Reverse Your Diabetes in 12 Weeks

March 1, 2015

Millions of Americans have Type 2 diabetes, or are in danger of developing it. In this title, King (Joslin Diabetes Ctr.) states that "No two cases of Type 2 diabetes (or prediabetes) are alike." With this in mind, the author offers a wide range of strategies for preventing the onset of the illness or managing one's health once a diagnosis is made. King provides a series of promises at the outset of the book that, depending on the patient's stage of development, include restoring glucose sensitivity to normal, avoiding the need for medication, and even "resetting" the need for medication at all. The language is careful to include qualifiers like "may allow you to reset" but the focus seems to be on how any healthy change is a good one. Part 1 supplies eight strategies for the "Diabetes Reset Toolbox," including the "Rural Asian Diet," burning calories, and reducing stress. Part 2 shares a week-by-week plan for implementing the strategies outlined in Part 1. VERDICT While the promise of a "reset" may set off some red flags for skeptics, readers searching for a hopeful look at life with Type 2 diabetes or a step-by-step guide to making lifestyle changes will be attracted to this book.--Mindy Rhiger, Minneapolis

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2014
Normally, only a teaspoonful (four grams) of glucose circulates in the bloodstream of an average individual. Maintaining that little bit of glucose in a tight range is a big job for the body and essential to good health. When levels of glucose climb (as a result of insulin resistance followed by a drop in insulin production), type 2 diabetes develops. This excellent guide to managing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes emphasizes eight strategies to reset the body's capability to metabolize blood glucose: healthy nutrition; moderate aerobic exercise with a strength training program; maintenance of normal weight; activation of calorie-burning brown fat; prevention of chronic, low-grade inflammation; reduction of mental stress; sufficient sleep; and intake of natural antioxidants. The recommended diet is nontraditional: low-fat, high-fiber with a nutrient mix of 70 percent carbohydrates, 15 percent fat, and 15 percent protein. Modest reduction (5 to 7 percent) of body weight is touted as a quick way of increasing insulin sensitivity. Helpful aids are provided, including meal plans, a yearly medical checklist, tips for losing weight, important blood tests, and exercise routines. Controlling gestational diabetes is also covered. King (physician and longtime diabetes researcher at the Joslin Diabetes Center) and Flippin bestow a gift on diabetic patients: up-to-date, evidence-based medical information along with encouragement and empowerment, optimism and opportunity.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)