Dr Lim Heok Seng studied medicine in the University of Singapore, the predecessor of the National University of Singapore. He received further clinical attachment in endocrinology and diabetes at the St. Thomas’ Hospital and the Diabetes Clinic in King’s College Hospital in London. He received his certification in Endocrinology from the Academy of Medicine, Singapore in 1986. He was the Vice President of the Diabetic Society of Singapore from 1994 to 1996 and the editor of the Society’s previous newsletter, DM Life, for five years. He was a member in SingHealth’s Diabetes Health Management Advisory Board from 2002-2003. His more recent appointments were as Director of the Diabetes Centre, Singapore General Hospital from 1995-2001, and Director of the Diabetes Centre, Changi General Hospital from 2002-2008 during which period he also served in CGH’s Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee as its Vice Chairman. Since 1998 he has been a member of the Specialist Training Committee (Endocrinology) which overseas the curriculum of specialist endocrinology training and the selection and examination of trainees in endocrinology. He is currently also a committee member of the Chapter of Endocrinology of the College of Physicians of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. His practice of and interest in diabetes and diabetes education spans more than 15 years during which period he counts, as some of his more enriching personal experiences, conducting and participating in diabetes education workshops and guiding and challenging people with diabetes towards optimum care. Jonathan Seah graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2002 with an Honours degree in Pharmacy and is currently the Drug Information Pharmacist at Changi General Hospital. He provides regular updates to other healthcare professionals on advances in diabetic medication therapy. He sits on the hospital’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee that is involved in deciding the list of medicines available in the hospital and for ensuring safe and effective use of medications. He is also on the hospital’s Patient Safety Committee and is involved in several projects to enhance medication safety and improve patient education. Magdalin Cheong graduated as a dietitian in UK. She is a registered dietitian with the British Dietetic Association and an accredited dietitian with the Singapore Nutritionist and Dietetic Association. She has many years of dietetic experience in general medicine and surgery, and clinical experience both in the UK and Singapore. Her experience in endocrinology has enabled her to work closely with diabetics. In line with continuous nutrition education, she has provided numerous public talks and commentaries on diet-related topics in various newspapers and health magazines Tan Li Jen is a Senior Clinical Psychologist at Changi General Hospital. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Queensland, Australia and has been a practising psychologist for more than 10 years. She developed intervention programmes to help children and adolescents deal with depression, anxiety and trauma. An accredited practitioner of the 'Triple P: Positive Parenting Program', she was the Singapore Triple P coordinator from 2001-2004.

The Diabetes Companion is a simple reference guide for the self-management of diabetes. It aims to help diabetics take control of their condition and maintain a fulfilling life despite the odds. With up-to-date information on treatment guidelines and targets, diabetes medications, and also real-life stories to illustrate points made in the various chapters, The Diabetes Companion is indispensable for the diabetic and their caregivers.

In anticipation of a wide and varied readership, the author has avoided using technical jargon where possible, and included a Glossary of Diabetes Jargon to help explain terms that are unavoidable or will add the understanding of the subject.