Part 2 - SAY NO TO DIABETES, AND YES TO HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

Book Review - 'Say No to Diabetes' by Patrick Holford

‘Say No To Diabetes’  is the latest of 30 books by Nutrition specialist Patrick Holford BSc. who founded the Institute of Optimum Nutrition and trains nutritional therapists.

He has gathered the latest research on diet, lifestyle measures and supplements for diabetes into this well-written, down to earth programme.  It also details many success stories of studies conducted by Specialist Diabetes Doctors utilising the methods that the book has collected and discussed.

As a Dietician I found the book an easy read, but it is in plain language and accessible for an untrained person to follow.   I do in fact have blood sugar problems myself, and spent 8 years researching and putting together a well-rounded programme of diet, lifestyle and supplements to address my own health issues (in collaboration with a Nutritionist, Medical Herbalist and fatigue Doctor) which were very similar to the programme Holford suggests, and some of the same supplements have been invaluable in helping to keep my blood sugar stable along with the diet principles.  Therefore to me, the guidelines within this book make perfect sense and I am wholeheartedly in favour of this approach.

Holford sets the scene by outlining the theory behind his recommendations and explains why the changes to the body systems in a diabetic state are so damaging. Once we realise how important it is to address these issues, he then leads us into the practical steps to reverse them.  Type 2 Diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes, but it can lead to Type 1 Diabetes (insulin dependent) if not controlled.

He points out that it is not possible to completely reverse Type 1 diabetes but that the programme will help reduce the dosage of insulin needed (he recommends - as would I - that this is done in close consultation with a Doctor).

There are chapters on the ‘Low Glycaemic Load’ eating plan, laying out easy principles for choosing the correct foods and substituting unhelpful foods with something better. Section 4 gives low GL recipes for breakfasts, lunches, main meals and side dishes. There are some delicious sounding desserts, and sample menus for daily variety.

Other sections describe exercise plans and ways of getting a good night’s sleep as part of the programme to recover health.

Significant percentages of people in the studies have reversed their indicators of diabetes (high fasting blood sugar, high blood fats, high blood pressure),  and  Holford says they  ‘would not  be diagnosed with diabetes if they were tested now’. The majority lost weight easily almost as a ‘side effect’ of the programme, because the Low GL eating plan is designed to keep blood sugar stable and avoid hunger.  In my opinion it is easy to follow as a ‘way of life’,  which means it avoids the rollercoaster which many people experience  - losing weight on a ‘diet’ and then putting all the weight back on again (and more besides!) when the ‘diet’ is stopped and normal eating habits resumed. 

However, I do feel there was one minor contradiction in the book. The included tables of food GL (glycaemic load) values included some items which we are supposed to avoid on the programme. I would have preferred them to be listed in a separate section for clarity, where they could still be used for comparison with the recommended foods.

But overall, if you have blood sugar problems or want to lose weight or to prevent/reverse Type 2 diabetes, this book is a clear signpost to the practical actions needed.

Diet Diva J

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