Just the Facts: Diabetes by Jenny Bryan
Reviewed by Sylvia Quigley, CHEC volunteer
With the increase of the onset of diabetes in more and younger people, a good, basic understanding of this disease is needed. This book is written for a teen audience. "Diabetes" refers to a group of diseases which affect how the body uses blood sugar. Diabetes is divided into Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, sometimes referred to as "insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes," is diagnosed when the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the body is unable to properly respond to the insulin that the body makes. Nine out of ten cases of diabetes is Type 2.
This increase in Type 2 diabetes is the result of eating too many fatty and sweet foods and not getting enough exercise. It is also the result of people living longer. Being diagnosed and treated for diabetes is important. Controlling diabetes is important to prevent complications. Left untreated, diabetes can affect many major organs in your body. Many different treatments are available and your health care provider will prescribe the right one for you. Research is ongoing to try to find a cure for this disease.
For better understanding, the author provides a glossary of terms; for more information, sources are provided.
Community Health Education Ctr RC660.5 .B795 2004 Non-circulating
To view this title or other health-related books visit the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). The CHEC is located on the ground floor of the VCUHS Gateway Building on the MCV campus.