Common Questions and Resources

There is plenty of information and support out there when you're ready for it. The power is within you to make the changes necessary to prevent or gain control of this disease. Now it is up to you.

Thousands of books, pamphlets, magazines, and websites provide information about diabetes. The list below is just a sampling, mostly including what is available free of charge through the Internet. If you don't have Internet access at home, check your local public library. Any of these organizations can also be contacted by phone or mail. The websites listed below are affiliated with the government and professional associations and are reliable. Most hospitals and medical centers also have printed and electronic information on diabetes.

Useful Websites

American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
The professional society for diabetes educators. Its website features a public section with general information on diabetes, diabetes educators, and links to companies producing diabetes products, among other helpful links.
100 W. Monroe, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60603
1-800-338-3633
American Diabetes Association
An organization that publishes books and magazines, advocates for the rights of those with diabetes, sponsors community events, and maintains a comprehensive website with diabetes information for consumers and health care professionals. The ADA publishes three medical journals--Diabetes, Diabetes Care, and Diabetes Spectrum--and a consumer magazine, Diabetes Forecast, which features an annual Resource Guide on new diabetes products and medications every January (www.diabetes.org/diabetes-forecast/resource-guide.jsp).
1701 North Beauregard St.
Alexandria, VA 22311
1-800-342-2383
email: askada@diabetes.org (ask diabetes-related questions or request a diabetes information packet)
American Dietetic Association
An organization that provides nutrition information; maintains a searchable database of registered dietitians; and publishes (for a fee) diabetes education materials, including meal plans using various ethnic and regional foods.
Headquarters
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
1-800-877-1600
American Heart Association
A national organization that provides information on the warning signs and prevention of heart attack and stroke; offers heart-healthy lifestyle tips and tools; and sponsors a program called the Heart of Diabetes, which provides information on how diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
National Center
7272 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-242-8721
American Obesity Association
An organization for advocacy and education on obesity. Provides information on prevention, treatment, consumer protection, and discrimination.
1250 24th St., NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20037
1-202-776-7711
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A government organization that collects statistical data and identifies trends; features general information about diabetes, prevention, and care; sponsors public-awareness campaigns; and publishes such reports as "Diabetes and Women's Health across Life Stages: A Public Health Perspective," "A National Public Health Initiative on Diabetes and Women's Health," National Diabetes Fact Sheet, and "Take Charge of Your Diabetes," a patient guide. Also available online: Wisewoman Program, which includes resources for women on heart disease and lowering risk.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
(toll-free) 1-877-CDC-DIAB (877-232-3422)
email: diabetes@cdc.gov
Diabetes Prevention Program
Clinical trial that showed lifestyle changes in diet and exercise could significantly delay or prevent diabetes. General information about this clinical trial and its results can be found here with a link to the lifestyle manuals used by participants in the program to lose weight and get active. These include handouts you can download on such topics as "Be a Fat Detective," "Take Charge of What's around You," "You Can Manage Stress," and "Ways to Stay Motivated."
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health. The NDIC develops and distributes free publications about diabetes; provides information about treatments, diabetes complications, clinical trials, paying for care, finding health professionals, and other diabetes topics; and responds to public inquiries about diabetes.
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3560
1-800-860-8747
email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Weight-Control Information Network
The NDIC also sponsors this source of "up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and related nutritional topics." Produces such booklets as "Active at Any Size" and "Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight Loss Program."
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
(toll-free) 1-877-946-4627
email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov
The National Women's Health Information Center
A service of the Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A website and tollfree phone number, which provides free, reliable health information on more than one hundred health topics of interest to women.
1-800-994-WOMAN

Disclaimer: This book and web site are meant to educate, but should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. Readers should consult their physicians for specific information concerning their individual medical conditions. The authors have done their best to ensure that the information presented here is accurate up to the time of publication. However, as research and development are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some of the data presented here.