Beating Diabetes

The authors of Beating Diabetes have excellent credentials. David M. Nathan, M.D., is the director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and a researcher for both the Diabetes Prevention Program and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. The co-author (and probably the one who did most of the work on this book) is Linda M. Delahanty, the center’s chief dietitian. For good measure the dustcover makes a point of stating that the book is “from Harvard Medical School” and is “based on groundbreaking scientific studies.”

Who could resist? In broad terms I can’t fault their advice — only the way they give it. Maybe I’m jaded from reading too many diabetes books, but this one just didn’t excite me or motivate me to make any changes in my imperfect life.

The recommended lifestyle changes to treat type 2 diabetes, summarized on pages 53-4, shouldn’t be any revelation:

• Start by losing at least five to 10 pounds
• Reduce or eliminate sweetened beverages
• Eat small meals at regular intervals rather than skip meals
• Eat more fiber
• Increase activity

McGraw-Hill Trade lists this 272-page hardcover for $24.95. The ISBN is 0071438319. [Available at Amazon for $16.47 as of 04Jun2005.]