cover image The Diabetes Breakthrough: A Scientifically Proven Plan to Lose Weight and Cut Medications

The Diabetes Breakthrough: A Scientifically Proven Plan to Lose Weight and Cut Medications

Osama Hamdy, M.D. and Sheri R. Colberg. Harlequin, $25.95 (352p) ISBN 978-0-373-89284-6

Hamdy, medical director of the obesity clinical program at Harvard Medical School–affiliated Joslin Diabetes Center, and author and exercise physiologist Colberg, share the center’s “Why WAIT” (Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment) program in this detailed guide. The authors offer an overview of the plan and walk readers week-by-week through lifestyle, diet, and exercise recommendations. Hamdy and Colberg claim that the clinical program (this is a home-based version) resulted in participants cutting their diabetes meds by 50–60%; 21% were able to stop insulin treatments by the close of the program. In one key chapter, they point out that some diabetes medications actually cause weight gain, and give readers the tools to talk with their health-care providers about choosing weight-friendly alternative medications. In conjunction with exercising four to six days a week, the diet focuses on healthy foods to help manage blood glucose levels while losing weight and maintaining muscle mass. With type 2 diabetes on the rise, this guide will be a welcome addition to the at-home libraries of those ready and willing to commit to diet and lifestyle changes. Agent: Linda Konner, Linda Konner Agency. (Mar.)