Diabetes: Prevention and Cure. - Review - book review

Alternative Medicine Review, August, 2000 by Kathi Head

Diabetes: Prevention and Cure By C. Leigh Broadhurst, PhD Kensington Publishing Corp., 850 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; www.kensingtonbooks.com ISBN; 1-57566-471-2 Soft-cover $12.00 ($17.00 Canada); 269 pgs

In Diabetes: Prevention and Cure, Dr. Broadhurst presents a dietary approach to type 2 diabetes from an increasingly popular viewpoint; i.e., that of the anthropological perspective. Predicated on the belief that type 2 diabetes is "a nutritional disease with a nutritional cure," Broadhurst first points the finger at the prehistoric switch from the hunter-gatherer to the primarily agricultural society; followed a number of millennia later by the switch in diet from whole, unprocessed foods to that of a diet centered on processed cereal grains.

This book goes beyond outlining the anthropological scenario that leads to diabetes. Most of the book is dedicated to discussing practical prevention and treatment strategies. While the author suggests exercise is crucial, she also realizes that getting started on a good exercise plan is easier said than done and walks the reader through the steps necessary to develop a good program. Supplements to improve respiration, circulation, and fatigue while getting in shape are discussed.

Diet is the most important factor in prevention and treatment of diabetes. Therefore, several chapters are dedicated to developing and implementing diet plans, with one entire chapter full of recipes. The book also includes chapters on trace minerals, dietary fats, and botanicals in the management of diabetes. Spicing up each chapter are anecdotes and treatment protocols from practitioners who have experience treating diabetes.

Although much of the book focuses on type 2 diabetes, many of the strategies can be incorporated into a program for treating (not curing) patients with type 1 diabetes. While the book is written for the general public, it is well-referenced and provides much useful information for practitioners as well -- an important addition to the library of anyone who lives with diabetes or treats patients who have it.