Diabetes

Diabetes: From the Ebers Papyrus to Stem Cell Technology is a complete history of the disease from the first recognition of symptoms in ancient Egypt in 1536 BC to modern times when technology and surgical options became available to treat and manage the condition. This book explores major themes such as the discovery of insulin in 1921; the ultimate recognition that high blood glucose levels lead to secondary chronic and devastating complications such as blindness and serious nerve damage, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure - and many lesser known complications of the condition - including how these may be stabilised and in many cases improved. This work investigates the growth of diabetes-based knowledge, leading to the use of modern treatment options and medical breakthroughs in the search for a cure. The use of cutting-edge technology to treat and manage Type 1 diabetes is examined, both objectively and subjectively, from the author's own experience of using these therapies and devices. Transplant options are also investigated, as is the ever-increasing epidemic of Type 2 diabetes around the world. Reversal of this condition, which may go undiagnosed for up to 12 years before it is recognised, is potentially possible in as many as ninety per cent of cases with regular exercise and by adopting a diet that is not rich is refined carbohydrates. This book results from research over the past four years exploring available literature concerning diabetes in ancient times, through the middle ages, scientific period, the discovery of insulin, and developments and advances in understanding as they occurred. This title will be of interest to anyone with diabetes; carers, family and friends of those individuals; and also medical historians. Because one million people per year are currently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the USA alone and the condition is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a dangerously growing epidemic currently affecting 350 million people around the world, it has a definite international significance. Whilst there are a number of titles available that explore aspects of diabetes such as the discovery of insulin, or the pathophysiology and treatment of the condition, a complete history of diabetes from the first recognition of symptoms similar to those of Type 1 diabetes in ancient Egyptian times to present day technological developments has been overlooked. By contrast Diabetes: From the Ebers Papyrus to Stem Cell Technology explores and analyses all reported aspects of diabetes from 1536 BC to present day.