Authors: Ashok K Das, Sanjay Kalra
Edition: 1stEdition
Year of Publication: 2017
Publisher: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers
Price: Not mentioned
ISBN: 978-9352700868
Pages: 350
Pediatric diabetes is a challenging disorder to manage and often the onus of the treatment
falls on the shoulders of those who may not have specialized training in this speciality.
Despite the availability of detailed textbooks on this topic, the need for a concise
yet comprehensive source of information which can be readily referred to by a health-care
provider continues to exist. The CDiC Textbook of Pediatric Diabetes aims to address
this very need. The textbook is a result of collaboration between the sponsors of
the Changing Diabetes in Children program (CDiC) and the eminent endocrinologists/diabetologists
of the country. The CDiC program has been launched by Novo Nordisk A/S in collaboration
with International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes.
The textbook is divided into eight sections with a total of 31 chapters. Each section
has been edited by a separate section editors, all of whom have tremendous clinical
and research experience in the respective areas. The division of the book into eight
sections not only enhances the readability but also enables for quick referencing
by a busy practitioner. Despite these sections, the textbook manages to maintain a
consistent flow; no difference in the style of writing is apparent when the reader
switches from one section to the next. Individual chapters are also written concisely
thereby delivering the crux of the information without burdening the reader with complex
details. Appropriate illustrations have been used wherever possible to break the monotony
of the text.
The emphasis on clinical aspects of pediatric diabetes is apparent throughout; however,
the etiological and genetic components have been highlighted adequately. Although
the target population for CDiC is type 1 diabetes, the textbook delivers adequate
information on management of pediatric type 2 diabetes as well. Of particular note
is the emphasis on psychosocial and psychiatric aspects of pediatric diabetes; the
textbook devoted two chapters on these topics. This aspect of pediatric diabetes is
of prime importance but often ends up neglected in clinical practice. Psychiatric
disorders and psychosocial problems can significantly increase the morbidity and mortality
from type 1 diabetes. The information on these topics will be valuable to anyone involved
in the care of patients with diabetes. Another point to highlight is the handling
of the more complicated topics such as pancreas and islet cell transplantation, continuous
glucose monitoring, and insulin pump and genetics of type 1 diabetes mellitus; these
chapters have been written in a simplified and lucid manner so as to provide an overview
of the topic thereby setting up a base for further reading by an interested reader.
A few chapters of special practical importance include surgery in a child with diabetes
and common pitfalls in diagnosis and management. The chapter on insulin therapy explains
the insulin technique in the vivid detail – this area is often the Achilles heel of
insulin therapy; however, the illustrations provided in the chapter leave little room
for error for an attentive reader.
Overall, this textbook is a useful tool for both the busy practitioner as well as
the postgraduate student. The information will be instrumental in improving the level
of care of patients with pediatric diabetes. However, ensuring the availability of
this textbook to all those will be essential in this endeavor.
This concise, well-written book should find a place on the bookshelf of all those
involved in the care of pediatric diabetes. Even in this era of online information,
this textbook will retain its importance for both students as well as experts.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
