The Canadian Type 2 Diabetes Sourcebook. 2nd ed.

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes children’s picture books and novels for
preteens. Her most recent novels are Raven’s Revenge, Tarragon Island,
and Jo’s Journey. Her latest picture book is Grandparents’ Day.

This clearly written comprehensive guide to type 2 diabetes is divided
into three parts. Part 1 focuses on what type 2 diabetes is (and is
not); who is at risk for the disease (and what risk factors the patient
can influence); assembling a health-care team; blood-sugar testing;
diabetes medications; carbohydrate counting; meal planning and low fat,
healthy eating strategies; and exercise as it pertains to diabetes
management. Part 2 provides information specific to particular at-risk
groups (Aboriginal Canadians, obese patients, pregnant women, and older
populations) and on relevant general-health issues (for example,
osteoporosis, menopause, and Alzheimer’s disease are covered in the
chapter “Aging and Type 2 Diabetes”). Part 3 looks at diabetes’s
complications and their causes (these include heart disease, stroke,
hypoglycemia, kidney disease, eye disease, neuropathy, circulatory
issues, and gum disease), and outlines strategies for prevention and
management. Appendixes featuring a quick historical overview of the
disease and its treatment as well as an extensive list of resources and
local diabetes organizations follow. A useful bibliography and a
detailed index round out the book, making it easy to find information
both within and beyond the pages of this volume.

Not necessarily intended to be read from cover to cover, critical
information is repeated or cross-referenced for easy accessibility. The
book also refers to current clinical studies and up-to-date medical
thinking on diabetes management and encourages those suffering from this
condition to become full participants in their treatment.

Even though the book includes a huge amount of information, the design
(with plenty of tables, graphs, charts, and sidebars with bullet points)
helps readers home in on the most important details. This is an
excellent resource for anyone living with type 2 diabetes.