This book gives comprehensive dietary and nutrition information to empower readers. Because diet and lifestyle factors are the primary causes of Type 2 diabetes, most Type 2's can control their diabetes completely. This is good news because the health problems that can occur as a result of untreated diabetes include blindness, early heart disease, and amputation of body parts. With over half of those with Type 2 not knowing they have it, following the suggestions in the book makes sense whether you have diabetes or not.
The authors explain ways to catch diabetes and pre-diabetes (the precursor to diabetes). They explain insulin resistance and point out that although being overweight puts one at high risk for diabetes, one can be thin and have insulin problems due to "metabolic obesity," which is explained further in the book.
Blood-sugar levels and factors affecting them are clearly explained. The myth that simple sugars are bad and complex carbohydrates are not is dispelled. "This is not only a gross oversimplification; it is inaccurate. Simple carbohydrates are found in highly refined, nutrient-depleted foods like table sugar, but they are also found in highly nutritious whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates are found in heavily processed foods like white bread and pastries, but are also present in nutrient-dense foods such as wheat berries and beans."
Knowing glycemic indexes is important, but understanding how other foods affect blood-sugar control (like fats) is also important. Factors such as the following are considered: the number of grams of carbohydrate present; the type of sugar (glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose); the amount and type of fiber present; the kind of the starch (amylose versus amylopectin); the form of the food (cooked, raw, dry, liquefied, paste, ground, or otherwise processed); and the presence of other components in the food or in foods eaten with the carbohydrate-rich food.
The authors offer a two-step process for dietary reform. "Step 1 - Take out the trash" and "Step 2 - Pile on the protectors." Trans fatty acids are an example of an item on the trash list. In a recent Nurses Health Study, replacing 2 % of calories from trans fatty acids with polyunsaturated fat reduced the risk for type 2 diabetes by 40%.
The authors pinpoint many health-promoting foods. For example, many whole plant foods contain phytochemicals and antioxidants, and blueberries are "one of the most protective foods on the planet." Their ability to quench free radicals from the body was found to be the highest, often 5 times higher than most other vegetables and fruits. Other protectors in food such as fiber, plant protein, and certain fats are given thorough treatments as well.
Another section of the book includes "Healthy Weight for Life." "Obesity . . .elevates your risk of most of the chronic degenerative diseases plaguing the Western world. The strength of this link cannot be ignored." The problems with high-protein diets are addressed, but you might be surprised to know that the problems with very-low-fat, high-fiber diets are addressed, as well. For example, the authors state that the very low fat diets often allow for too many refined carbohydrates, and this can be a problem. Another problem with too little fat in your diet will reduce the absorption of certain nutrients, and important foods like nuts and seeds, which are good sources of trace minerals and Vitamin E, may be overlooked. Seven steps to achieving a life-long healthy weight are given.
Two popular tools for diabetics - exchange lists and carbohydrate counters - are explained and reviewed. Both systems have their problems. For example, neither "adequately distinguishes among different forms of carbohydrate. Both systems favor animal over plant protein sources. . . . Neither system fully recognizes the huge variations in health effects of different types of fat." Practical information is given about understanding the glycemic index of foods, and sample menus (a week of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) and suggested servings that ensure nutritional adequacy without excessive calories are included. This is especially helpful to diabetics who may be transitioning to the type of diet recommended in this book.
Many people still think of diabetes simply as a sugar problem. Though this is an important issue, there are many other issues, including fat, fiber and micronutrients of which one should be aware. "Making Sense of Sweets" gives information on both nutritive (those with calories) and nonnutritive (no significant calories) sweeteners. There are clear tables for each category including any cautions one should know.
Additional sections of the book include the following:
"Defensive Dining" includes advice for how to handle eating out.
"Survival of the Fittest" addresses the need for exercise and other fitness needs. "It appears we can live longer simply by living well. What is more, it is not only the length of our lives that improves with fitness, but the quality of living." All facets of fitness are addressed including aerobics, weight training, flexibility, even emotional fitness and sleeping, and more.
"Self Care: A Daily Maintenance Routine" deals with how we need to take care of ourselves on a daily basis and includes a checklist for our daily assessments of ourselves.
"When Diet and Exercise Are Not Enough" deals with the different medications available to help control diabetes. In addition to prescription medications, the authors investigate vitamins, minerals, herbals, and botanicals.
Finally, "Kitchen Wizardry . . . Tricks of the Trade," helps people to understand what to buy when grocery shopping. It includes an extensive shopping list, suggestions for where to shop, information on reading food labels, and food storage guidelines. The book finishes with a delightful recipe selection to jump-start you on the road to good health and diabetes management.
Overall, the book is well documented with selected references appearing at the ends of each chapter. Defeating Diabetes is a practical, easy-to-read, well-thought-out guide to healthy living and diabetes management. The basics of the health issues that are used to defeat diabetes are sound advice for maintaining good health whether you have diabetes or not.
