course, how you read this book depends on your goals and time. If youve just been diagnosed with diabetes, you may want to start with to get the most comprehensive picture. However, if youve been living with diabetes for a while, you may want to skip to a topic that interests you, such as medications for type 2 diabetes or carbohydrate counting.

Keep in mind that this book is meant to be a resource for educating yourself as a patient. You should always discuss any changes to your routine or medications with your health care provider. Together, you can come up with the best plan for handling your day-to-day care and emergency situations.