Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America--And What We Must Do to Stop It

by Francine R. Kaufman

Experts now predict that more than one-third of American children born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Written by one of the world’s leading authorities on the link between obesity and diabetes, this passionate, frightening–but ultimately hopeful–book points the way to a solution.

To enter Dr. Francine Kaufman’s clinic is to see the future of a 220-pound twelve-year-old boy…a 267-pound thirteen-year-old girl…their concerned but equally overweight parents…the human faces and human suffering behind the epidemic of type 2 diabetes that threatens to overwhelm our health care system. Once a disease of the elderly, type 2 diabetes now strikes adults in their prime–and, increasingly, children. It has nearly doubled in the last decade. The cause? Our soaring rates of obesity.

Diabesity takes us to the front lines of the fight against this preventable but deadly disease. Through vivid patient stories, it explains how excess weight destroys the body’s ability to process sugar properly–with life-threatening consequences. It shows what happens when the genes that evolved to protect us from famine collide with a sedentary lifestyle that has put bacon cheeseburgers on every corner. And it demonstrates why our usual blame-the-victim response is futile in face of the complex, worldwide forces behind this epidemic.

Detailing the tools for change at every level–from families to school systems to government–and reporting on innovative programs that are already making a difference, Diabesity offers a compelling action plan for winning this battle.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tyffanie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! It is easily understandable by all and filled with motivating stories & information about what we need to do as a society to fight obesity & diabetes. A must-read for everyone! I hope Dr. Kaufman plans to update this book or write a follow-up. I'd love to hear what she has been up to and how we can continue to be part of the change.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clear and easy to read explanation of the connection between the obesity epidemic and rising levels of Type 2 Diabetes. Kaufman shares lots of anecdotes from her own practice that reveal how our environment pushes us towards obesity. She gives pretty standard diet advice and addresses the low-carb movement but is careful to say that the science is still not there on this rather than fully vilifying or endorsing it. She also talks about societal changes that need to happen to help people be more successful in avoiding or overcoming obesity. She acknowledges that the advice she gives is really hard for her patients to follow, not just because of a lack of will, but because their circumstances don't allow them. (For example, one of her patients followed her advice to get more exercise by walking, and was caught in the crossfire between gangs and shot in her own neighborhood.) I learned more about the consequences of diabetes, especially in regard to kidney failure. With a family history of both types of diabetes, I'm very interested in prevention measures. This is a worthwhile read for that purpose.

[treehugger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an AWESOME introduction to the diabetes/obesity epidemic, how we as a culture are encouraging it (soda machines owned by Coca Cola in every high school because the schools need the $ that our tax dollars aren't putting into the education budget..), and how we can expect the future to look if we don't seriously change our ways.

It was interesting to hear about her clinical experiences, but as has been mentioned in other reviews, she seems awfully hard on those around her (read: her residents in rounds) and fairly condescending to anyone who doesn't eat, exercise, or live like she does (which is EVERYONE).

So, lots of great info, a super-duper overview of a VERY complex disease, both physiologically and socially, and a call to action for us to wake up and smell the cookies.

[Cynthia Bleskachek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Had a hard time getting into it at first - recommended by a friend and didn't really want to read it. Lots of technical info on the causes and effects of diabetes, so it was a slow read in the beginning for a VERY non-medical person like myself. In addition it is just disheartening . . . So I put it down for awhile, read something light and then came back and moved through the rest pretty quickly. Even though we are not personally concerned with diabetes or obesity, this was TERRIBLY interesting and I'm SO glad to have read it - relevant for all of us as we move into a new era of abundant food of mysterious origins and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Wish all my friends and family would read it so I'd have somebody to discuss it with . . . Probably nobody wants to hear me rant, though :-)

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Kaufman covers a lot of ground on the relationship between diabetes, obesity, poverty, and the junk food industry. She keeps it suspenseful with real-life cases, while also discussing what happens in the body. She examines the paradigm shift from Type 1 kids to Type 2, problems inherent in the culture of the educational system, medical system, and political. It was even more interesting to read this after Wheat Belly and Grain Brain because the science she cites often overlaps, and she discusses the Paleo diet as well.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book about diabetes and especially the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes. The book was written several years ago and the author was shocked when she started to see children coming to her practice overweight and in danger of having Type 2. It is worse now, but it doesn't have to be a problem with proper diet and exercise.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to the reality of being diabetic in a way that nothing else has done. With my eyes-wide-opened I am having a much easier time managing my diabetes. I am not diabetes I am Ruth.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another MUST READ! Greatly informative and instructive with present-day health issues, espcially diabetes.
I will be using facts from this book to illicit my speaking engagements as a Global Diabetes Awareness Advocacy.

[Ramsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It teaches a lot about how diabetes spreads all over the world. I feel like never eating McDonalds again!

[Dr Cliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very eye opening, especially regarding the epidemic of type 2 Diabetes in young children, good tie in with Don't Eat This Book;
author is a bit too self congratulatory, which can be annoying

[Jennifer Lucking · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing and eye-opening book.
An important read for those concerned about rising obesity rates and what it is doing to our society.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative book about the causes of diabetes and what you can do to prevent it. Still relevant today.