Handbook of Diabetes Management, edited by Donna Zazworsky, Jane Nelson Bolin, and Vickie B. Gaubeca. New York, Springer, 2006. 403 pages, hardcover, $99.00

Managing diabetic populations is a strategic goal of many hospital and healthcare institutions. Because diabetes touches so many disciplines, nurse administrators would benefit from a good reference text on their office bookshelf. Zazworsky's book can easily meet that need.

The book has 3 editors and 44 contributors, with expertise in key areas such as law, clinical, nutrition, culture, technology, economics, and public relations. The book is divided into 5 sections: Diabetes disease management and diabetic population management; Evidence-based care in diabetes; Special care issues, for example, prediabetes and chronic kidney disease; Business issues, including legal and regulatory; and finally, case studies for lessons learned and tips to be shared willingly. In all there are 26 chapters. If you are planning to set up a program in chronic disease management, then Chapter 2 will be of most interest to you: "The Chronic Care Model [horizontal ellipsis] Blueprint for Improving Total Diabetes" Care (p. 19).

This book is a comprehensive resource for clinicians, leaders, and for those nurses among both groups who may have diabetes, whatever kind. Think, as you read this book review, how many patients, peers, and friends you know have diabetes. How many of them have asked your opinion on the latest improvements for glucometers or innovations in insulin delivery systems? Can you look at the food options in your own hospital cafeteria and identify good and balanced choices for a diabetic person? Are you in charge of the diabetic management program at your institution or in your community? Are you using evidence-based practice? Do you have performance measures in place to assure you are doing well? Have you customized your program to meet cultural diversity in your community? Does your community include Latinos, Native Americans, rural areas, or the uninsured? The answers to these questions and many more are only a handbook away if this book is on your shelf.

With 16 million Americans suffering from some type of diabetes, healthcare providers are seeking solutions to prevention and treatment using the most current, evidence-based practices available. This can only be done by sharing our knowledge and experience. This multidisciplinary group of contributors does just that. The Foreword is a "sharing" by a prominent Arizona Nurse Leader and former Miss Arizona of her own experience. And sharing continues right to the last page.