Foreword
by Frank Vinicor, M.D., M.P.H. Director, Division of Diabetes Translation
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, Georgia
Diabetes is “hot”!
From many viewpoints—scientific, educational, therapeutic, economic,
size of the diabetes problem and thus “need,” policy decisions,
the political process, public and patient concerns, et cetera—diabetes
is demanding, and receiving, attention. This attention is all to the
good!
In the few years since the previous edition of this important book,
we have learned a lot more about diabetes—what could be causing
it; how best to treat it; and indeed, now, how to prevent type 2 diabetes.
This new knowledge should lead to better ways to deal with diabetes
and to improve the quality of life of persons affected by the disease.
For example, while we have understood for many years both (1) the importance
of good blood glucose control directly on vascular complications as
well as indirectly through lowering of blood pressure and blood lipids,
and (2) the benefits of early detection and treatment of potential diabetes
complications, there are now more and better medicines for facilitating
improved regulation of body metabolism, as well as exciting technology
to let us know when blood glucose, pressure, and lipids need attention.
It is reasonable to expect even further ways to achieve good metabolic
regulation in the near future.
The possibility of prevention of diabetes, especially type 2 (often
referred to as maturity-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes), has
also become a “hot” issue since the last edition of Dr.
Bernstein’s book. Particularly for people at high risk for developing
type 2 diabetes—those with impaired glucose tolerance, or what
is now being called pre-diabetes—the chances of progression to
type 2 diabetes can be substantially reduced with weight reduction,
dietary control, and activity changes, as well as various medications.
This too is very good news and means that the epidemic of type 2 diabetes
that is occurring throughout the world could be attenuated.
Thus, scientific investigations at the basic, clinical, applied, and
health services levels are really giving us ammunition and conviction
that the potential devastation of diabetes—indeed the disease
itself—does not have to happen.
Yet at the same time that we are excited about this new information
and new possibilities, there are growing concerns. Diabetes—both
types 1 (juvenile-onset) and 2—is reaching epidemic proportions
in the United States and actually throughout the world. In addition,
there remains a gap—perhaps even a chasm—between what should
be happening to prevent and treat potentially devastating complications
associated with this disease and what is actually occurring on a daily
basis in the real world.
So diabetes is indeed “hot,” and there is much we can do
now that was not possible in years past. Still, some of the old challenges
remain. Even with the new information, we still have to make a difference
in the lives of people at risk for, or with, diabetes. To me, making
a difference is the great value of the way Dr. Bernstein lives, thinks,
works with patients, and shares information, as in this revised edition
of his book. In a way, all the new science, understanding, medications,
and
so forth require—even more so than in the past—methods and
approaches to encourage, empower, activate, help, and support people.
We now have so many choices, and so many things to think about! But
the essence of what is contained in this book—the conviction that
good things can happen; that although it may not be easy to get to this
good point, it can be done—is impressive. And for people facing
diabetes who heed his advice, the reward is that they can take charge
of their lives and this disease with the knowledge that their chances
of staying healthy are very good indeed.
Dr. Bernstein himself exemplifies the experience that diabetes is controllable,
and that all people can improve their lives in spite of diabetes. While
the task is demanding, it is doable, and with Dr. Bernstein’s
approaches, new information and new science can be used to help all
people at risk for or with diabetes. With the programs and recommendations
contained in this book, diabetes can be managed well! So I thank Dr.
Bernstein for continuing his commitment to people with diabetes, and
for sharing his own experiences and helpful approaches so that we all
can get a good handle on this condition called diabetes mellitus.
Copyright ©1997, 2003 by Richard K. Bernstein, M.D.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage
and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher,
except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
For
information on how you can purchase Diabetes Solution, go to www.Diabetes-solution.net
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“Getting to the Heart of Diabetes” is a guide to understanding
CVD, diabetes and insulin resistance. This is a small guide with 4 chapters,
About Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Controlling Diabetes and Warning
Signs for heart attacks and strokes. After reading the booklet, you
can take the next step by putting your new knowledge into action. As
part of the program patients receive the following free of charge………….
1.
Heart of Diabetes Journal to track your progress in managing your diabetes
and reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease;
2. 12-month subscription to Diabetes Positive magazine; and
3. Incentives throughout the year to help stay motivated.
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