Book Review: Rethinking Diabetes

Rethinking Diabetes: What Science Reveals About Diet, Insulin, and Successful Treatments by Gary Taubes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a detailed investigation into the history of diabetes (type 1 and type 2) research and treatment. Before the discovery of insulin, diabetes was treated almost entirely through diet, from meat and reliance on fats to repeated fasting and near-starvation regimens. After two centuries of differing medical advice, most authorities today think diabetics can have the same dietary freedom as the rest of us if insulin therapy and other blood-sugar-lowering medications are used. Unfortunately, these guiding principles have been associated with a dangerous rise in diabetes over the last 50 years.

The author argues for a refocused diet—fewer carbohydrates and more fat—and reduced reliance on insulin and other medications. He also suggests that doctors and medical researchers turn their attention to clinical trials and not be afraid to challenge established wisdom.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in diabetes or diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes type 1 or type 2.

The author, Gary Taubes, is well known for his investigative reporting, and this book provides a deep dive into diabetes.

Even if you know what you are getting into and are a fan of the author’s work, it can be a bit overwhelming as you go through the book.

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Book Review: Good Energy

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good energy means your cells can function and support your physical and mental health. This book aims to show you how to maximize this good energy and thus, feel better, prevent disease, and perform optimally.

Part 1: The Truth about Energy explains metabolism, the causes of disease, and being proactive for your own health. In part 2: Creating Good Energy, the author provides tools and strategies to address eating, sleeping, moving, and toxins. There are also three primary sources of “bad energy” foods that should be avoided: refined added sugar, refined industrial vegetable and seed oils, and refined grains. Part 3 is a four-week, prescriptive plan with a baseline quiz, detailed lists, and action items. Part 4 is a sampling of good energy recipes.

Dr. Means offers stories and lessons learned through her experience in the medical system and highlighting expert health leaders. Don’t get bogged down with the number of recommendations; choose what resonates most with you, the doable habits, and the sustainable actions.

I highly recommend this book to those interested in learning about underlying causes and improving their health. Some of the most valuable resources Dr. Means includes are a chart on analyzing a standard blood test (normal and optimal ranges), a key micronutrient for good energy chart, a list of the best antioxidant sources, a list of the best omega-3 foods, a list of the best ways to get fiber, and a chart on building good-energy meals components.

Six Principles of Good Energy Eating
1. Food determines the structure of our cells and microbiome
2. Eating is the process of matching cellular needs with oral inputs
3. Food is how you communicate with your cells
4. Extreme food cravings are feedback from your cells that you’re giving mixed messages
5. Ignore diet philosophies and focus on unprocessed food
6. Find awe in food (p. 137)

This book contains a great deal of information that is presented thoughtfully and thoroughly. If you are looking for a prescriptive plan, this book has it. The downside may be that the amount of info becomes overwhelming.

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