Essentials of Clinical Endocrinology

Abstract

The preface meets in advance any criticism of incompleteness: this book is intended for physicians untutored in endocrine matters. Nevertheless, it must be expected that this smaller volume will be compared with other larger but similarly priced textbooks of endocrinology. The discussions are clearly written, and opinions not universally held are generally labeled as such, with reference to dissenting viewpoints. Gordon Bendersky's chapter on the management of diabetes is particularly good, especially in light of the current concern about the oral hypoglycemic agents. Appropriate diet as primary therapy, before recourse to the oral agents, is clearly recommended and the mechanics of diabetic diet prescription simply outlined. Whether one approves of as a beverage for diabetics or not, the fact remains that most adults drink at least occasionally; it is realistic of Dr. Bendersky to admit that alcohol consumed in occasional small quantities is harmless. Although the title specifies a