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Prediabetes: A Complete Guide
Prediabetes can be scary, but it's also an opportunity—an opportunity to "reset," improve your health, and get yourself in better shape than ever.
Learning you have prediabetes is scary, but it comes with a silver lining: It means you've caught the condition just in time, before it's too late. Your best chance to reverse prediabetes starts now.
Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, Second Edition reveals to you in detail what these actions are and empowers you to find the healthy eating and lifestyle changes that work best for you to help you achieve your health goals. This new, updated edition of the original, reader-approved guide includes even more proven tools and new meal “formulas” to make healthy eating easier than ever.
This comprehensive guide leads you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reverse prediabetes, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases.
You’ll learn to:
• Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes
• Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals
• Eat for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity
• Tweak your favorite recipes to include wholesome foods
• Start or improve upon an exercise plan
• Reduce sedentary time
• Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book
Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle “reset,” it allows you to choose your own path to wellness, and maintain a healthful lifestyle so that you can feel better than you have in years.
Learning you have prediabetes is scary, but it comes with a silver lining: It means you've caught the condition just in time, before it's too late. Your best chance to reverse prediabetes starts now.
Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, Second Edition reveals to you in detail what these actions are and empowers you to find the healthy eating and lifestyle changes that work best for you to help you achieve your health goals. This new, updated edition of the original, reader-approved guide includes even more proven tools and new meal “formulas” to make healthy eating easier than ever.
This comprehensive guide leads you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reverse prediabetes, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases.
You’ll learn to:
• Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes
• Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals
• Eat for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity
• Tweak your favorite recipes to include wholesome foods
• Start or improve upon an exercise plan
• Reduce sedentary time
• Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book
Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle “reset,” it allows you to choose your own path to wellness, and maintain a healthful lifestyle so that you can feel better than you have in years.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
148 people are currently reading
2363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 30, 2023
The number of people being diagnosed with Prediabetes & subsequently Diabetes is increasing fast. A lot of what we knew in the past about the conditions has changed as well. This is a sensible book with a lot of useful information – especially if you have not read any books on the topic before.
The book covers approaches to ward off/reverse prediabetes spanning diet, exercise, and sleep. The key is balance – the right proportion of carbs, fat & nutrients, while avoiding foods which are triggers (typically processed food, sugar and saturated fat). There is fairly detailed food information, though primarily focused on the US. I found the inclusion of habit formation theory, shopping methods to be unnecessary. Though there is some information on international foods – it is sketchy and largely useless.
Overall, a book packed with lots of good information.
Thanks to Netgalley, BenBella Books and the author for a free electronic review copy.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
The book covers approaches to ward off/reverse prediabetes spanning diet, exercise, and sleep. The key is balance – the right proportion of carbs, fat & nutrients, while avoiding foods which are triggers (typically processed food, sugar and saturated fat). There is fairly detailed food information, though primarily focused on the US. I found the inclusion of habit formation theory, shopping methods to be unnecessary. Though there is some information on international foods – it is sketchy and largely useless.
Overall, a book packed with lots of good information.
Thanks to Netgalley, BenBella Books and the author for a free electronic review copy.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
October 5, 2018
This is a really informative and useful book about how to change your habits in an effort to prevent Type 2 diabetes. It includes information about prediabetes, how to prepare for a lifestyle change, meal planning, the importance of exercise, addressing your weight, how to handle your thought processes, and how to get support from those around you. It also includes a handful of interesting recipes, and an appendix full of worksheets to help you work through your lifestyle reset.
It talks a little bit about fad diets, how they don't work in the long term, and how restrictive diets (i.e. no carbs, no sugar, no sodium, etc.) can lead to feeling like you're in "food jail" and end up binging and subjecting yourself to a negative thought spiral. It's surprisingly relaxed in how it addresses bad-for-you food; basically moderation and minimal intake is key. For example, if you know you're going to a party with a lot of bad-for-you food, don't tell yourself you can't have any of it. Instead, plan on eating small portions of a variety of foods, or a larger portion of your favorite food. Since these foods are going to be worse for your diet, exercise a little bit extra and eat some healthier foods earlier in the day so you don't end up in a negative thought spiral. The author emphasizes that it's okay to treat yourself every once in a while, just as long as you don't start looking at every meal as an opportunity for treats.
One of my favorite things about this book is that the author uses realistic scenarios to help guide the reader through difficult situations. For example, how to discuss your needs when those around you don't want to support your lifestyle changes. Another example is how to get yourself out of a negative thought spiral if you flub your diet or exercise routine - this one is particularly pertinent to anyone who has gone through the gamut of dealing with change in routine.
Although marketed for those with prediabetes, this book can work well for anyone who feels they need a healthier lifestyle. It's not restrictive; emphasizing more balance in the diet. It's pragmatic in how to handle bad-for-you foods, exercise routine, and making mistakes. And it is excellent at re-working how to think about changes in habits, routines, and mistakes in a healthy and constructive way.
It talks a little bit about fad diets, how they don't work in the long term, and how restrictive diets (i.e. no carbs, no sugar, no sodium, etc.) can lead to feeling like you're in "food jail" and end up binging and subjecting yourself to a negative thought spiral. It's surprisingly relaxed in how it addresses bad-for-you food; basically moderation and minimal intake is key. For example, if you know you're going to a party with a lot of bad-for-you food, don't tell yourself you can't have any of it. Instead, plan on eating small portions of a variety of foods, or a larger portion of your favorite food. Since these foods are going to be worse for your diet, exercise a little bit extra and eat some healthier foods earlier in the day so you don't end up in a negative thought spiral. The author emphasizes that it's okay to treat yourself every once in a while, just as long as you don't start looking at every meal as an opportunity for treats.
One of my favorite things about this book is that the author uses realistic scenarios to help guide the reader through difficult situations. For example, how to discuss your needs when those around you don't want to support your lifestyle changes. Another example is how to get yourself out of a negative thought spiral if you flub your diet or exercise routine - this one is particularly pertinent to anyone who has gone through the gamut of dealing with change in routine.
Although marketed for those with prediabetes, this book can work well for anyone who feels they need a healthier lifestyle. It's not restrictive; emphasizing more balance in the diet. It's pragmatic in how to handle bad-for-you foods, exercise routine, and making mistakes. And it is excellent at re-working how to think about changes in habits, routines, and mistakes in a healthy and constructive way.
May 7, 2023
A really useful book. Recently diagnosed I was not sure how to proceed and got no advice from my medical practice. This book is easy to read and answered many of my questions. I will be following the advice and see how it goes. A real reassurance when I needed guidance.
June 23, 2024
This book promises to be an all-encompassing resource for those looking to manage or prevent prediabetes. Unfortunately, the title is highly misleading. The book strays far from being a comprehensive guide to prediabetes, leaning more towards general advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This could have been more accurately reflected in the title.
One of the key issues with this book is its outdated approach to nutrition. For instance, the author advocates for counting calories as a primary strategy for weight management. However, modern nutritional science has shown that this method is not only ineffective but can also be detrimental to long-term health and weight management. Additionally, the book's endorsement of whole grains and oats, which have a high glycemic index, is problematic for those managing blood sugar levels. Similarly, the recommendation to avoid dairy overlooks the fact that dairy products, particularly full-fat varieties, can actually help reduce sugar cravings and provide longer-lasting satiety.
The author's stance on fruit is also questionable. While fruit contains essential vitamins and nutrients, it is also high in sugar. Encouraging the consumption of fruit with every meal can lead to glucose spikes, which are particularly harmful to individuals with prediabetes. This recommendation contradicts the need to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
The author's emphasis on portion control rather than satiety is another significant flaw. A diet that focuses on portion control without considering the importance of feeling full and satisfied can lead to constant hunger and eventual overeating. Moreover, suggesting fruit as a snack and promoting high glycemic foods like potatoes, bread, rice, and canned corn further undermines effective blood sugar management.
The book also perpetuates outdated myths about fats and cholesterol. The author's warning against saturated fats and her promotion of low-fat and nonfat dairy products are based on old nutritional paradigms that have been debunked by more recent research. Contrary to her claims, saturated fats, particularly those found in fatty meats and coconut oil, have not been conclusively linked to insulin resistance and heart disease. In fact, these fats can be an essential part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
The recommendation of frozen meals and canned foods, which often lack essential fibers and nutrients, is another major downside. The book also inaccurately attributes the issues with juice to calories rather than its high sugar content, and suggests sushi, a dish high in rice and thus high on the glycemic index, as a healthy option.
In addition, the book begins with a focus on habit philosophy rather than providing a thorough explanation of prediabetes itself. While habits and lifestyle changes are important, they should complement a foundational understanding of the condition, not overshadow it.
Overall, this book falls short of its promise. It fails to provide accurate, up-to-date information and instead offers advice that could be potentially harmful to those looking to manage or prevent prediabetes. The book's reliance on outdated dietary advice and its misleading title makes it a disappointing read for anyone seeking a thorough and reliable resource on prediabetes. While it contains some helpful tips on healthy living, these do not compensate for the numerous inaccuracies and outdated recommendations. This book would have been better marketed as a general guide to healthy living rather than a specialized resource on prediabetes.
One of the key issues with this book is its outdated approach to nutrition. For instance, the author advocates for counting calories as a primary strategy for weight management. However, modern nutritional science has shown that this method is not only ineffective but can also be detrimental to long-term health and weight management. Additionally, the book's endorsement of whole grains and oats, which have a high glycemic index, is problematic for those managing blood sugar levels. Similarly, the recommendation to avoid dairy overlooks the fact that dairy products, particularly full-fat varieties, can actually help reduce sugar cravings and provide longer-lasting satiety.
The author's stance on fruit is also questionable. While fruit contains essential vitamins and nutrients, it is also high in sugar. Encouraging the consumption of fruit with every meal can lead to glucose spikes, which are particularly harmful to individuals with prediabetes. This recommendation contradicts the need to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
The author's emphasis on portion control rather than satiety is another significant flaw. A diet that focuses on portion control without considering the importance of feeling full and satisfied can lead to constant hunger and eventual overeating. Moreover, suggesting fruit as a snack and promoting high glycemic foods like potatoes, bread, rice, and canned corn further undermines effective blood sugar management.
The book also perpetuates outdated myths about fats and cholesterol. The author's warning against saturated fats and her promotion of low-fat and nonfat dairy products are based on old nutritional paradigms that have been debunked by more recent research. Contrary to her claims, saturated fats, particularly those found in fatty meats and coconut oil, have not been conclusively linked to insulin resistance and heart disease. In fact, these fats can be an essential part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
The recommendation of frozen meals and canned foods, which often lack essential fibers and nutrients, is another major downside. The book also inaccurately attributes the issues with juice to calories rather than its high sugar content, and suggests sushi, a dish high in rice and thus high on the glycemic index, as a healthy option.
In addition, the book begins with a focus on habit philosophy rather than providing a thorough explanation of prediabetes itself. While habits and lifestyle changes are important, they should complement a foundational understanding of the condition, not overshadow it.
Overall, this book falls short of its promise. It fails to provide accurate, up-to-date information and instead offers advice that could be potentially harmful to those looking to manage or prevent prediabetes. The book's reliance on outdated dietary advice and its misleading title makes it a disappointing read for anyone seeking a thorough and reliable resource on prediabetes. While it contains some helpful tips on healthy living, these do not compensate for the numerous inaccuracies and outdated recommendations. This book would have been better marketed as a general guide to healthy living rather than a specialized resource on prediabetes.
May 2, 2023
Thank you to BenBella Books and Netgalley for this opportunity to read Prediabetes: A Complete Guide by Jill Weisenberger for my honest review.
As someone who was just diagnosed with prediabetes I found this book invaluable. Receiving a diagnosis like this can be scary, confusing, and daunting. But this book has it all when it comes to explaining what is prediabetes and what you can do to avoid diabetes in your future.
I really enjoyed all the helpful insights and medical explanations. As well as setting goals for yourself in such a positive way.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has prediabetes or diabetes risk factors! The knowledge from this book is very empowering.
As someone who was just diagnosed with prediabetes I found this book invaluable. Receiving a diagnosis like this can be scary, confusing, and daunting. But this book has it all when it comes to explaining what is prediabetes and what you can do to avoid diabetes in your future.
I really enjoyed all the helpful insights and medical explanations. As well as setting goals for yourself in such a positive way.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has prediabetes or diabetes risk factors! The knowledge from this book is very empowering.
October 11, 2019
Great information. Kind of a "beginner's guide".
September 25, 2024
Excellent Book
Te nutritionist at the hospital where I work stated this book and author's presentation was one of the best books on pre-diabetes. She recommended it because I asked for a friend who had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. I bought a kindle book for myself and I just finished reading. I LOVE the approach of this book. Not only is it knowledgeable on healthy eating, but you are coached to find what works for you. 5 stars. excellent book!
Te nutritionist at the hospital where I work stated this book and author's presentation was one of the best books on pre-diabetes. She recommended it because I asked for a friend who had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. I bought a kindle book for myself and I just finished reading. I LOVE the approach of this book. Not only is it knowledgeable on healthy eating, but you are coached to find what works for you. 5 stars. excellent book!
July 10, 2023
4.7 rounded up to a 5
Great information with realistic goals and expectations. The tips are really useful and go along with real life scenarios and situations. The diet plans are also realistic and go along with real life as well. I had to check out the physical copy to make copies of the goal, meal plan calendars, and other guides.
Overall a very informative and realistic book.
Great information with realistic goals and expectations. The tips are really useful and go along with real life scenarios and situations. The diet plans are also realistic and go along with real life as well. I had to check out the physical copy to make copies of the goal, meal plan calendars, and other guides.
Overall a very informative and realistic book.
May 30, 2023
This is a good beginner guide to prediabetes. It covers diet, exercise, activity, sleep, habit changes, etc. It is very conventional, standard advice. If you are brand new to the topic it will probably be very helpful.
I read a digital copy of this book for review.
I read a digital copy of this book for review.
June 6, 2024
This book has loads of information and advice for approaching healthful eating and habit (re)setting, whether you have a prediabetes diagnosis or not.
I have already been telling people in real life about this book, and expect I'll be checking it out from the library again in the future.
I have already been telling people in real life about this book, and expect I'll be checking it out from the library again in the future.
May 13, 2023
Good easy to understand guide to pre diabetes. From what are the causes to changing your habits to meal planning.
June 27, 2023
Really loved the focus on goal setting and all the worksheets!
May 27, 2024
This is a good reference book. Very useful information. I’m going to try the recipes as well.
April 18, 2025
not current enough for today.
May 2, 2023
I thought this was an excellent guide. It is beneficial for anyone that wants to live and eat healthier. It is written by someone that understands people and how best to help them. It is beneficial for anyone.
December 29, 2025
This book, published by the American Diabetes Association, is excellent. No one wants to go to the library and get a book on prediabetes. Or at least I didn't. But Weisenberger does a great job walking her readers through a lifestyle reset without a heavy emphasis on weight loss. I'd say the book is really in three parts:
1. Why you're here -- information about prediabetes (basically when your A1C has been elevated for two progressive measures and you've not yet been diagnosed with diabetes) and thinking through your goals and motivations for change.
2. Nutrition information -- extremely balanced and based on the preponderance of scientific evidence. That was one of the best parts, to me. In my dieting years, I read so many books that were like "_____ is the problem/solution. Eliminate/Add that and voila!" But of course that's baloney. Instead, Weisenberger offers a short nutrition quiz that was worth a year of nutrition classes. I was like, OH! I'm supposed to be able to say yes to all of these? I had no idea. At the same time, it's NOT at all one-size-fits-all. In fact, at one point she says "Science hasn't yet--and probably never will--identify a single best diet for everyone...your best diet is one that is made up of mostly nutrient-dense health-boosting foods AND is one you enjoy, keeps you energized and satisfied and is a lifestyle you can stick with" [FWIW she also addresses the definition of the word "diet" as type of food choices you typically make, and she says "everyone HAS a diet and no one needs to ON one"].
3. Troubleshooting -- here she addresses restaurants, the internal critic, bad mental habits and how to create your own custom "food rules." In sum, she advises to build a lifestyles where you can be 80% "perfect" 100% of the time.
(Which reminds me of one of my key points for 2025--I stole it from Gretchen Rubin--what you do every day matters much more than what you do once in a while).
1. Why you're here -- information about prediabetes (basically when your A1C has been elevated for two progressive measures and you've not yet been diagnosed with diabetes) and thinking through your goals and motivations for change.
2. Nutrition information -- extremely balanced and based on the preponderance of scientific evidence. That was one of the best parts, to me. In my dieting years, I read so many books that were like "_____ is the problem/solution. Eliminate/Add that and voila!" But of course that's baloney. Instead, Weisenberger offers a short nutrition quiz that was worth a year of nutrition classes. I was like, OH! I'm supposed to be able to say yes to all of these? I had no idea. At the same time, it's NOT at all one-size-fits-all. In fact, at one point she says "Science hasn't yet--and probably never will--identify a single best diet for everyone...your best diet is one that is made up of mostly nutrient-dense health-boosting foods AND is one you enjoy, keeps you energized and satisfied and is a lifestyle you can stick with" [FWIW she also addresses the definition of the word "diet" as type of food choices you typically make, and she says "everyone HAS a diet and no one needs to ON one"].
3. Troubleshooting -- here she addresses restaurants, the internal critic, bad mental habits and how to create your own custom "food rules." In sum, she advises to build a lifestyles where you can be 80% "perfect" 100% of the time.
(Which reminds me of one of my key points for 2025--I stole it from Gretchen Rubin--what you do every day matters much more than what you do once in a while).
August 9, 2019
This was an incredibly informative book and quite possibly one of my favorites on this subject. A great read even if you are just looking to live a healthier lifestyle. It covers the entire lifestyle and includes many different and practical ways to implement little changes that can make a big difference.
January 13, 2019
Good Information
Easy to read and understand. Jill Weisenberger gives good S.M.A.R.T. examples. Templates included if you don't want to create your own. Would recommend for anyone diagnosed with prediabetes.
Easy to read and understand. Jill Weisenberger gives good S.M.A.R.T. examples. Templates included if you don't want to create your own. Would recommend for anyone diagnosed with prediabetes.
September 27, 2018
I learned a lot from this book and copied some of the worksheets. A very user friendly book.
February 11, 2019
Though written specifically for someone with prediabetes, this practical and realistic book offers strategies for developing a healthier lifestyle.
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December 31, 2020616.462 W434P
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews