Diabetes For Dummies

The book that’s been helping people with diabetes live their best lives for 20 years

Diabetes For Dummies is a trusted resource that guides those diagnosed with diabetes and pre-diabetes and their caregivers towards optimal health. This book helps you, or those you love, achieve the life you want while managing diabetes with lifestyle changes, alternative therapies and the latest medications. This fully updated edition helps you tackle your symptoms with the confidence that you’re doing the latest stuff and following the newest advances in diabetes treatment. Powerful lifestyle strategies, new medications, monitoring equipment, nutritional guidelines, delicious recipes, and insulin delivery methods—it’s all in this friendly Dummies guide.

• Understand the types of diabetes and learn about your diagnosis
• Learn the latest treatment options, medications, and evidence-based therapies
• Manage your symptoms and live a full life with expert diet and lifestyle tips
• Answer your questions with this trusted, compassionate guide, now in its 6^th edition
• Take control and understand how to improve or even prevent and reverse prediabetes and diabetes

This book is an indispensable resource for those newly diagnosed with diabetes, and prediabetes, their loved ones, and care givers, as well as health care professionals who need an up-to-date reference on the latest in diabetes research.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Understanding Diabetes 7

Chapter 1: How Diabetes Affects Us All 9

Chapter 2: Making the Diagnosis with Glucose and Hemoglobin A1C 23

Chapter 3: Recognizing the Various Types of Diabetes 37

Part 2: Adopting a Multisystem Approach to Diabetes 57

Chapter 4: Maintaining Optimal Health on a Daily Basis 59

Chapter 5: Preventing Long-Term Complications 75

Chapter 6: Preserving Sexual Function and Protecting Pregnancy 111

Part 3: Living Your Best Life: The “Thriving with Diabetes” Lifestyle Plan 131

Chapter 7: Self-Testing for Glucose and Other Key Tests 133

Chapter 8: Finding Your Best Treatment: Diet 151

Chapter 9: Nourishing Yourself: Healthful Eating and Lifestyle Strategies 181

Chapter 10: Practical Tips for Success in the Kitchen and at the Table 193

Chapter 11: Creating Your Exercise Plan 207

Chapter 12: Finding Your Best Treatment: Medication and More 231

Chapter 13: Assembling Your Diabetes Team 275

Part 4: Special Considerations for Living with Diabetes 293

Chapter 14: Managing Diabetes in Children 295

Chapter 15: Diabetes and Healthy Aging 311

Chapter 16: Dealing with Occupational and Insurance Problems 321

Chapter 17: Eyeing What’s New in Global Diabetes Care 331

Part 5: The Part of Tens 343

Chapter 18: Ten Commandments for Excellent Diabetes Care 345

Chapter 19: Ten Myths about Diabetes That You Can Forget 351

Appendix: Mini-Cookbook 357

Index 409

Dr. Simon Poole is a doctor, author, speaker, and consultant. Simon treats patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes from the time of diagnosis onward and is an authority on the Mediterranean diet.

Amy Riolo is an award-winning author and chef. She’s also the author of Mediterranean Lifestyle For Dummies and Italian Recipes For Dummies.

Alan L. Rubin, MD is the original author of Diabetes For Dummies.

Take control of diabetes with advice you can trust

If you’re living with prediabetes or type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you’re not alone. Diabetes For Dummies is your informative companion as you navigate this chronic condition (or help a loved one). This book covers the latest advances in diabetes management including medications, monitoring, self-testing, surgery, and updated nutritional guidelines. You’ll be empowered to maintain optimal health and truly thrive despite your diagnosis. Enjoy easy-to-implement eating plans complete with delicious, chef-driven recipes and exercise advice that will enrich your life. This accessible guide will make you the expert in your own diabetes care.

Inside…

• All about glucose levels
• Preventing complications
• Mouth-watering meal plans
• New treatment options
• Managing diabetes in children, while pregnant, and as you age
• Holistic, person-centered approach
• Making reversal and remission a reality