Diabetes: Why Many Teens Are at Risk 2008
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by John G. Young
Directed by John G. Young
DVD, color, 15 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Adolescence, Health Sciences
Date Entered: 11/25/2008
Reviewed by Buzz Haughton, Shields Library, University of California at DavisThis DVD consists of interviews with adolescents and young adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There has been an explosion in the incidence of type 2 diabetes among young Americans over the past couple of decades, owing primarily to skyrocketing rates of obesity and lack of exercise.
The film explains the daily routines of both sorts of diabetics: several-times-a-day monitoring of blood sugar levels, careful attention to diet and frequent exercise to keep blood glucose levels in a normal range. Insulin is always necessary for type 1 diabetics, whereas with type 2 diabetics oral medications or dietary management may suffice.
The DVD is interesting because it includes personal insights into disease management, as well as maintaining a generally positive outlook to a lifelong condition that entails considerable risks from a host of complications and requires possibly the greatest involvement of the patient with his/her disease.