Gretchen Becker's "The First Year Type 2 Diabetes" is very well-organized, easy to read, and wonderfully educational. It is organized based on the information you need and the amount of detail you can assimilate -- in other words, first things first, with finer points and expanded details later in the book.

The information she presents includes the most recent research. She discusses the merits and myths of the most popular diets and treatments you will hear about.

I got her book when I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, before talking with a diabetes educator or attending any classes on diabetes. By the time I was formally educated, I had already heard everything from Gretchen's book, and was also able to identify some dated traditional information. She really helped me understand why there isn't a consensus of opinion on the "best" diet for diabetics, and the source of many unfounded and/or unsubstantiated arguments for and against the popular approaches. For example, she discusses the pros and cons of the Food Pyramid (USDA, ADA), low-fat diets (Ornish, etc), exchange diets (ADA, Zone, Weight Watchers, etc), low-carb diets (Atkins, etc).

If you are in the "Your body, your science experiment" camp, she tells you several easy experiments to learn more about your own body processes various foods so you can take control and fine tune your own treatment.


Not JUST for the NEWLY diagnosed!   April 3, 2002
K. Pierce (NJ , United States)
117 out of 118 found this review helpful

I have been dealing with my Type 2 diabetes for about 5 years and I recently ordered this book ..and I learned more from it than from anywhere since I was diagnosed. This is a clear, accurate, and extremely informative book. I go back and re read parts of it often and it has really made a big difference for me.. This is a disease that is difficult to understand correctly, even if you have had it a while, like I have. The up-to-date research behind this book is obvious and it is presented in a truly intelligent and articulate manner. Ms. Becker totally understands type 2 diabetes, and has been extremely helpful in my understanding of it too. How I wish I had had this book when I was first diagnosed - even just the title of the first chapter "It's not your fault" is so important - it allowed me to let go of some of the guilt and self reproach I had. No one ever told me that before! This book is *essential* for all newly diagnosed Type 2's and for the NOT SO NEWLY diagnosed too! You will have a whole new understanding of type 2 diabetes as well as empathetic support and clear information about how to help manage your diabetes. A great book!


Highly recommended for all newly diagnosed   March 13, 2003
Calico Cat Lover "Cathy" (Burbank, CA USA)
119 out of 122 found this review helpful

Having just learned that I have type 2 diabetes, I couldn't ask for a better book to refer to than THE FIRST YEAR. The book is written from the first days, weeks, and months and the order is perfect for what (at least) I have been going through. Becker understands that the reader doesn't really want to get too deep in details about the illness but tells enough that anyone can get a better picture as to what is going on with their body.

The book is broken down by living and learning. One section that I found very informative is about the meters. I had no idea that they are affected by elevation. I travel to a mountainous area every year and needed to know this.

I can't say enough about this book. Anyone who is newly diagnosed with this disease should get this book and get information your doctor or educator may not tell you.


Give a Gift to Your Physician!   October 12, 2002
65 out of 67 found this review helpful

I have been diagnosed with "pre-diabetes" and being "insulin-resistent" (IR) for the last 3 years. HOW I WISH MY PHYSICIANS (2 OF THEM!) HAD EXPLAINED *THOROUGHLY* WHAT THIS MEANT. I might have been more motivated to take more control over my diet and exercise thus MAYBE preventing the development of Type 2 diabetes.

And, "take control" is exactly what Gretchen Becker helps the reader do. The underlying sub-text of the book is YOU are the head of a team (of doctors and other health professionals) -- What you do very much controls the extent of complications from this disease 10 or more years down the road. With the information gleaned from the book, I self-referred myself to an endocrinologist (going to the ADA website to find an approved physician). Having/Taking control YOURSELF gives HOPE and provides a focus for the energy you have when diagnosed -- you really DO have options and decisions to act upon. All is NOT losst -- in fact, there is much to be gained!

I am absolutely astounded at the ignorance of many Primary Care Physicians on the necessity of educating their patients FULLY as to their "pre-diabetic" condition. Too often, it's "your sugar's a bit high," prescribe a diet and recommend exercise. In no way do they take their own prescription seriously enough to let the patient know the path that will be followed should their recommendations fall on deaf ears.

My father had been given this advice -- was put on Glucophage & a diet. His sugar went down to "normal" levels (I think -- since he doesn't know what "normal" is -- it might just have been low enough to be removed from the medication.) The point is, he thinks he doesn't have diabetes anymore. From this book, I know different. A "touch" of diabetes is like having a "touch" of pregnancy!

Folks, the moral of this book is pay attention, know your options, get and keep control, and LIVE LIFE! A diagnosis of "Diabetes" may just be the trigger that moves your lifestyle to the point where you are healthier than ever before -- in fact, it may actually help you live a longer life and live it well!

Thanks to Gretchen Becker, I do not live in absolute dread and fear. And, I am eternally grateful to my library that they purchase and timely process current books. It was just the ticket for me when I was finally able to accept that I had diabetes -- and Gretchen's book help me do that. I bought copies of the book to keep on hand as a ready reference --- and to give as a Christmas gift to my wonderful, but kind-of-diabetes-ignorant PCP!


Best book for NEW Type 2 Diabetics   November 6, 2002
34 out of 34 found this review helpful

If you are newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, this is the book for you!! If you can only afford to buy one book on Type 2 Diabetes this is it!! This is the premier book written for the person who has just found out they have Type 2 Diabetes. I read many books on diabetes when I was first diagnosed--both good and not so good. However, I believe this is the BEST book for the newly diagnosed because the entire book is written for the reader who is newly diagnosed and needs good, accurate, and practical advice for living with diabetes from someone who has gone through the experience. I especially appreciated Ms. Becker's unique insight on why getting diabetes was not my fault. I also learned that diabetes management is different for everyone and there are many options for treatment.
For additional information on diabetes, I recommend another good book which is the American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes, 2nd Edition.