The Diabetes Code – Book Review

(Full Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)

Did you know that the prevalence of diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980. (WHO, 2016). In the USA, 52.3% of the adult populations are not affected. (Diabetes.ca). Diabetes affects the whole body and is a leading cause of death. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all the cases of diabetes and is affecting younger and younger people. We are in the midst of an epidemic of a reversible and preventable chronic disease (Type 2 only).

This is my 3rd book by Dr. Jason Fung and I have loved every single one of them. Dr. Fung’s research and ideas have changed my life for the better. The Diabetes Code is no exception to this, although it is not really new information. Since I have read The Obesity Code and the Complete Guide to Fasting and also follow Dr. Fung’s blog, there are not any new ideas in The Diabetes Code. The real benefit of this book is the compilation of information around the topic of diabetes.

The Diabetes Code is broken into 5 sections. He starts by laying out the problem in part 1: The Epidemic. He further develops the problem in Part 2: Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance. Part 3 is on Sugar and the Rise of Type 2 Diabetes. Part 4 gets more into dealing with modern treatments of diabetes: How Not to Treat Type 2 Diabetes. And Part 5 finishes up with How to Effectively Treat Type 2 Diabetes.

So your question might be, if I have read Dr. Fung’s other books is there any point to read this one? I had that question and after reading the 3rd book my answer is yes. First of all The Complete Guide to Fasting is a bit more of a how to book and different that the other two books. But even if you have read The Obesity Code this book has a bit of a different focus. I don’t know that I would read them right in a row though. I last read The Obesity Code 2 years ago, so this was a great review with a specific emphasis on diabetes. I appreciated have all his ideas neatly organized together around the diabetes theme. It helps me in my goal to prevent diabetes and also as I seek to help my coaching clients in their own journeys in dealing with diabetes or its potential in their lives.

If you have not ever read anything by Dr. Fung, this book is a great place to start. 

So if you want a quick summary of the main points of how to reverse prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, follow these steps.

1. Restrict added sugars and high sugar fruits.
2. Eat a low carb diet, especially avoiding refined grains.
3. Eat real food, not processed, refined foods.
4. Enjoy healthy fats without guilt.
5. Eliminate all snacking and practice intermittent fasting. (To join my free 30 day intermittent fasting challenge click on this link.)

If you are consistent with these steps, Dr. Fung tells us your life will change. I totally agree with this as I have seen it in my own life (prediabetes) and in the lives of others I have worked with or have been in a groups with. There is hope.

To buy your own copy of Dr. Fung’s book The Diabetes Code, here is my Amazon affiliate link.

And if you want to work with me, my approach for health coaching is in line with Dr. Fung’s teachings and advice. I have a number of options including private coaching, group coaching, and e-courses. Feel free to message me to ask what is open right now, or sign up for my list to be notified as different opportunities open for purchase.