According to the American Diabetes Association, there are about 23.6 million adults and children with diabetes in the U.S. Of this population, 5.7 million are unaware that they have the disease. Personally, I have family members and friends who are living with the disease. I know that being someone with a family history of diabetes  there are precautions and steps that I can take to stay healthy but I don’t always.

Today marks the 21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day and now is as good of a time as any to become more aware and active against this disease.  One great place to start is by exploring the American Diabetes Association website for more information.  The Library also offers many great resources about diabetes, ranging from lifestyle and medical books to cookbooks featuring diabetic-friendly cuisine. Here are a few books that I really like:

The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide For The Newly Diagnosed by Gretchen Becker: Author Becker offers an informative and encouraging discussion look at diabetes and ways in which one can cope with it. Though this book is geared toward those who have been recently diagnosed with the disease, anyone can benefit from its advice.

Just The Fact Diabetes by Jenny Bryan: This is another well-written book for kids and young adults about diabetes. It addresses many aspects of diabetes including causes, a brief history of the disease and advancements in the treatment of it.

Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America–And What We Must Do To Stop It by Francine R. Kaufman: The subtitle of this book bares the same ringing urgency as the book itself. The author is passionate about raising awareness of the problem of obesity and how it contributes to the diabetes epidemic.

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