Medical doctor Hyman (UltraMetabolism, 2008) convincingly argues that residents of the United States of Diabetes need to start saying no to processed junk food. Otherwise, the modern obesogenic environment will lead toward diabesity, an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes. As Hyman clearly explains, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that damages the pancreas and causes a lack of insulin production. Type-2 diabetes, by contrast, is a disease of too much insulin. As Hyman notes, more than 70 percent of Americans are overweight, which puts them at great risk for pre-diabetes and earlier death. (Diabetics are four times more likely to die from heart disease and three to four times more likely to experience a stroke.) The book includes a quiz, patient success stories, diabetes myths, action tips, recipes, and links to recommended websites. Some doctors may not like his advice to try supplements and herbs (melatonin, passionflower, valerian-root extract) before bed. But overall, this passionate doctor gives solid advice about how to try to cure the modern plague of diabesity. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.) -Booklist
