Prediabetes For Dummies

by Alan L. Rubin

Overview

Accessible information on the causes, health risks, and treatment of prediabetes

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with prediabetes – a heightened level of glucose, and/or impaired glucose tolerance - the time to act is now. Prediabetes For Dummies examines the signs and symptoms of this potential precursor to diabetes and offers up-to-date information about treatment. It provides clear, practical advice on steps you can take to minimize the risk of serious health consequences.

This plain-English guide shows you how to stop prediabetes in its tracks and prevent it from progressing to diabetes. You'll learn how to recognize the symptoms of this often-undiagnosed condition, and what to do if you think you may be prediabetic. You'll also discover how simple lifestyle changes, such as changes in your diet and moderate exercise, can put the brakes on prediabetes and even reverse the condition.

• Offers clear explanations of prediabetes causes, health risks, and treatment
• Includes the latest advances in the use of diabetes medications to treat prediabetes
• Provides diet suggestions, meal plans, and exercise tips
• Contains helpful suggestions for friends and family members who want to support a loved one with prediabetes

While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be prevented if prediabetes is diagnosed and treated early. Packed with valuable information for patients of all ages, Prediabetes For Dummies is an important resource for taking control of this dangerous condition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470523018
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	12/02/2009
Series:	For Dummies Books
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	127,409
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Alan L. Rubin, MD, is one of the nation's foremost authorities on prediabetes and diabetes. He is the author of Diabetes For Dummies, Diabetes Cookbook For Dummies, Type 1 Diabetes For Dummies, and Thyroid For Dummies.

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Table of Contents

Introduction  1

Part I: Confronting the Prediabetes Epidemic  7

Chapter 1: The Origins and Dangers of Prediabetes 9

Chapter 2: Suspecting Prediabetes in Yourself or a Loved One 21

Chapter 3: Tracking the Transition from Prediabetes to Diabetes 35

Chapter 4: Stopping Prediabetes in Its Tracks 49

Part II: Food and Other Factors: Battling an Unhealthy Lifestyle 63

Chapter 5: What’s in Your Kitchen? Identifying Problem Foods 65

Chapter 6: Facing Your Weight 79

Chapter 7: Stuck on the Couch: The Risks of Being Sedentary 93

Chapter 8: Stressing Out 107

Part III: Getting a Diagnosis 119

Chapter 9: Spotting the Metabolic Syndrome 121

Chapter 10: The Testing Spectrum: Having Essential Tests and Interpreting Results 133

Chapter 11: Children and the Elderly: Special Considerations 149

Part IV: The Dangers of Moving toward Diabetes 161

Chapter 12: Dealing with Short-Term Complications 163

Chapter 13: Suffering Long-Term Consequences 173

Chapter 14: Risking Your Sexual Health: Sexual Function and Pregnancy 189

Part V: Avoiding or Reversing Prediabetes 199

Chapter 15: Shopping for Food in a New Way 201

Chapter 16: Cooking and Eating for Health and Enjoyment 217

Chapter 17: Maximizing Movement 245

Chapter 18: Taking Medications or Supplements 269

Chapter 19: Considering Bariatric Surgery 283

Chapter 20: Putting Your Knowledge to Work: A Healthier You in Three Months301

Part VI: The Part of Tens 313

Chapter 21: Ten Myths about Prediabetes 315

Chapter 22: (More Than) Ten Staples to Keep in Your Kitchen 323

Chapter 23: Ten Things to Teach Your Prediabetic Child 331

Appendix: Additional Resources 339

Index 343