Diabetes is a disease with a fascinating history and one that has been growing dramatically with urbanization. According to the World Health Authority, it now affects 4.6% of adults over 20, reaching 30% in the over 35s in some populations. It is one of the most serious and widespread diseases today. But the general perception of diabetes is quite different. At the beginning of the 20th century, diabetes sufferers mostly tended to be middle-aged and overweight, and could live tolerably well with the disease for a couple of decades, but when it occasionally struck younger people, it could be fatal within a few months. The development of insulin in the early 1920s dramatically changed things for these younger patients. But that story of the success of modern medicine has tended to dominate public perception, so that diabetes is regarded as a relatively minor illness. Sadly, that is far from the case, and diabetes can produce complications affecting many different organs. Robert Tattersall, a leading authority on diabetes, describes the story of the disease from the ancient writings of Galen and Avicenna to the recognition of sugar in the urine of diabetics in the 18th century, the identification of pancreatic diabetes in 1889, the discovery of insulin in the early 20th century, the ensuing optimism, and the subsequent despair as the complexity of this now chronic illness among its increasing number of young patients became apparent. Yet new drugs are being developed, as well as new approaches to management that give hope for the future. Diabetes affects many of us directly or indirectly through friends and relatives. This book gives an authoritative and engaging account of the long history and changing perceptions of a disease that now dominates the concerns of health professionals in the developed world. Diabetes: the biography is part of the Oxford series, Biographies of Diseases, edited by William and Helen Bynum. In each individual volume an expert historian or clinician tells the story of a particular disease or condition throughout history - not only in terms of growing medical understanding of its nature and cure, but also shifting social and cultural attitudes, and changes in the meaning of the name of the disease itself.

Diabetes is increasing rapidly in the modern world, with changing lifestyles, but it has a long history. Robert Tattersall describes the story of diabetes, from the ancient world, through the hopes generated by insulin, to growing concerns about its rapid rise in the young today. Diabetes is part of the series, Biographies of Diseases

Now in its fifth edition, the Textbook of Diabetes has established itself as the modern, well-illustrated, international guide to diabetes. Sensibly organized and easy to navigate, with exceptional illustrations, the Textbook hosts an unrivalled blend of clinical and scientific content. Highly-experienced editors from across the globe assemble an outstanding set of international contributors who provide insight on new developments in diabetes care and information on the latest treatment modalities used around the world. The fifth edition features an array of brand new chapters, on topics including: Ischaemic Heart Disease Glucagon in Islet Regulation Microbiome and Diabetes Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Diabetes and Cancer End of Life Care in Diabetes as well as a new section on Psychosocial aspects of diabetes. In addition, all existing chapters are fully revised with the very latest developments, including the most recent guidelines from the ADA, EASD, DUK and NICE. Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates Via the companion website, readers can access a host of additional online materials such as: 200 interactive MCQ's to allow readers to self-assess their clinical knowledge every figure from the book, available to download into presentations fully searchable chapter pdfs Once again, Textbook of Diabetes provides endocrinologists and diabetologists with a fresh, comprehensive and multi-media clinical resource to consult time and time again.

Information presented for diabetics, physicians, and medical students on lifestyle modification offers the view that such modification can reverse metabolic disorders and reduce diabetes symptoms. The material covers the diabetic disease process and the need for nutritional support, and offers a diversified therapeutic rotation diet. Attention is given to the importance of fiber in the diabetic diet, and the relationship of chromium to diabetes. The effects of various nutrients on allied diseases are addressed in detail, covering: vitamin B6 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cholesterol; vitamin E and diabetic CVD; minerals and CVD; vitamin C therapy in degenerative and infectious diseases; the potential of epicosapentaenoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and prostaglandins in the prevention and treatment of CVD. A physician's guide to bio-ecologic examination and treatment, and a discussion of the resistance of the medical community to bio-ecological therapy, are appended.

Examines the disease that is becoming America's fastest-growing epidemic, revealing the author's own bout with Type 1 diabetes, the science behind the disease, and the social and economic impact of diabetes in the United States.

The discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto in 1921-22 was one of the most dramatic events in the history of the treatment of disease. Insulin was a wonder-drug with ability to bring patients back from the very brink of death, and it was no surprise that in 1923 the Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to its discoverers, the Canadian research team of Banting, Best, Collip, and Macleod. In this engaging and award-winning account, historian Michael Bliss recounts the fascinating story behind the discovery of insulin – a story as much filled with fiery confrontation and intense competition as medical dedication and scientific genius. Originally published in 1982 and updated in 1996, The Discovery of Insulin has won the City of Toronto Book Award, the Jason Hannah Medal of the Royal Society of Canada, and the William H. Welch Medal of the American Association for the History of Medicine.