August 2007 Vol 7 copy.indd Essential Endocrinology and Diabetes Fifth Edition Authors: Richard IG Holt, Neil A Hanley Reviewer: *Mohammed A Al-Lamki SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL JOURNAL AUGUST 2007 VOL 7, NO. 2, P. 97-98 SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY© SUBMITTED - 11TH APRIL 2007 B A C K G R O U N D T O T H E B O O K Endocrinology and diabetes are a complex combina- tion. This book has tried to encompass the factual com- plexities of updated knowledge and clinical experience. The history of endocrine diseases, enhances our under- standing from clinical aspects through laboratory test- ing to diagnostic breakthroughs. O V E R V I E W O F C O N T E N T S The book has 272 pages with suggestions for further reading, a list of abbreviations and an index as well as some colour plates. The contents are in three sections as follows: Part 1: Principles of Endocrinology (pages 3-52) 1. The endocrine system 2. The biological principles of endocrinology 3. The molecular basis of endocrinology 4. Investigations in endocrinology, Part 2: Clinical Endocrinology (pages 53-182) 5. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland, 6. The adrenal gland 7. Reproductive endocrinology 8. The thyroid gland 9. Calcium and metabolic bone disease 10. Endocrine neoplasia Part 3: Clinical Diabetes and Obesity (pages 183-264) 11. Overview of diabetes 12. Type 1 diabetes 13. Type 2 diabetes 14. Complications of diabetes 15. Obesity R E A D E R S H I P M O S T S U I T E D F O R T H I S B O O K Students, interns and residents would benefit from reading this book, the latter during their initial intro- duction to clinical endocrinology. Others doing their fellowship in endocrinology would find it an introduc- tory factual revision to the subject. Surgeons in endo- crinology would find it useful and it would be a help- ful reference book for practicing endocrine specialist nurses. B O O K R E V I E W الطبعة اخلامسة السكر/ وداء األساسي الهورمونات علم هانلي نيل هولت، ريتشارد �تأليف: اللمكي محمد مراجعة: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. First published 1983. Fifth Edition 2007 ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-3648-8 UK Price 15.00 GBP Available from: www.blackwellpublishing.com Division of Medicine Royal Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman R I C H A R D I G H O LT A N D N E I L A H A N L E Y 168 A P P R O P R I A T E N E S S O F T H E C O N T E N T T O T A R G E T R E A D E R S H I P The contents are well placed for understanding with a pre-amble outline of facts and associated clinical as- pects. The use of objectives for each chapter and key points at the end is a perfect method to grasp knowl- edge. The reader is eager to follow the contents, which are easy to comprehend. This book is a prelude to fur- ther reading in a subject of this complexity. It is thus very appropriate for beginners, a sound solid founda- tion reading for the subject. C O M P R E H E N S I V E N E S S O F T H E C O N T E N T The content has covered most aspects within the scope of the book. The authors have managed to cover the basic facts as well as updates, especially in molecular biology, and have associated these to clinical practice. It would be more complete if it had a simplified meth- odology of growth charts and interpretations. O R G A N I S A T I O N O F T H E C O N T E N T The organization of the content is hard to fault. The facts are appropriately placed with targets, testing of knowledge by clinical cases and points of importance being emphasized at the end of each chapter. This is a very modern way of learning and knowledge stratifica- tion. G E N E R A L C O M M E N T S O N Q U A L I T Y O F C O N T E N T A N D P R O D U C T I O N Again, this is a modern way of placing factual content, clinical aspects and emphasising important points. This is the basis of this book and with boxes and illus- trations, for facts or molecular illustrations the reader is placed in an inviting aura of knowledge. The illustrations and the colour plates are well placed and of high quality. There is no doubt that the authors have been successful in reaching their targets. I congratulate them on a very useful book that is en- joyable to read. I read the history of endocrine disease with relish. Very few books in the past have attempted this kind of history. The case histories and questions and answers are simple but testing. I would recom- mend the book for my residents and fellows as initial reading material. S U G G E S T I O N S In the future editions, the authors would do well to add: 1. Growth charts and growth velocity charts with interpretations 2. Insulin infusion sliding scale: Digami and other subcutaneous sliding scales in brief 3. Guide to CSII (Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion). 4. References at the end of each chapter, for cross referencing. 5. Practical aspects of carbohydrate-counting.