BOOK REVIEWS

by Marilyn Helton

Greetings and Happy New Year to everyone! I trust you all sailed through the holidays without indulging to bulging. And, if you are guilty, I have some wonderful reading material guaranteed to get you back on track to tighter control.

"Straight Talk About Diabetes," by Peter J. Nebergall, PhD:

In Dr. Nebergall's own words: "The contents of "Straight Talk About Diabetes" are for purposes of advice, inspiration and motivation." This writer wholeheartedly supports his description and adds that this is a terrific book for the newly-diagnosed diabetic, and necessary for those of us who have become rooted in bad habits requiring tighter control.

This is a very straightforward publication, giving the reader excellent information about topics such as: How diabetes is diagnosed, controlling your own diabetes, denial, diet and exercise, diabetes and smoking, diabetes and alcohol, eating sugar, obesity and weight control, gestational diabetes, "alternative" medicines, and many, many pages on the various complications of diabetes. Dr. Nebergall has also very adequately explained the different types of oral medications (generally prescribed for treatment of type 2 diabetes) and the different tools for insulin administration, as well as the use and results of the different strengths and mixtures of insulin. The latter was very informative as I, personally, have just started a bedtime dose of insulin.

In Dr. Nebergall's three-page discussion on "Diet and Diabetes," I was able to learn several new facts: 1) How excess fat directly contributes to the problem of insulin resistance and overworks your pancreas, 2) How lack of planning and bad meal scheduling (eating whenever you feel like it) are responsible for a lot of after-meal highs and before-meal lows, 3) The necessity of taking smaller portions (measured amounts of food at regular times) and, 4) How convenience snack foods are almost "narcotic" when you're trying to lose weight. Dr. Nebergall describes these foods as "trigger foods," which means if you eat one, you'll want another, and another, and another. He recommends removing all trigger foods such as cookies, candy, peanuts, potato chips, candy bars, etc., from your environment.

If you want an excellent summary of what to expect from your diagnosis of diabetes, whether newly-diagnosed or long-standing, I highly recommend "Straight Talk About Diabetes," by Peter J. Nebergall, PhD, published in 1998, by Zigeuner. It is available in large print, standard (music speed) cassette, or IBM ASCII 3.5 floppy disk. All formats are $15 each, available from P.J. Nebergall, 307 E. Ash, #36, Columbia, MO 65201. You can also e-mail at: [email protected].

"Growing Up With Diabetes: What Children Want Their Parents to Know," by Alicia McAuliffe, is an extraordinary book by an exceptional young woman. Alicia McAuliffe is a 21-year-old who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11. At age 15, she initiated counseling, classroom and faculty education programs in Albany, NY, following which she became a peer counselor at Control Diabetes Services, Inc., and Diabetes Workshop, Inc., The Sugar Free Gang, a support group for young children with diabetes, and Kaleidoscope, an activity group for teens with diabetes.

Alicia's involvement with diabetic children and teens provides the backdrop for "Growing Up With Diabetes." Her primary message to parents and caretakers is the importance for a child to feel normal—to be able to take part in after-school activities, field trips, sports, sleep overs, etc. She also focuses on and describes the emotions children feel when they're diagnosed, and the importance of diabetes education.

Alicia definitely speaks with the voice of experience in "Growing Up With Diabetes." This is a must-have book for all parents concerned with providing an environment as close to normal as possible for their diabetic child—one which will foster acceptance of diabetes and produce positive emotional and social development. "Growing Up With Diabetes," by Alicia McAuliffe, 1998 ($10.95), from John Wiley and Sons (1-800-225-5945).

Valentine's Day and (formerly taboo) thoughts of chocolate are just around the corner! What better way to conclude our book reviews than Kathy Kochan's "Diabetic Goodie Book?"

Having had diabetes since the age of 5, Kathy's philosophy is that her food must be tasty, nourishing and easy to prepare. She also feels that healthy people with diabetes can incorporate sugar into recipes as long as carbohydrates are calculated and worked into their meal plans.

Since Kathy emphatically refused to watch everyone else enjoy their desserts while she munched on a piece of plain fruit, she developed the "Diabetic Goodie Book," an absolutely fabulous compendium of dessert and baked good recipes, using small amounts of sugar and fat. The "Diabetic Goodie Book" boasts over 150 recipes for a wide selection of delicious desserts and baked goods. Kathy is so thorough in her step-by-step instructions for each recipe, anyone can produce delectable masterpieces. Her chocolate desserts are exceptional! Each recipe includes a complete nutritional analysis, dietary exchanges, and carbohydrate choices per serving size. In addition to the recipes, the "Diabetic Goodie Book" also includes information on carbohydrate counting, exchange lists, food labels, healthy hints for snacking, freezer tips and storage times, a fruit chart, and an excellent glossary.

Kathy manages her diabetes using the insulin pump. She fills her calendar with lectures and teaching healthy cooking classes, and writes "Kathy's Kitchen, Good Cooking-Healthy Eating," for "Cinnamon Hearts ~ The Art of Living A Winning Diabetic Lifestyle." The "Diabetic Goodie Book," by Kathy Kochan, 1996, Appletree Press, Inc., $15.95, (1-800-322-5679).