Table of Contents
How to Use this Book viii
Introduction: Understanding Diabetes
You're Not Alone 3
The Many Faces of Diabetes 14
Step 1 Outsmart Diabetes Complications
From Head To Toe
Vision Problems (Retinopathy) 27
Gum Disease 36
Heart Disease 44
High Blood Pressure 52
Kidney Disease 61
Liver Disease 69
Urinary Incontinence 76
Erectile Dysfunction 83
Peripheral Arterial Disease 94
Foot Complications 105
Whole-Body Complications
Hypoglycemia 116
Diabetic Neuropathy 125
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 140
Stroke 147
Step 2 Navigate the Diabetes Danger Zones
Abdominal Fat 157
Dining Out 164
Environmental Exposure 170
Lack of Exercise 176
Lack of Sleep 184
Overweight 192
Skipping Meals 201
Smoking 206
Stress 213
Sweet Tooth 219
Traveling 226
Step 3 Diabetes-Proof Your Life
1 Know Your Risk 235
2 Monitor Your Blood Sugar 241
3 Get Regular Screenings 249
4 Follow Prescriptions to the Letter 257
5 Trim Your Waistline 269
6 Get the Healthiest Mix of Carbs, Protein, Fat, and Fiber 278
7 Take Advantage of Diabetes-Friendly Foods 289
8 Use Supplements Sensibly 302
9 Make Exercise an Everyday Event 314
10 Adopt a Positive "Diatitude" 327
Index 334