Pathologists differ as to the cause and origin of diabetes; some believe the disease may be definitely located in the nervous centers of the brain; others, equally skilled, advance the idea of defective pancreatic digestion. We all know that the disease produces a peculiar nervous condition, and that the pancreas is, after death, found altered in size and structure. No matter which of these theories is correct, all are agreed that a proper diet is the most important, and the only treatment which will bring about a cure.

In this disease the lobular or glycogenic portion of the liver is incapable of performing its natural functions; more sugar is secreted than it is capable of holding, consequently the kidneys are taxed to eliminate sugar from the blood, a work for which they are not constructed, and as a result the secretions are not normal; they are more copious than usual, and are found to contain sugar. This leads us to believe that the system is overloaded with sugar, and that all food containing sugar, and starches, which are converted into sugar by digestion, must be eliminated from the diet. This being done, the patient will however for a time excrete sugar. Bartholow recommended an exclusive skimmed milk diet, while Salisbury told of his wonderful cures on an exclusive chopped meat diet.

Green vegetables should take the place of starchy vegetables. Olive oil, cream and butter are acceptable, but all cooked fats must be avoided. Dense vegetables, as turnips, radishes, raw cucumbers, boiled cabbage, pickles, and spiced foods interfere with the digestion of other foods and must be avoided. If digestion is weak, give artificially-digested milk. Do not continue this longer than six or ten days, or a cure will be retarded. Begin feeding two quarts of milk a day, continuing this for two days, then add a pint for the next two days, and a pint each day after until four quarts a day can be easily taken.

One fact is worth noting: a potato contains less starch than the same weight of bread, but is so easily digested and transformed that it produces in the end a greater amount of sugar in the urine. For this reason potatoes are forbidden even for convalescing patients. Alcoholic and malt liquors must be avoided. Vichy water may be used now and then to allay thirst.

The following table is for seven days' feeding:

Menus First Day

7 a.m. 4 ounces milk

9 a. m. 4 ounces milk

11 a. m. 4 ounces milk

1 p. m. 4 ounces milk

3 p. m. 4 ounces milk

5 p. m. 4 ounces milk

7 p. m. 4 ounces milk

9 p. m. 4 ounces milk

Second Day Same Third Day Same

Fourth Day

7 a. m. 5 ounces milk

9 a. m. 5 ounces milk

11 a. m 6 ounces milk

1 p. m. 5 ounces milk

3 p. m. 5 ounces milk 7 p. m. 6 ounces milk 9 p. m. 4 ounces milk

Fifth Day

7 a. m. 6 ounces milk

9 a. m. 6 ounces milk

11 a. m. 6 ounces milk

I p. m. 7 ounces milk

3 p. m. 7 ounces milk

5 p. m. 7 ounces milk

7 p. m. 7 ounces milk

9 p. m. 5 ounces milk

Sixth Day Same Seventh Day Same

May Eat

Soups:

Clear meat soups

Tomato broth

Clam broth

Oyster broth

Chicken broth, with celery Fish:

Fresh white-fleshed fish, broiled, boiled or planked

Oysters in small quantities

Terrapin Meats:

Beef, mutton, poultry and game; broiled, baked or stewed

Calves' sweetbreads

Tripe

Boiled calves' heads

Milk:

Skimmed milk

Skimmed milk junket

Cheese in small quantity Vegetables:

Celery

Shaved raw cabbage

Carefully-boiled cucumbers, without sauce

Cauliflower

Broiled fresh mushrooms

Cress

Lettuce

Chicory

French artichokes, with butter sauce

Spinach

Raw tomatoes

Cymlins

Eggs:

Eggs in all ways, except fried or hard boiled Breads:

Almond wafers

Almond bread

Gluten bread, made from eighty percent, gluten flour

Gluten gems

Aleuronat gems

Aleuronat zweiback

Soy gems

Bran loaf

Bran wafers

Eighty percent, gluten biscuits Beverages:

Clear weak tea and coffee

Plain and aerated waters

Fruits:

Oranges

Lemons

Grape fruit

Strawberries

In mild cases, peaches Desserts:

Cup custard without sugar

Almonds

Brazilian nuts Fats:

A little olive oil with lemon juice on lettuce

Cocoanut butter may be used on vegetables

Unsalted, perfectly fresh butter may be taken once a day

Avoid

All warmed-over meat dishes All highly-seasoned soups; milk soups with thickening Salt fish; lobster; crabs; shrimps; pink-fleshed fish; clams and scallops Veal and pork, with the exception of broiled bacon, liver and kidneys Potatoes Parsnips Carrots Peas Salsify Old Peas Beans Lentils

Sweet corn

Asparagus

Boiled cabbage

Canned mushrooms

Radishes

Raw cucumbers

Winter squash

Sweet potatoes

Yams

Breads and all cereals

Boiled coffee

Cocoa

Chocolate

Wines

Liquors, beer

All fruits, except those mentioned

All sweets, pastries and puddings