During my years in practice as a primary care physician, I discovered that a lot of patients recently been diagnosed or who have been living with diabetes for quite some time had a lot of questions about their disease and do not have the resources with sufficient clarity that they truly `get it'. With the number of people with diabetes expected to double to 44 million in the next 25 years in the United States, now more than ever, we need to become more aware of measures to prevent or treat early diabetes. In my experience, a typical 15 minute office visit is not enough time to answer all the questions; especially questions that relate to how to live with the knowledge needed to move them forward. As the saying goes, `knowledge is power'. I have written in a simple and yet illustrative phrases. I have set the book out explaining the different aspects of diabetes care using each letter of the alphabet. By empowering people with knowledge, they are able to make better informed and healthier decisions. In addition to being a physician, I am also trained as a life coach. My goal in this manual is to focus more on wellness than disease. My assertion is that being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean that you cannot live a life that focuses on being healthy and doing things to support your wellbeing. In fact on the contrary it is a call to embrace a wellness lifestyle with enthusiasm and an optimistic attitude. Dr. Eno's Guide to Living Powerfully with Diabetes By Eno Nsima-Obot AuthorHouse Copyright © 2011 Eno Nsima-Obot All right reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4567-3540-1 Contents Dedication........................................................................vForeword..........................................................................xiAcknowledgments...................................................................xiiiWhat Is Diabetes?.................................................................1The Relationship between Diabetes and Insulin.....................................2How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?........................................................3What Is Borderline Diabetes?......................................................4Long-Term Complications of Type II Diabetes.......................................4A—Acceptance................................................................7Journal Entry.....................................................................9B—Believe that You Can Live with Diabetes...................................10Journal Entry.....................................................................12C—Commit to Change..........................................................13The Stages of Change..............................................................13The Benefits of Being Aware of the Stages of Change...............................16D—Drugs.....................................................................17What Are the Best Sites to Inject Insulin?........................................22Some Important Tips...............................................................23Action Steps......................................................................24E—Exercise..................................................................25Starting an Exercise Program......................................................26Examples of Moderate Physical Activity............................................27Tips on Starting an Exercise Program..............................................29Action Steps......................................................................33F—Foot Care.................................................................34G—Glycosylated Hemoglobin...................................................36Action Steps......................................................................38H—Heart Health and Hypertension.............................................39Some factors that can affect the progression of heart disease.....................39Action Steps......................................................................42I—Immunizations.............................................................44Action Steps......................................................................46J—Journal...................................................................47Action Steps......................................................................49K—Kindred History...........................................................50Action Steps......................................................................52L—Lipid Levels..............................................................57Action Steps......................................................................60M—Microalbumin and Kidney Function..........................................61N—Nutrition.................................................................631. Create Your Plate..............................................................642. The Diabetes Food Pyramid.......