Diabetes for Dummies

by Alan L. Rubin and Sarah Jarvis

Book Overview

Diabetes affects millions of Americans each year, but thanks to medical breakthroughs, many diabetics live long and happy lives. In a sense, a diagnosis of diabetes is both good and bad news, with the bad news being that you've been diagnosed, but the good news being that you'll make some changes in your lifestyle that will not only prevent complications but help you lead a healthier life. Now in its second edition, Diabetes For Dummies provides the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764568205
• ISBN13: 9780764568206
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Wiley Publishing
• Length: 386 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Diabetes for dummies

You better look at description real good, thought I ordered a paperback book and it was a paperback “pocket” book. Same price as book but feel like they got me. My bad and who is the dummy, should of stuck with Amazon

Dummies seeking diabetes advice

He completed this book for diabetes advice seekers . The contents and logic order guide readers step by step to better manage this diseases from eating the wrong food, no exercise and in stressful status. Of importance he offered a cheat sheet for download. Follow his advice to get diabetes under control, thanks for this great book!

A Great Resource for Diabetics AND Non-Diabetics

This was the first book on diabetes I bought after being diagnosed. I've bought LOTS more. But this is the one I continually go back to for information, reminders, and research. Dr. Rubin's approach to managing diabetes makes a lot of sense. I particularly like his recommended division of carbs/protein/fat (40-30-30). After attending a daylong nutrition class on diabetes, being given a diet with a 60% carb ratio, failing to avoid "spikes" in glucose, and failing to continue losing the weight I'd been losing using Dr. Rubin's approach, I returned to this book. My weight loss picked back up, I felt better and -- best of all -- I was again successful at managing my Type II diabetes. I highly recommend this book to diabetics and those with risk factors for developing diabetes, as well as to friends and relatives of diabetics who just want to learn a little bit more. Check out Diabetes for Dummies Cookbook, too!

Great book if you have or know someone who has diabetes

I was looking for a book that gives a good overview of all aspects of diabetes, and this book satisfied that goal. The book covers both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The first part of the book talks about the onset of the disease: the psychological reactions, what a diagnosis of diabetes means ("it's the glucose"), and the two types of diabetes. I found particularly interesting the list of famous people who had diabetes, including Thomas Edison and Elvis Presley. The second part of the book discusses the complications of the disease and their treatment. The author claims he did not intend to frighten the reader, and he does give you practical steps you can take to deal with and even prevent the problems. The third part talks about lifestyle changes, including glucose monitoring and other tests, nutrition, exercise, and medication. Chapter 11, "Diabetes Is Your Show," really didn't work for me. It tries to make an analogy between diabetes care and the cast and crew of a stage show--but it seemed terribly contrived. The fourth part covers special issues: diabetes and children, diabetes and the elderly, insurance and job issues, advances in diabetes care, and bogus treatments. Overall, the book was interesting; even the lists of drugs and their characteristics was probably as interesting as it could be. The book provides both background information and practical advice. The orientation of the book is very positive, focusing on how you can take control of the disease. I especially like this quote: "Is it possible that you could be healthier with diabetes than your friends who do not have diabetes? ...the answer to that question is yes." (page 102)

Excellent, POSITIVE Book

Easy-to-read and entertaining book that explains not only what diabetes is and how it's treated, but also what you can do to prevent (yes, PREVENT) long-term complications. The message throughout the book is one of hope; you can live with this disease, you can have a full, long, happy life.Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I have received several "basic" books on the subject, including this one which I purchased for myself. Although I haven't read the other books word-for-word yet, I have browsed through them and they seem to be geared more toward people with type 1. This book, however, addresses types 1 & 2 equally, which I was very grateful for. If you want to educate yourself about diabetes, this is the book! It's informative, entertaining, easy to read and will remind you page after page that your life is not over -- in fact, it's just beginning!

A Diabetic's Best Resource and Companion

The newly diagnosed diabetic often feels as if he or she had been plunked down in front of a circus tent, complete with three rings, sideshows, barkers, and scary clowns, only then to be told "okay, pal, start making choices!" Many patients flee. Others roam around frightened and vulnerable. Dr. Rubin, however, clearly, calmly, and intelligently guides the patient in this book through the chaos and confusion of the diabetes care circus. He really makes sense out of what is available. The book is unfailingly clear. I was also impressed with his anecdotes, drawn from his practice, about the emotional experiences of his patients, and with his tips on how to cope with setbacks, glitches, and successes. Many books on diabetes lecture the patient. In this book, diabetics will find a physician-author who does not lecture and who is not afraid to evaluate treatments and approaches. He seems intent on helping diabetics, and their families and caregivers, return to wonderful lives. Get your physician to read it too.