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Doing Diabetes Differently: Empower a Healthier You
Amazon Bestseller in Diabetes
Amazon Bestseller in General Diabetes Health
Amazon Bestseller in Type 2 Diabetes Health
2023 Nonfiction Book Awards Gold Medalist
Get off the blood sugar roller coaster! With Doing Diabetes Differently , Chad Lewis offers down-to-earth perspectives and approaches for all who struggle with diabetes. Lewis combines years of research with firsthand experience as he covers—sometimes provocatively—the mental, nutritional, exercise, and drugs-and-devices aspects of the disease. To present additional perspectives, the book includes commentaries from notable experts in the diabetes community. Among the topics covered • Why the current hierarchy of diabetes care isn’t working • A mental framework that goes beyond just treating symptoms of diabetes distress • Why “going on a diet” is futile and what dietary alternatives work • How to make the right exercise more achievable • Why less is more when it comes to diabetes drugs and how to best use diabetes devices Doing Diabetes Differently isn’t another how-to guide. Instead, it’s a place to discover a diabetes answer, a question to ask a care provider to get one, or a reference to consult to find one. If you’re frustrated and want a way to do diabetes differently (and better)—for yourself or someone you care for—this life-changing book can help.
Amazon Bestseller in General Diabetes Health
Amazon Bestseller in Type 2 Diabetes Health
2023 Nonfiction Book Awards Gold Medalist
Get off the blood sugar roller coaster! With Doing Diabetes Differently , Chad Lewis offers down-to-earth perspectives and approaches for all who struggle with diabetes. Lewis combines years of research with firsthand experience as he covers—sometimes provocatively—the mental, nutritional, exercise, and drugs-and-devices aspects of the disease. To present additional perspectives, the book includes commentaries from notable experts in the diabetes community. Among the topics covered • Why the current hierarchy of diabetes care isn’t working • A mental framework that goes beyond just treating symptoms of diabetes distress • Why “going on a diet” is futile and what dietary alternatives work • How to make the right exercise more achievable • Why less is more when it comes to diabetes drugs and how to best use diabetes devices Doing Diabetes Differently isn’t another how-to guide. Instead, it’s a place to discover a diabetes answer, a question to ask a care provider to get one, or a reference to consult to find one. If you’re frustrated and want a way to do diabetes differently (and better)—for yourself or someone you care for—this life-changing book can help.
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2022
32 people are currently reading
3120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 2, 2022
Diabetes runs in my family. I personally do not have them, but I've lost a brother from it and wanted to learn more about it incase another family member has to go through it. This truly is insightful in a fresh way of looking at it. Very detailed and gives you the in's and out's. Truly answered some questions I've always wanted to know plus gave me information on so much more I was clueless about. This book seems like a very great tool to use for those suffering with diabetes to help them achieve a better quality of life and get the Diabetes under control.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
September 16, 2023
This was super dry and difficult to stay focused on.
The majority of this book is the author referring the reader to other books, websites, phone numbers and just other resources in general. This can sometimes be helpful, especially if it is a source book for something they can't delve as deep into as they would like.
In this case it just felt like filler. The constant referral to other books, a lot of the time, without any reasoning as to why you would need to read it other than "a good source of information".
I thought that's what I was reading your book for?
There was a section where they read a list of book titles & authors for more than 9 minutes.
Just nine minutes of reading a list of books with no other conversation of reasoning. It felt like a list of things to do or a grocery list being read off, only less exciting.
I wanted to read this book for a unique perspective on diabetes health, but there was maybe 7% of the book where that happened. The majority of it is regurgitated statistics and listings of medications your doctor could or might put you on and the side effects if they do, along with all the horrible things that can happen to you if you don't manage your diabetes correctly. There is not a lot of straight line help here, just more listings for further research.
None of this was overly helpful, and it made the book slog.
This book is only about 5 hours long, but it felt infinitely longer. If you go into this book as a starting point for research into diabetes you will likely get a lot of other (hopefully) more informative books from this.
The most helpful bit here was to look for a diabetes support group in my area so I could lean on and learn from other diabetics. This I will be doing.
Thank you(?) to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks, River Grove Books for my ALC.
The majority of this book is the author referring the reader to other books, websites, phone numbers and just other resources in general. This can sometimes be helpful, especially if it is a source book for something they can't delve as deep into as they would like.
In this case it just felt like filler. The constant referral to other books, a lot of the time, without any reasoning as to why you would need to read it other than "a good source of information".
I thought that's what I was reading your book for?
There was a section where they read a list of book titles & authors for more than 9 minutes.
Just nine minutes of reading a list of books with no other conversation of reasoning. It felt like a list of things to do or a grocery list being read off, only less exciting.
I wanted to read this book for a unique perspective on diabetes health, but there was maybe 7% of the book where that happened. The majority of it is regurgitated statistics and listings of medications your doctor could or might put you on and the side effects if they do, along with all the horrible things that can happen to you if you don't manage your diabetes correctly. There is not a lot of straight line help here, just more listings for further research.
None of this was overly helpful, and it made the book slog.
This book is only about 5 hours long, but it felt infinitely longer. If you go into this book as a starting point for research into diabetes you will likely get a lot of other (hopefully) more informative books from this.
The most helpful bit here was to look for a diabetes support group in my area so I could lean on and learn from other diabetics. This I will be doing.
Thank you(?) to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks, River Grove Books for my ALC.
December 22, 2022
This is a keepsake for me. It has tons of information and references that will come handy and helpful for Diabetics patients. The principles and programs explained are easy to follow. Recommended.
Book is best read on Kindle to check out the numerous links provided. (Keeping the links and the book updated will be a challenge)
Book is best read on Kindle to check out the numerous links provided. (Keeping the links and the book updated will be a challenge)
January 3, 2023
Excellent book that should be required reading for all diabetics. The author’s approach lines up with my personal approach. It is a tough message - if you have diabetes, your metabolism is different so you need to eat different. However, this message is spot on and advice all diabetics would do well to heed.
December 21, 2022
Since I do have diabetes but do not take insulin, this book was a good reminder to watch my diet and to exercise. It encourages people to not count on insulin to let you eat what you want. Explaining on how that is a slippery road to declining health.
December 30, 2022
Received as a GoodReads giveaway. Lots of good information, pretty easy to read and understand. The emphasis on the frame of mind needed to deal with this disease was somewhat different than other books I've read, and I appreciated the discussion on different opinions on several of the topics. I plan to check out some of the links and references, including Dr. Bernstein's diabetes diet book.
December 27, 2022
Doing Diabetes Differently: Empower a Healthier You
Doing Diabetes Differently: Empower a Healthier You is very informative. A nice guide to healthy living in today’s grab for junk food lifestyles.
Doing Diabetes Differently: Empower a Healthier You is very informative. A nice guide to healthy living in today’s grab for junk food lifestyles.
December 2, 2022
Great beginner book - helps you figure out where to go and what to do. I love all of the references to other books and blogs to follow as well.
December 14, 2022
#DoingDiabetesDifferently #NetGalley Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I encourage you to check this one out! Really solid read.
September 18, 2023
Thank you to Chad T. Lewis, Greenleaf Audio, and NetGalley for providing me a copy of an eaudiobook of Doing Diabetes Differently in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I was not impressed with this book. I believe the author's thoughts on diabetes management are very extreme (which is not necessarily a bad thing) but not very realistic. As a diabetic, I understand that strict diabetes management is required to successfully counteract the effects of the disease. However, the book lays out a system that makes life unpleasant. I see many diabetics not following this method as we are human and still want some enjoyment from our food. It would be great if many diabetics would not need medications to control their diabetes but without sufficient resources, it is impossible to manage diabetes. Even in the book, the author mentions the wide variety of opposing medical advice given to patients. Also, the book does not provide a more detailed explanation on how to achieve the diabetes management indicated.
Overall, I was not impressed with this book. I believe the author's thoughts on diabetes management are very extreme (which is not necessarily a bad thing) but not very realistic. As a diabetic, I understand that strict diabetes management is required to successfully counteract the effects of the disease. However, the book lays out a system that makes life unpleasant. I see many diabetics not following this method as we are human and still want some enjoyment from our food. It would be great if many diabetics would not need medications to control their diabetes but without sufficient resources, it is impossible to manage diabetes. Even in the book, the author mentions the wide variety of opposing medical advice given to patients. Also, the book does not provide a more detailed explanation on how to achieve the diabetes management indicated.
May 27, 2024
I gave this book a 3.5. I received this book in a giveaway from Goodreads. Diabetes runs on both sides of my family. Both parents had it (Dad, type 1, and mom type 2). I don’t have it and don’t want it. I want to break the cycle of hereditary. This was a good informational book for folks to help lower their A1c.
October 10, 2023
I read this book at the right time in my life, and I'm grateful for it. A big part of its message, which I'd come across before--people with diabetes do best on a low-carb/sugar diet--hit me differently in the past. I just wasn't quite ready to enact it consistently. But now, decades after my diabetes diagnosis, I feel reading Chad's book was the (hopefully!) final nudge I needed to get off and stay off the high/low blood sugar rollercoaster.
Beyond the fortuitous timing of my reading of it, there are several specific things I appreciate about this book. I like that it's direct in its messaging, I like that it's applicable to diabetics of all types, I like that the author invites compelling expert-perspectives that don't always align precisely with his own, and I like the suggested physician questions *paired* with the acknowledgment that one's physician will bring to the conversation some degree of bias/limited understanding.
I also really appreciate Chad's acknowledgment of how much easier it is for folks with resources to achieve optimal diabetes management than it is for poor folks--for all the reasons. Relatedly, though he tackles the egregious expense of insulin/diabetes supplies in the U.S., the greed of Big Pharma, and the complexity of profit-taking supply chain members like pharmacy benefit managers, it would've been nice to see some recommendations for ways that many of us can support advocacy and direct-aid efforts like those of https://www.t1international.com and https://mutualaiddiabetes.com. Because, of course, access to insulin and other diabetes supplies is a human right, and we have got to show up for one another--a key part of "doing diabetes differently," in my mind.
This is a solid read for folks with diabetes and for anyone who loves or works with them.
Beyond the fortuitous timing of my reading of it, there are several specific things I appreciate about this book. I like that it's direct in its messaging, I like that it's applicable to diabetics of all types, I like that the author invites compelling expert-perspectives that don't always align precisely with his own, and I like the suggested physician questions *paired* with the acknowledgment that one's physician will bring to the conversation some degree of bias/limited understanding.
I also really appreciate Chad's acknowledgment of how much easier it is for folks with resources to achieve optimal diabetes management than it is for poor folks--for all the reasons. Relatedly, though he tackles the egregious expense of insulin/diabetes supplies in the U.S., the greed of Big Pharma, and the complexity of profit-taking supply chain members like pharmacy benefit managers, it would've been nice to see some recommendations for ways that many of us can support advocacy and direct-aid efforts like those of https://www.t1international.com and https://mutualaiddiabetes.com. Because, of course, access to insulin and other diabetes supplies is a human right, and we have got to show up for one another--a key part of "doing diabetes differently," in my mind.
This is a solid read for folks with diabetes and for anyone who loves or works with them.
September 9, 2023
Doing Diabetes Differently was full of great information that all those with Diabetes can benefit from (Whether it be Type 1, Gestational, LADA or Type 2). Of course that being said always discuss with your medical provider, but Lewis lays out a very reasonable approach to managing diabetes with the goal of minimalizing the use of pharmaceuticals and extreme diets. Lewis includes many of his own personal successes following his 12 step program for managing his diabetes. His voice is very calming and empowers the reader to believe or at least begin believing that they too can achieve normal A1C levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
I enjoyed the layout of the book where he addresses his steps in a methodical approach.
The only part that felt too “opinionated” were his extreme praise for high fat low carb way of eating. He planted a few seeds of doubt in readers that carbs are bad. There is an important distinguisher that should be pointed out. Yes some carbs are worse than others. On average Americans consume 7 oz of grains per day, however only 1 oz of those are whole grains. It is the refined grains that are more of the issue, not the fruits/vegetables and whole grains. There is a Grand Canyon between an apple and apple jacks cereal. Lewis touches this but I believe could delve a bit deeper.
I enjoyed his approaches to exercise and found it to be very attainable doable and motivating.
He has a lot of sound evidence and I think many will benefit from this book.
Thank you Net Galley for granting me the access to this advanced copy read. Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the layout of the book where he addresses his steps in a methodical approach.
The only part that felt too “opinionated” were his extreme praise for high fat low carb way of eating. He planted a few seeds of doubt in readers that carbs are bad. There is an important distinguisher that should be pointed out. Yes some carbs are worse than others. On average Americans consume 7 oz of grains per day, however only 1 oz of those are whole grains. It is the refined grains that are more of the issue, not the fruits/vegetables and whole grains. There is a Grand Canyon between an apple and apple jacks cereal. Lewis touches this but I believe could delve a bit deeper.
I enjoyed his approaches to exercise and found it to be very attainable doable and motivating.
He has a lot of sound evidence and I think many will benefit from this book.
Thank you Net Galley for granting me the access to this advanced copy read. Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for my honest review.
October 28, 2023
Chad T. Lewis delivers helpful and well-researched advice about managing diabetes, a lifelong metabolic disorder, through “Doing Diabetes Differently.” Lewis culls from his experiences as someone who suffered from Type 1 diabetes at an early age. The tips and strategies presented in the book are applicable to those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, often the result of poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and other unhealthy life choices. Lewis challenges mainstream and often misunderstood notions about dieting, exercise, food selections, and medications. The author brings other voices to the conversation, drawing from the knowledge of physicians, endocrinologists, nutritionists, and others who offered commentaries. Each chapter concludes with a list of questions that diabetics can ask their healthcare provider, to ensure they receive the guidance needed to manage the disease.
Diabetes is a progressive disorder for which there is no cure. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes five years ago, and have been on a journey of learning about how best to manage the disease. I appreciated Lewis’ emphasis on overcoming the mental barriers that prevent diabetics from making meaningful progress in their healing. Comparing diabetes to alcoholism may seem like a harsh approach, but it may be useful for those who are caught in the web of denial about the seriousness of the disease.
Diabetes is a progressive disorder for which there is no cure. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes five years ago, and have been on a journey of learning about how best to manage the disease. I appreciated Lewis’ emphasis on overcoming the mental barriers that prevent diabetics from making meaningful progress in their healing. Comparing diabetes to alcoholism may seem like a harsh approach, but it may be useful for those who are caught in the web of denial about the seriousness of the disease.
November 4, 2023
I picked this book to do a review of because my father was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and we have had many family members with it too. So I felt the more I know about it the more I can help him understand the diagnosis and help him live a full life still. I did learn a lot of little bits of knowledge. This book is full of knowledge for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The beginning starts out by telling you what is happening in your body when you have diabetes. then there is diet and how to find the right diet for you. ( mostly whole foods and less processed foods), he goes over how exercise can help and how to do it safely. The last chapter is about the medications and devices for diabetes. I enjoyed that he wants to help you with the right diet and exercise plan to help you use the least amount of medication. To not say "I can eat whatever I want because I am on medication" is a myth and we should use the least amount of medication as possible. I do recommend reading the book versus listening to it. They spell out references and can be better taken in by looking at some of those then hearing them. Thank you netgalley, Greenleaf Audiobooks, and River Grove Books for a gifted copy for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
EN
As a naturopathic doctor, the content of this book wasn't really a surprise.
In my opinion, what lacks in this book is a more down to earth explanation, with examples of meals and even recipes.
I also felt that the author was somewhat redundant and repetitive.
This being said, it's really positive to know that this important information is being spread for those who have diabetes and need to know more about other, and more natural, approaches, instead of just medication.
PT
Como naturopata, o conteúdo deste livro não foi propriamente uma surpresa.
Na minha opinião, o que falta neste livro são explicações mais práticas, com exemplos de refeições ou mesmo receitas.
Também senti que o autor foi por vezes redundante e repetitivo.
Dito isto, é mesmo muito positivo saber que esta informação importante está a ser espalhada para os que têm diabetes e precisam de saber mais sobre outras, e mais naturais, abordagens, para além de apenas a medicação.
As a naturopathic doctor, the content of this book wasn't really a surprise.
In my opinion, what lacks in this book is a more down to earth explanation, with examples of meals and even recipes.
I also felt that the author was somewhat redundant and repetitive.
This being said, it's really positive to know that this important information is being spread for those who have diabetes and need to know more about other, and more natural, approaches, instead of just medication.
PT
Como naturopata, o conteúdo deste livro não foi propriamente uma surpresa.
Na minha opinião, o que falta neste livro são explicações mais práticas, com exemplos de refeições ou mesmo receitas.
Também senti que o autor foi por vezes redundante e repetitivo.
Dito isto, é mesmo muito positivo saber que esta informação importante está a ser espalhada para os que têm diabetes e precisam de saber mais sobre outras, e mais naturais, abordagens, para além de apenas a medicação.
October 9, 2023
I really liked this non-fiction book about how to deal with diabetes in a new and more holistic way. I thought there were some really good suggestions on how to think about diabetes and comparing a diabetic to an alcoholic. You wouldn't tell an alcoholic it's okay to drink just drink in moderation; however, diabetics are often told it's okay to eat sugar as long as you do it in moderation. And I was amazed to hear that more money is going to something like AIDS than diabetes research, even though diabetes causes more deaths. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
June 6, 2025
Doing Diabetes Differently offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on managing diabetes beyond the usual one-size-fits-all advice. The author focuses on real-life strategies, mindset shifts, and individualized care that many people with diabetes will find relatable and practical. It also opens the door to exploring newer medical options—like Ozempic https://www.canadadrugsdirect.com/pro... —as part of a broader, more personalized approach to treatment. A thoughtful and encouraging read for anyone looking to take control of their health journey.
September 13, 2023
The stand out thing for me in this book was the encouragement for people with diabetes to not just accept it or to just manage it with medication. The author highlights many ways to manage and improve your health by making some key, and often simple, changes such as keeping to a routine as much as possible and regular, but not necessarily rigorous, exercise. More examples of diet and recipes would have been a welcome addition. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2022
I won this book on Goodreads First reads, Thank you!
As a diabetic for awhile I’m always gathering information. This is an amazing book. It helps you figure out where to go and what to do. I love all of the references to other books and blogs to follow as well. I recommended it to my endocrinologist and he has passed the title around to other patients. He loves it as well.
Thank you!
As a diabetic for awhile I’m always gathering information. This is an amazing book. It helps you figure out where to go and what to do. I love all of the references to other books and blogs to follow as well. I recommended it to my endocrinologist and he has passed the title around to other patients. He loves it as well.
Thank you!
July 31, 2024
As someone who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years, I found this book to be a refreshing guide. It offers insights and language that are often missing from our routine doctor's visits. Informative and accessible, I’ve even gifted copies to others in my life who are also managing diabetes.
April 21, 2023
This book has lots of good information to help navigate diabetes. The author also includes many other reference materials for you to learn as much as you want about diabetes. The author gives sound advice and knows how hard it can be to watch your diet.
Thanks for the free book.
Thanks for the free book.
October 13, 2023
It was very informative indeed. As a caregiver of someone with diabetes I think people will benefit by reading this book. Although I wouldn’t recommend reading via audio as there are many references I needed to check while reading this book.
January 21, 2024
A very thoughtful and knowledgeable guide to healthy living with diabetes. It's well-written and accessible for a wide audience - simply a godsend for anyone and his/her family who is living with diabetes.
January 26, 2024
Well researched, reader friendly style, useful without being overly simplistic, science combined with long personal experience; I especially liked the questions to as your healthcare provider that were included at the end of each chapter.
December 29, 2022
This was a very reader friendly guide to managing diabetes with easy to follow applications. Bravo!
September 23, 2025
I won this book through Goodreads. I do not have diabetes nut found many interesing things in this book. I hope to give the book to a friend. It looks interesting.
January 9, 2024
I was given the opportunity to review the audio book Doing Diabetes Differently via NetGalley. I enjoyed the narrator's voice, however there were a lot of references and footnotes that did notwork well as an audio book. I tended to space out during that portion of the chapter and it took a bit to realize when Chad was back to his main topic. He stated that there would be things in the book that I may not agree with. I found that to be the case, but I tried to listen with an open mind and that warning helped me not to stop right then and there, There were also things in the book that I did agree with and I even learned some new items. Again Chad warned not to give this book to those who where newly diagnosed or going through control issues with their diabetes. That warning was helpful as well. Occasionally, especially when talking about some diets that might be helpful, Chad's tone because a bit prescriptive, in my opinion. I did appreciate that Chad was aware that one way does not fit all diabetics. I am not a diabetic, but I do have a loved one who is. Chad was clear in describing his points and did not cloud it with a lot of medical jargon. He did a good job of making a difficult and technical subject approachable by a non-expert. I will probably go back and actually read his book so I can look into some of the references he provided.
April 1, 2026
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