Informing and educating persons with Diabetes Mellitus, their relatives and other members of the Community provides valuable ammunition for the fight against diabetes. It can minimize the complications in those already affected and can help prevent or at least delay the onset in susceptible individuals. Much of the available literature on diabetes is confusing to may patients, so it is critical that the material presented is readily understandable. This booklet, written in layman's terms and designed for the general public, gives basic information and can be used in varied settings to promote dialogue and stimulate interest. If it serves the purpose for which it is intended, it should end up in patient's homes, in Health Offices and doctor's waiting-rooms all over the Caribbean, passing from "hand to hand" as it plays its part in reducing the scourge of Diabetes in the Region (Preface)