More than 6% of world’s population suffer from diabetes. In Greece, the rates are slightly more elevated: about 900.000 Greeks are diabetic, and the one-third of them are unaware of their condition. To return to global scale, researches show that improper blood sugar control accounts for the 5% of deaths yearly.
Those dramatic figures point out the importance of being informed about this modern plague (it is a chronic disease that has occurred just in the recent decades) and to examine whether we – and our family members – have diabetes. Early diagnosis and proper control of blood sugar levels can actually save your life, or the lives of the people you love.
The book “Managing Diabetes” by Mayo Clinic was published in Greek by Modern Times in 2011. This is a very good book to inform you about diabetes in all aspects if you are concerned or help you face the situations as a new diabetic patient.
In the book preface we read…
If you’re reading this book, chances are you or someone close to you has diabetes or is at risk of getting the disease. You may not be sure what this means. Should you worry? Should you expect big changes in your life? Should you fear what your future holds? Diabetes is a serious — and increasingly common — illness. But no longer is it a disease shrouded in uncertainty. Today, more than ever, doctors are aware of what it takes to control diabetes to help you live a healthy and productive life.
… and later on …
Think of your health as your most valuable asset. Just as you wouldn’t take chances on your other assets — your money, property and family — why take a chance on your health? Along with the advice of your doctor, this book can help you feel assured that you’re doing the right things to manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of serious complications.
There is a considerable chance that many of what you may have heard about diabetes (or “sugar” or “sugar diabetes” as the elders used to call it) is incorrect or no longer valid…
…researchers continue to identify methods to better manage this common illness. Unlike years ago, today if you receive a diagnosis of diabetes, you have a good chance of living an active and healthy life – provide you and your doctor take the necessary steps to control your blood sugar (glucose). … diet, exercise, blood sugar levels control and medication when needed…
So what can you do? Get informed, get informed and get informed!
To summarise in “Managing Diabetes” by Mayo Clinic you will learn:
-What is diabetes
-The differences between diabetes type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy)
-Diabetes tests and diagnosis
-The risks of uncontrolled blood sugar levels
-Actions needed for proper blood sugar levels control, something very important because…
If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar (glucose) level is the single most important thing you can do to feel your best and prevent serious complications.
-How to plan a healthy diet program
-The role of physical exercise and healthy weight on controlling blood sugar levels
-The proper medication for each type of diabetes
-The diagnostic tests a diabetic must do on a regular basis
-Best practices to reduce chance of serious complications, including a satisfying sexual life
We hear a lot the word complications along with diabetes. This is the whole point. Diabetes affects many functions of the human body and the complications can even lead to the loss of life. Diabetes is a condition that must be taken VERY SERIOUSLY!
Reading this book is a good step in the ladder of educating yourself about diabetes. You must continue on researching more, learning and most of all applying this knowledge on your every day life. This book doesn’t go to deep in the issues regarding diabetes, well not as much as is needed by a diabetic patient. But “Managing Diabetes by Mayo Clinic” is a good start, really informative and extremely useful!
The synopsis at the back of the book:
Offers consumers the information and necessary steps to control blood sugar and control or prevent diabetes. Shows how to exercise safely, enjoy a healthier diet, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, protect against serious complications, select and use a glucose monitor, and remember to take important tests.
In this book, readers will learn:
- the different types of diabetes
- symptoms, risk factors, and how diabetes is diagnosed
- the best ways of monitoring your condition
- how to develop a healthy eating plan
- the latest cutting edge therapies
- what complication to watch for, and how they can be prevented