Book Review: Diabetes Mellitus: A Practical Handbook

Now in its sixth edition, Diabetes Mellitus: A Practical Handbook by Sue K. Milchovich, RN, BSN, CDE, and Barbara Dunn-Long, RD, is a terrific source of information for anyone with diabetes.

The information is laid out in clear text and easy-to-read charts and lists. The language is casual but straight-forward and is punctuated with illustrations, giving the book an upbeat, non-threatening feeling.

According to Helen O’Donnell of Bull Publishing, “Diabetes Mellitus is written in an easy to understand, friendly manner to help those with diabetes better understand and manage their disease. It teaches readers how to balance their diet, medications, and exercise in order to obtain optimal health.”

Some topics covered are nutrition and obesity, target blood sugar range, home blood sugar testing, ketones, and eating out in restaurants. Food exchanges are explained in detail, as are insulin dosages and preparation. There is a great section devoted to injection techniques.

The dietary chapters of the book are interesting for people who have diabetes and for those who don’t. The authors explain how to read food labels, what terms like “reduced fat” and “artificially sweetened” really mean, and how to make fast food a healthy option. The authors give examples of 1,200-2,000 calorie meals, and there is clear information about saturated fat, fiber, and alcoholic beverages.

In the back of the book is a list of diabetes resources, publications, and organizations and a discussion of current research in the diabetes field.

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