My Copy: 9780470523018 (image from bn.com)
Well, when you have to try and take care of yourself better, but don’t want to rely on family scare tactics or a diagnosis that doesn’t tell you much about what to expect or do, then this is a great book to use.
It’s pretty self-explanatory as far as what it’s about, and has some much needed advice for the real beginner with a pre-diabetic diagnosis. As with most dummies books, the chapters are pretty helpful and don’t have to be read in order. I wanted to read it in order to get the most out of it, but I admit I skipped the chapter on cooking and recipes because that’s something I can easily check on later.
Some of the material I’m sure I didn’t need yet, but in case it comes up at the next doctor visit, I might have a basis to work with. Things like different tests that may be administered, the deal with keto strips and what dialysis does, stuff like that.
I had to stop a minute and think, “but wait, that’s for when you have full on diabetes, isn’t it?” Well, if you’ve been prediabetic long enough, they may recommend you invest in some of these machines, tests, materials.
That was a bit of a shock to me. And it’s a little scary to think how close a person can be and not even know it, but there are plenty of things the book warns you about and suggests you ask your doctor if you’re concerned. That’s what I think I needed the most.
Of course, the typical advice of “eat less, lose weight, and definitely control the sugar” are there, but it cuts through a lot of the myths, too (especially when it comes to sugar). But considering our overly-processed American food diet–even when we try to eat away from fast food places–it’s a good thing to keep in mind.
I’ll be keeping this as a useful reference on my shelves, and mark a few things down to take to the doctor with me. I’ll give the book props for not being one of those that tries to entice you into weight loss surgery (though it does mention a few methods, just as an informational deal). I hate to think of all the articles that were mostly fat-shaming hidden in medical jargon that I’ve read in the past. The short bit on weight loss surgery in the book just gave facts about what each entailed and some of the risks involved and left it at that.
Glad I found this resource. There are quite a few things I need to write down for questions and try to do right away.
The Chatty Introvert 
I was diagnosed two years ago with “pre-diabetes”. I test my sugar every single day, twice a day. I take metformin once a day. I changed EVERYTHING I eat…I lost 17 pounds…………and I now exercise even though it is extremely painful due to osteoporosis and arthritis………all of this has kept me “pre” according to the numbers. According to the diabetic retinopathy my “pre” was full-blown years back. My internist said he hates the term “pre-diabetes” as everyone he has come across with that diagnosis has symptoms of the disorder already that have changed how they heal. He’d just as soon call everyone with an A1C above 5.0 diabetic. In my head? I am a type 2 diabetic and will always have the condition. it’s how i treat it that determines whether I totally fall apart or not. Good information here. I learned a few things.
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I’ve been considered prediabetic for a long time, too, but other than “lose weight and stop sugar” I never got much help or useful advice. I got a hint of it the last time I went to the doctor, but I really wanted this book to see what I could do WHILE tackling my anemia issue. That was the biggest concern I had–trying to balance what to do that will help out both conditions.
And I do better with a reference resource I can grab any time I need. I’m very obese and have a hard time kicking sugar, but I’ve definitely tried to whittle down my intake the past few weeks. I can’t wait to start exercising again, and that will certainly help when I can get that routine down and not be ill from overwork and stress all the time, interrupting said routine.
Anyhoo, good to know you’ve been able to do well for yourself. I hear some good stories once in a while, but nothing from the “prediabetic” side of things. Nice to know there are good turnarounds to work with.
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hang in there, and keep up the research. it actually helps. each one of us has to do different things with this condition. nothing that works for me works for my best friend who has the same situation. You will find what works for you and easily stick to it. It is the hardest thing in the world to “give up” things. try “reducing your intake” instead…like sugar. It’s a huge thing to just stop. try cutting back. I used to use a tablespoon in my morning coffee..I now instead use a “baby spoon”….it is about 1/2 teaspoon. I just started grabbing a smaller spoon each week for three weeks, and I no longer crave the sugar.
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good to know that’s possible. I hate being a slave to sugar addiction… though today’s less than pleasant experience with sugar might’ve been the assisting push I’ve been needing to shock me.
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