The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed [Paperback]

Gretchen Becker (Author), Allison B. Goldfine (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 27, 2006 | Series: The First Year

After Gretchen Becker was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1996, she educated herself on every aspect of this chronic condition — by reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors and listening to her own body. In 2001, she marshaled everything she had learned as a "patient-expert" into the first edition of this book, which she has now completely updated and revised. The First Year®—Type 2 Diabetes uniquely guides you step-by-step through your first year with diabetes, walking you through everything you need to learn and do each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and each subsequent month of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Becker covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with your diagnosis and then moving on to subjects including: Choosing the diet that is best for you The role of exercise Daily blood-glucose testing routines and understanding lab tests Medications and supplements Networking with others Insurance issues Traveling and socializing

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is the first entry in the publisher's "First Year" series, which seeks to set itself apart from other health advice lines with its authors all "patient-experts." Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1996, Becker quickly learned that there are many ways to approach diabetes care. She uses appropriate humor and presents basic information to take the reader through each day of the first week, each subsequent week of the first month, and the next 11 months after diagnosis. Emphasizing the self-management skills that all diabetics must master for adequate control of the disease, Becker addresses the questions not always anticipated or answered by healthcare providers. For instance, she covers necessary and optional tests, diet, drugs, weight and stress management, and the emotional strain of the disorder. Her sections on insurance and paying medical bills are excellent. Internet diabetes expert Rick Mendoza has also contributed a chapter on online resources. Other useful features include a glossary, reading list, and further resources. This excellent volume should inspire patients to manage prudently their disease. Recommended for consumer health collections. Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

In clear, concise, accessible language, Becker covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with your diagnosis and then moving on to subjects including:

* choosing the diet that is best for you;
* the role of exercise;
* daily blood-glucose testing routines and understanding lab tests;
* medications and supplements;
* networking with others;
* insurance issues;
* traveling and socializing.

By giving you the reliable, useful information you need to know when you most need to know it, The First Year--Type 2 Diabetes will be an indispensible book for everyone adjusting to life with diabetes. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 2nd edition (December 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569242658
• ISBN-13: 978-1569242650
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (114 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

228 of 229 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Easy to Read and Educational Book, October 5, 2002

By 

Wayne Cannon "Wayne" (Healdsburg, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The First Year Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

You won't regret getting this book!

Gretchen Becker's "The First Year Type 2 Diabetes" is very well-organized, easy to read, and wonderfully educational. It is organized based on the information you need and the amount of detail you can assimilate -- in other words, first things first, with finer points and expanded details later in the book.

The information she presents includes the most recent research. She discusses the merits and myths of the most popular diets and treatments you will hear about.

I got her book when I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, before talking with a diabetes educator or attending any classes on diabetes. By the time I was formally educated, I had already heard everything from Gretchen's book, and was also able to identify some dated traditional information. She really helped me understand why there isn't a consensus of opinion on the "best" diet for diabetics, and the source of many unfounded and/or unsubstantiated arguments for and against the popular approaches. For example, she discusses the pros and cons of the Food Pyramid (USDA, ADA), low-fat diets (Ornish, etc), exchange diets (ADA, Zone, Weight Watchers, etc), low-carb diets (Atkins, etc).

If you are in the "Your body, your science experiment" camp, she tells you several easy experiments to learn more about your own body processes various foods so you can take control and fine tune your own treatment.

137 of 138 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not JUST for the NEWLY diagnosed!, April 2, 2002

By 

K. Pierce (NJ , United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The First Year Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

I have been dealing with my Type 2 diabetes for about 5 years and I recently ordered this book ..and I learned more from it than from anywhere since I was diagnosed. This is a clear, accurate, and extremely informative book. I go back and re read parts of it often and it has really made a big difference for me.. This is a disease that is difficult to understand correctly, even if you have had it a while, like I have. The up-to-date research behind this book is obvious and it is presented in a truly intelligent and articulate manner. Ms. Becker totally understands type 2 diabetes, and has been extremely helpful in my understanding of it too. How I wish I had had this book when I was first diagnosed - even just the title of the first chapter "It's not your fault" is so important - it allowed me to let go of some of the guilt and self reproach I had. No one ever told me that before! This book is *essential* for all newly diagnosed Type 2's and for the NOT SO NEWLY diagnosed too! You will have a whole new understanding of type 2 diabetes as well as empathetic support and clear information about how to help manage your diabetes. A great book!

129 of 132 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for all newly diagnosed, March 13, 2003

By 

Calico Cat Lover "Cathy" (Burbank, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The First Year Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

Having just learned that I have type 2 diabetes, I couldn't ask for a better book to refer to than THE FIRST YEAR. The book is written from the first days, weeks, and months and the order is perfect for what (at least) I have been going through. Becker understands that the reader doesn't really want to get too deep in details about the illness but tells enough that anyone can get a better picture as to what is going on with their body.

The book is broken down by living and learning. One section that I found very informative is about the meters. I had no idea that they are affected by elevation. I travel to a mountainous area every year and needed to know this.

I can't say enough about this book. Anyone who is newly diagnosed with this disease should get this book and get information your doctor or educator may not tell you.