Type 2 Diabetes: Principles and Practice PDF

Preface

The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus have increased dramatically in modernized and developing nations over the past few decades—and this "epidemic" shows no signs of abating. Physicians and other healthcare professionals worldwide are well aware of this growing burden. The pathogenesis and management of the hyperglycemia of diabetes and its associated risk factors and morbidities, especially involving cardiovascular and microvascular complications, must be fully understood by all of the many providers that care for patients with diabetes worldwide.

Patients are always asking, "Isn't there anything new to help manage my diabetes?" This reflects the relative inadequacies of many of our attempts at lifestyle change, as well as some of the shortcomings of currently available medications for the long-term management of this disorder. Certainly, changes in lifestyle can be effective, but they are extremely difficult to implement over an extended period of time. Diabetes patient management is often implemented later in the course of the disease, since the disease can be asymptomatic and therefore can go unrecognized for many years. Recent studies have shown clearly that the onset of diabetes can be prevented or delayed and more aggressive, earlier treatment may also help to alter its course and, possibly, its chronic complications. Large clinical trials will help to answer these questions in the future.

In this second edition, we have thoroughly updated all existing chapters and developed new ones vital to the management of diabetes, while maintaining the international perspective and focus on clinical care found in the first edition. The entire clinical field is covered in succinct chapters written by recognized experts. The content spans from a current perspective on diabetes demographics and epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease monitoring, approaches to glucose control, and managing complications. New to this edition are chapters that expand on nonpharmacological management options; diabetes-related macrovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease; and discussions on rare forms of diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. As before, this edition closes with a look at the future of new devices for glucose monitoring and diabetes management.

We hope this book will be used frequently and successfully in the management of this complex and widely prevalent disorder.