The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7290 p331
13 March 2004

Contains practical information and useful checklists for pharmacists

‘Diabetes in focus’, 2nd edition, by Anjana Patel. Pp xviii+168. Price £29.95. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2003. ISBN 0 85369 505 9

The introduction sets the scene well. The chapter on prevention and management of diabetic complications is comprehensive, is pitched at the right level, and describes microvascular and macrovascular complications and their significance in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Practical information is given to pharmacists wishing to update themselves on the giving of advice on lifestyle, and also on blood and urine self-testing. The chapter on antidiabetic medicines discusses these in terms of glycaemic control, insulin resistance, effect on lipids and problems in the elderly. The evidence for treatments is examined.

The chapter on insulin gives just enough detail about insulin receptors and glucose uptake, without getting too bogged down; it has a useful section on factors affecting subcutaneous insulin absorption, and gives a clear guide on initiation and maintenance of insulin.

I particularly like the checklists in chapter 16 “for minimising the risks of the disease” and “of the treatment”, and the way one is cross-referred to other linked areas in the book.

The information is in tune with current advice given by other diabetes professionals, with Diabetes UK, the diabetes national service framework, World Health Organization criteria for diagnosis and classification of diabetes, and relevant National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance.

Irene Gummerson

Mrs Gummerson is a community pharmacist and a primary care trust executive committee member. She is also a member of national and local diabetes committees