Last week, the American Diabetes Association released the fifth edition of their Complete Guide to Diabetes. So what, right? What’s special about this new edition? We don’t usually even bother reviewing multi-author guides published by big organizations. True that. But we thought it was time to have a look-see whether an “everything-guide” like this can really offer anything of value to a long-time PWD?
The ADA’s Guide really is like an encyclopedia of diabetes. So while veterans might think some stuff, like Diabetes 101 and Basics of Blood Glucose Monitoring, is old hat, the book also encompasses lifestyle issues, such as traveling with diabetes, sexual health, navigating diabetes and the public school system, and everything you need to know about the U.S. health care system. But at the same time, it is a cursory look at most of these topics. They are as in-depth as they can be in a few pages, but there isn’t as much depth into certain topics as one might like. If you’re really struggling with diabetes burnout, or you’re really interested in becoming pregnant, or you’re looking for some meaty info on using an insulin pump, then you’ll want to seek out more dedicated books.
Still, the new edition’s been revised to include the latest tools and technology that are currently available, as well as new chapters on women’s and men’s health, a section on continuous glucose monitors, and a discussion on mental health and diabetes. At least the ADA recognizes the role mental health plays in diabetes management. It’s not all blood sugars and insulin, People!
Since the book covers type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as various age groups, certain sections might not be applicable to you. But I always find it interesting to learn the mechanics of the other diabetes. Did you know that between type 1, type 2, LADA, and diabetes from surgeries and other chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, there are actually ten different types of diabetes? No wonder it’s so confusing… But the book pretty much keeps to the big two: type 1 and type 2, and a section on gestational diabetes.
The book is easy to read and it’s fairly easy to find stuff, with lots of subsections and bullet points. The language is casual yet matter-of-fact. It doesn’t read like your typical textbook, but it also isn’t as informal as, say… a blog. There are pop-out boxes with definitions, and a smattering of illustrations. I will say that it’s an excellent choice for a newly diagnosed diabetic who needs something thorough, but easy to understand. And it’s also great for anyone who needs a diabetes refresher. After all, we’re always learning new things about diabetes… even from the ADA. 
You can get your own copy of the Complete Guide to Diabetes for $22.95 on Amazon or at your local book retailer, or try entering our drawing…
The DMBooks Giveaway
Back in April we started a new program by which we “share the love” and give away free copies of the books we review at here at the ‘Mine.
For your chance to win a copy of the American Diabetes Association’s Complete Guide to Diabetes: Fifth Edition , it’s as easy as leaving a comment!
Here’s how it works:
1. Post your comment below and include the codeword “DMBooks” somewhere in the comment (beginning, end, in parenthesis, in bold, whatever). That will let us know that you would like to be entered in the giveaway. You can still leave a comment without entering, but if you want to be considered to win the book, please remember to include “DMBooks.”
2. This week, you have until Friday, June 10 at noon PST to enter. A valid email address is required to win.
3. The winner will be chosen using Random.org.
4. The winner will be announced on Facebook and Twitter on Monday, June 13, so make sure you’re following us! We will also feature the winner in an upcoming blog post.
The contest is open to anyone, anywhere. Good luck, Guide-Seekers!
Ooooh, yes please! This book sounds like a great resource to have on the bookshelf for when I have to teach a new friend or partner about what’s going on with me. DMBooks me up!
Just clicked on the Amazon click, and I can’t believe they aren’t doing a Kindle version! It just seems silly to me for a “complete guide” not to have an electronic edition. Because of the long lead time in publishing, any complete guide is bound to be out of date in some respects by the time it hits the shelves, but an electronic edition could be updated more frequently. People could also buy only the relevant parts with an electronic edition…like Lonely Planet does with their travel guidebooks. (DMBooks)
I am very interested in getting this book. “DMBooks”
Im not new at diabetes but I have trouble learning.. I only get what I need from the internet.
Im a Canadian in Taiwan.. need some literature to help me on my way..
Im sure that “DMBooks” can help a poor teacher like me! crossing everything I have !
Cheers!
Thanks for the “DMBooks” opportunity! I am helping a colleague recently diagnosed, and this would be a great resource to share with him. When I was first diagnosed, I actually found Diabetes for Dummies quite helpful!
YESSSSSS!!! Looks like a good one to have on hand!!
DMBooks – thanks for this review … will definitely look into getting this one at some point in the near future. I need a refresher and hopefully will find out something new!
DMBooks
This looks awesome! I def need a refreshing course. Thank you!
DMBooks – I appreciate the review. I often frown at ADA books, so I’m glad to hear that this one is a good reference. Thanks!
DmBooks i would love another book I new to the big D
Relatively newly diagnosed and would love to get this book to get me started on the long road ahead of me. Thanks for the chance DMBooks
Looks like a great updated resource. Would definately enjoy reading this.
I can always use an updated D-book! DMBooks
Sign me up for DMBooks! (Drat, I never did get through the whole Bernstein book when I got all those years ago, though… lol)
I’m curious about the 10 types of diabetes since I started a second (double) honeymoon period a year after my diagnosis with type 1. I started my first honeymoon period 2 months after diagnosis. I’m still insulin dependent and insulin sensitive. Maybe there’s some explanation in the book. DMBooks
DM Books. Sounds like a good one!
I would like a chance to win the DMBooks book..Thanks.
My daughter was just diagnosed and we are in the thick of sorting things out. This would help tremendously! DMBooks
If you don’t feel like buying it, try the library! My library has a nice collection of books like this and cookbooks (thanks mostly to me), and I bet yours does too! Gets off soapbox.
Would love to have a copy of this DMBooks! Would be perfect for my planned practice as an RD, CDE as a fellow Type 1!
Yes, please enter me in the chance to win the book. DMBooks
No matter how much I try, I always feel like the slow kid in remedial Diabetes class :O
Any advice on this pain-in-the-keester disease would be more than welcome! Yay DM Books!
DMBooks. Would love to read it!
DMBooks
I love getting my hands on new information about Diabetes.
HELP – I heard about a diabetic supply company http://www.diabeticcare.com I just wanted to know if anyone has ever used this site and what they think about it. From what I can see they look good but I want some input. Thanks
It’s always good to learn more and have another reference…. thus I would love a copy of this book! DMBooks
DM Books
As a registered nurse with type 2 diabetes I am always searching for new material on managing and preventing diabetes. I have a difficult time with contorlling my blood sugars and it’s challenging to avoid the foods that I love and don’t want to give up. I educate my patients and students about the dangers of diabetes, insulin, carb control, oral medication, exercise, etc…but am I being a hypocrite? I love to eat, love pizza, love Coke, love ice cream, Doritos, love cakes, cookies, brownies with walnuts, all the stuff that is bad for me. I can’t seem to get my arms around this disease that is encompassing my body but it’s easy for me to educate but I am capable of showing empathy and sharing my own vices of fighting diabetes.
I am a new insulin pump user and I would love to get this book. I am always looking for new info on the internet. DMBooks! Thanks for the review!!!!
But do they yet acknowledge that “It’s the carbs, stupid”?….I doubt it. So happy landings all ye who have faith in the ADA. I lost that faith years ago…..
Why bother? They don’t care about—”it’s the carbs, stupid!!!……
DMBooks – Sounds great
DMBooks
Hello, i’m a type 1 diabetic form Uruguay. This book sounds very usefull. I’m sure there aren’t much options to find it here. I’d love to have it and share it. Thanks, Luciana
DMBooks – Thank you for this give-away! Would love another resource.
Would love to win a copy!
Did you select a winner?
I am very new with Diabetic Issues and feel the DNA New Complete Guide To Diabetics is a must for me to learn what I need to do to keep healthy. I live in Mexico and so far have found nothing that can help me. I hope I will win one of your (DMA Books) to keep my diabetic issues in line. A huge Thanks in advance!