Volume 1

The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others].

Date:
1908-1909
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    complications, or to the increasing weakness, or to a peculiar brain paralysis ; in some cases after one or two years, but more often after the disease has lasted a decade or longer. As has been remarked, there are malignant types of diabetes which defy all treatment. In the majority of cases, however, the course of the disease is materially influenced by proper treatment, which generally succeeds in averting the dangers, either permanently or for a long time. Too credulous diabetics are overrun with advertisements of remedies supposed to have fabulous success. These, however, are worthless, and only serve to fill the purse of the unscrupulous manufacturer. Owing to the conspicuous adver- tising, some of these remedies have even deceived physicians. In view of this fact it must be emphasised that there is no sure remedy for diabetes, even if medicine can and must be given for single disturbances. Treatment is, above all else, dietary. A proper division of rest and work, fresh air, muscular exercise, baths and other applications of water, light, heat, and cold, which act beneficially upon the general condition, are also of im])ortance ; but the welfare of the patient depends essentially upon the character of the nourishment. The fundamental principle in this respect is to limit the amount of sugar-producing articles allowed the patient until no more sugar is excreted. If this is not feasible on account of its effect upon the general well-being of the patient and upon the digestive organs, the limitation of the sugar-producing articles should at least be carried to a certain degree. Just to what extent this may be done can be determined only after careful examination, which demonstrates that each diabetic needs a special allowance of sugar-producing foods suitable for his individual case. If this specialisation is not carried out, but a general scheme of treat- ment adhered to, the result is more harmful than beneficial. Of late, since this fact has been recognised, it has become customary to send diabetics to special institutions or to well-regulated hospitals, where exact observation may be made of the sugar excretion and of the influence exerted thereon by the nourishment, and where the patients may learn to live in accordance with the requirements of their condition. For patients whose circum- stances permit it, summer cures at certain health resorts are advisable. In Europe the well-known watering place of Carlsbad holds first rank, although of late Homburg and Neuenahr are also much frequented by diabetics. In the United States, Mt. Clemens, Virginia Hot Springs, and Alma Springs are well thought of. The institutions, however, cannot be replaced by such spas and therapeutic cures ; and if only one procedure is possible, a stay in a suitable sanatorium or hospital should be given the preference. With regard to the diet, patients should be provided with a list on which the articles of nourishment are divided into groups. The first division embraces foods which, accorded in judicious quantities, are the foundation of the diet. This group contains all kinds of meat, eggs, and cheese, most