ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part argues that there is an appropriate overview of the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes and its various complications in many populations of the world. It presents the review of how the high-energy nutrient, fat, which is abundant in obesity, inhibits the utilization of carbohydrates, leading to impaired blood-glucose regulation. The interaction of nutrients and the effects on blood-glucose levels is illustrated with extensive discussions on both the pathophysiology and treatment of type 2 diabetes in both children and adults. Diabetes in pregnancy presents a particular challenge to the physician. The part suggests there is a good outline of what it is going to take to avoid the looming calamity that would be the toll of diabetes and its complications in developing countries. It concludes with a Web-based education program for the management of diabetes, as illustrated with type 1 diabetes.
