Diseases have a history, and understanding that history helps us understand how best to treat and control disease today. Today's students are confronted with a panoply of often-frightening illnesses and afflictions - the Biographies of Disease series provides students with the information that they need to understand the origin of various maladies, how they impact contemporary society, and how doctors and researchers from around the world are fighting to devise treatments to alleviate or cure these diseases. This volume, Diabetes, covers a disease that has been a common affliction from the beginning of recorded history, but has been increasing in its impact because of changes in diet and exercise, especially among the young. Diabetes examines all aspects of this disease, including: The diagnosis and treatment of diabetes from the ancient period to the present day. The definition of the various types of diabetes, and the rule of glucose and insulin. Diagnosis and treatment, with an emphasis on prevention for those at risk. The cultural impact of the disease - on individuals, on families, and on the economy. The state of current research on new forms of insulin, blood glucose meters, transplants, and weight control. The volume includes a glossary of important terms and a bibliography of accessible works that discuss the disease.