A concise, handy reference to one of America"s most challenging health issues. Diabetes is not yet fully understood. Its main forms, Type 1 and Type 2, follow different courses of progression and require different types of treatments. The occurrence of Type 2 diabetes linked to obesity and inactivity is on the rise. More than 23 million children and adults suffer from diabetes, and approximately 1.6 million new cases are diagnosed in adults each year in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. The A to Z of Diabetes is a complete guide to the different types of this disease, signs and symptoms, and management and treatment. The 246 entries explain the causes of diabetes, how the disease affects the body, and how it impacts daily life. Appendixes include directories of organizations, periodicals, research centers, and Web sites. Key topics include: * Carbohydrate and carbohydrate counting * Complications of diabetes * Diabetic eye diseases * Diabetic nephropathy * Diabetic neuropathy * Emergency issues * Gestational diabetes * Insulin and insulin pumps * Lifestyle adaptations * Medications.