Diabetes Sourcebook, ed 3.

Diabetes Sourcebook, ed 3

Matthews DD, ed. Detroit, MI 48226, Omnigraphics, 2003, hardcover, 609 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7808-0629-8, $78.

The Diabetes Sourcebook is a compilation of resources on diabetes targeted to a general audience. This volume is part of an extensive series published by Omnigraphics devoted to various health-related topics. It is laid out in 8 topical parts, each containing up to 12 chapters. Individual chapters are often brief, some only 2 or 3 pages in length. Chapters consist of reprinted pamphlets, Web pages, journal articles, and documents from government and other diabetes-focused organizations. Many chapters are reprints of publicly available publications from the National Institutes of Health. A footnote on the first page of each chapter lists the source of the chapter. A helpful glossary, of diabetes-related terms is provided, as is a listing of diabetes-related organizations with contact information.

Coverage of topics related to diabetes is quite broad. Information on types of diabetes, diagnosis, lifestyle (including nutrition and physical activity) and medication management, complications of diabetes by organ systems, and updates on diabetes epidemiology and research is presented. Several worthwhile chapters on diabetes and race and ethnicity also are included. Because the book is intended to be a resource for the general public, some readers, including health care professionals, may be frustrated by the lack of depth in the information provided. Furthermore, the writing style is inconsistent because of the variety of the sources used for each chapter. Several chapters are written for health care professionals and consumers with higher reading levels, and these chapters might be difficult for readers who are not able to understand certain terms and concepts.

Readers with access to the Internet may use the Web citations provided to obtain more information an the topics covered. Generally, the Web citations are accurate and bring the reader to the correct location, although a few documents could be located only after some additional navigation. Only 5 of the 67 total chapters adequately referenced the scientific literature, but this may reflect the book's primary purpose as a resource for the general public. Because of this, health care professionals will find this book to be of limited use as a source of information for evidence-based practice.

On the whole, the information presented is up-lo-date, incorporating recently revised guidelines for diagnosis of diabetes based on fasting plasma glucose and monitoring of hemoglobin A1c. The book occasionally does not use person-first language,--several chapters refer to "diabetics" rather than "people with diabetes" and another chapter refers to "amputees." Fortunately, these are exceptions rather than The rule.

Physical therapists will note significant weaknesses in the chapter "Exercise and Diabetes," which is, oddly, a reprint of a publication from the National Kidney Foundation entitled "Staying Fit With Kidney Disease." Because this chapter is geared toward people with kidney disease, contraindications or precautions regarding physical activity and blood glucose measurements are not mentioned, and there is no information pertaining to exercise and insulin administration. This is vital knowledge for people with diabetes wishing to begin or maintain a physical activity program. Moreover, the chapter does not reflect current guidelines for physical activity that emphasize accumulation of moderate activities on most days during the week. Instead, the emphasis is on vigorous exercise accomplished in 30-minute sessions, 3 times per week, with no mention of activities of daily living. Further information on exercise and diabetes, including blood glucose monitoring guidelines, is available in other chapters, but readers are obliged to search for it elsewhere in the book. Another chapter on dining out also is written for people with kidney disease, again failing to address its intended audience.

Physical therapists who are unfamiliar with diabetes may find some useful, basic information in this book; however, clinicians looking for more in-depth, evidence-based coverage will be disappointed. This is the sort of book that belongs in public libraries or clinic waiting rooms, where it may be used by people with diabetes and their families who want to learn more about this increasingly prevalent disease. Clinicians are advised, however, to supplement exercise-related information obtained in this book with additional advice on physical activity and diabetes.

Gary Brooks, PT, DrPH, CCS 

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Syracuse, NY

Dr Brooks is Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Education Program and is an epidemiologist who studies physical activity and functional outcomes in chronic diseases.