It would appear from a study of the long list of vaunted drugs that many observers, when getting a case of diabetes, place it at once upon a diet devoid of sugar and starch, and any drug which their fancy induces them to try they prescribe, and often fall into the error of ascribing all the good effects to it alone.
Complications arising during the disease are to be treated upon general principles.
Coma (due to acidosis) should be promptly met by large doses of Alkalies, or the intravenous injection of Bicarbonate of Soda Solution (2 per cent.), or, better still, by large hypodermic doses of saline solution, as mentioned under Anemia and Acidosis.
In the threatening stage when the patient is still quite conscious he should drink as large a quantity of water as he possibly can swallow, r dr. of Citrate of Soda or Potash being dissolved in pint, and many cases are recorded where the stupor has disappeared under this treatment.
Carbuncle, Boils, Pruritus, Gangrene, Constipation, and other complica tions are to be treated by the remedies mentioned under their appropriate headings. Often neuritis is very severe, and it is best met by Antipyrine or Heroin.
The numerous dietaries designed by various authorities are all founded upon the principles already detailed. The physician should guard against prescribing a printed " diet roll " for his diabetic patient, as the sameness of the routine, unless greatly varied from day to day, is sure to become irksome. Better supply him with a more or less complete list of the for bidden and of the allowable articles of diet; from the latter list lie can formulate a dish according to his individual tastes under the guidance of the physician. For this purpose Pavy's list is sufficiently comprehensive.
The following articles arc allowed: PAvy's DIETARY.--Butcher's meat in every form except liver; bacon and ham; game, poultry; all kinds of fish, both fresh and cured, including the crustacea; animal soups (without thickening), including beef tea and broth.
Eggs, cheese, cream cheese, cream, and butter.
Almond, bran, or gluten substitutes for ordinary bread.
Greens, spinach, turnip-tops, watercress, mushrooms, mustard-and-cress, cucumber, lettuce, endive, radishes, and celery.
In moderate quantity, after boiling in much water, are allowed:—Turnips, French beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sea-kale, asparagus, vegetable-marrow; also pickles, olives, vinegar, and oil.
Jelly, flavoured but unsweetened; savoury jelly blancmange made with cream and not milk; custard, made without sugar.
Nuts of all kinds except chestnuts.
Tea, coffee, cocoa from nibs.
Dry sherry, claret, hock, dry Sauterne, Chablis, Burgundy.
Brandy and spirits, unsweetened; soda water, Burton bitter ale in moderate quantity.
The following are forbidden: Sugar in any form, wheaten bread and ordinary biscuits of all kinds. Rice, arrowroot, sago, tapioca, macaroni, and vermicelli.
Potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, peas, and Spanish onions.
All kinds of pastry and puddings, and fresh or preserved fruits c,f all kinds. Milk is forbidden, except in very small quantity, and also port wine.
Sweet ales, mild and old porter and stout, cider, liqueurs, and all sweet and sparkling wines.