The Diabetes Antidote — Foreword
BY ANDREA L. HAYES, M.D. OUR SOCIETY IS experiencing a devastating epidemic. Almost 70 percent of our population is now considered overweight or obese, contributing to the 8 percent of Americans who now have diabetes. It is estimated that 12,000,000 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes; another 6,000,000 remain undiagnosed. Unlike potentially lethal infectious disease epidemics in our country's history, there is no known pharmaceutical cure for this disease of our times. Nor will there be one in our foreseeable future. Although the prognosis, at first thought, bodes bleak, in fact the most effective medical treatment lies within the power of each individual. This treatment does not cost hundreds of dollars monthly; actually, it is free and available to everyone. What is this magic secret? You will find out in this book. As an endocrinologist, I and my health care team treat thousands of patients with chronic medical problems related to unhealthy lifestyles, a poor diet and lack of appropriate physical activity. We write hundreds of prescriptions aimed at improving such common conditions as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and others that may eventually lead to the leading killer in our country: heart disease. Insurance companies reluctantly pay for some of these expensive medicines; our insurers rarely fund preventive therapies. While that's the bad news stated, the good news is stated within the pages of The Diabetes Antidote. We all have the ability to make lifestyle choices, including what types and quantities of energy we consume and the energy that we expend through activity every day. What you will find in this book is a straightforward approach to health improvement delivered with passion and practicality. I have seen many patients become the victims of their own circumstances in living with diabetes, which unfortunately leads to devastating complications if this disease remains uncontrolled. Doug and Denny's approach is to educate, motivate and inspire their readers. Occasionally I meet someone who asks me the question, "Do you suffer with diabetes?" They really mean, "Do you 'have' diabetes?" as if everyone who carries this diagnosis suffers. My resounding answer is always an emphatic "NO"! Living with diabetes does not guarantee suffering any more than buying a treadmill guarantees fitness. Take a look at Doug Burns, Mr. Universe, and you will not see a picture of a man who suffers! The field of diabetes has exploded over the last few years and offers us more tools than ever to treat this epidemic. We have new and improved blood glucose meters, insulin pumps, blood glucose sensors, and designer insulins, as well as a plethora of pills targeted at insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, and the body's disposal of glucose once it is ingested. We sometimes find ourselves giving patients hundreds of units of insulin per day, only to find out that some individuals can "out-eat" even the most sophisticated of insulin regimes! Alternatively, caloric restriction can dramatically reduce insulin needs by improving insulin resistance in a matter of only a few days!! We now have oral agents specifically designed to reduce insulin resistance. One side effect however is WEIGHT GAIN, of all things! So, as a health care provider, I find myself frustrated in achieving the results that I strive so vigorously to achieve. It is my hope that The Diabetes Antidote gives you the tools, the knowledge and the motivation that are required to achieve a sense of empowerment for your health. You will be inspired by the obstacles that Doug overcame, starting at a young age with the diagnosis of diabetes. You will see that anything is possible if one keeps the vision and the faith. Set your goals and keep focused on the inspiration that you read through these pages. The rewards and pride that you will achieve will be greater than you could ever imagine.
In good health, |
What readers are saying:
"You are such an inspiring person! You have put forth a great, but simple plan for those of us who are looking to live healthy and fit. It really is easy to do, and it makes such a difference in how I feel, both physically and in my self-confidence. Thank you!" "Doug: I found your story to very inspiring and appreciate your efforts in setting an example for the diabetic community to follow. Keep up the great work and inspiration...it's greatly appreciated and desperately needed." "Since childhood, I have been a great fan of Arnold, and now at the age of 32 I have a new inspiring model - YOU. Thanks!"
From The Diabetes Antidote:
"For those of us with diabetes, sustained regular exercise can actually reduce the amount of insulin our bodies need to function efficiently."
"Consistent and effective exercise coupled with intelligent weight loss and eating right can reverse the Type 2 condition in many people, as well as prevent it in almost all."
"You are never too old, too sick or too busy to get in shape. Those are just excuses that call out to everyone with diabetes, every day."
"The significance for a Type 1 should be clear . . . If you're not very active, even though you have your insulin regulated, you're not helping yourself."
"Dietary 'breakthroughs' and weight-loss supplements that help burn carbs are feeding on Americans' laziness and naivete'."
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