New Diabetes Book "Know Your Numbers"

"A Quick Read, and Well Worth It"

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:46:52 -0700

Book News Flash from the blogosphere:

Christine Miserandino, who blogs about living with "invisible" chronic illness at ButYouDontLookSick.com has posted a

glowing review of Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes.

She recently discovered my blog, DiabetesMine.com, and has this to say:

"I found her writing to be easy to read and interesting (an unusual combination when reading health related writing) ... I was intrigued to see how her writing would read in book form.

"I was happy to read her book and have it contain the same style and 'voice' as her blog. This book has straight to the point facts that everyone dealing with diabetes and blood sugar issues should know.

"Dr. Richard Jackson and Amy Tenderich walk you through how to understand each of the five factors/ tests and then help you create a personalized treatment plan for optimum blood-glucose control, heart health, and general diabetes management and well being.

"I know that many of these medical tests, and numbers can be overwhelming, complicated and scary to many, especially to new patients dealing with this disease.

"This book helps you not only be more knowledgeable, but lets you know small things that you can do to improve your life, i.e.: exercise, food, and diet. It is great to have these two authors work together. You receive the medical expertise of a doctor, combined with the real life experience of a patient."

Best of all, she concludes her review this way:

"At 224 pages, this paperback book was a quick, but well worth the read. I would recommend this book for anyone you know who is living with diabetes or loving someone with diabetes." (!)

Check out the book on Amazon, or order it with a free trial pack of ExtendBar slow-release glucose snacks HERE.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

"Got Diabetes? Then Buy This Book"

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Sat, 05 May 2007 09:23:01 -0700

Patricia Salber is a physician-blogger at The Doctor Weighs In. She's an MD, MBA, and board certified internist with

Pat Salber, MD

training in endocrinology. She's also an expert on the topic of obesity and its relationship to medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. She has just reviewed our new book, Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes, and has this to say:

"Yeah, I know, some of you hate the 'empowerment' word. But that is what this book sets out to do. It arms you with information. It helps you understand your particular needs and challenges. And it provides guidance on how to go, one step at a time, from where you are now to where you want to be in terms of diabetes health."

"So, there you go. If you have diabetes, if someone you care about has diabetes, or if you are a health professional working with people with diabetes, then buy (and read) this book. You will be glad you did."

In short: "Got Diabetes? Then Buy This Book." (Read the full review here)

Needless, to say, Dr. Jackson and I are delighted to receive such a hearty endorsement from such a well-respected source. Now follow those doctor's orders, will ya? ;)

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

MedScape Interview with "Know Your Numbers" Authors

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:27:42 -0700

MedScape.com

Do you follow MedScape -- the clinician and healthcare-professional-focused sister site of WebMD? Well, check out the author interview with myself and Dr. Jackson in the "Diabetes & Endocrinology" section, published yesterday. (Registration required, but it's free)

It's presented as the "Expert Interview" on our new book, "Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes" -- which was a lot of fun, since we did the interview in tandem, with Dr. J as the medical expert and myself as the expert on all the crap we go through living with this volatile disease.

A favorite snippet from Dr. Jackson:
"If you were running an insurance company and wanted to insure people with diabetes, and were trying to figure out their risk, these are the 5 numbers you'd want to know. And the numbers aren't so complicated that people can't understand them."

See why these numbers are so important?

He also says:
"I'm involved in outreach programs at the Joslin Center, and we go into communities and do diabetes programs with free testing, so we get people who are interested in their diabetes. We ask, 'Have you heard of an A1C? Have you had an A1C test?' And only about 10% of people are what we call 'A1C aware.' "

"Blood pressure is a little better. Microalbumin -- hardly anyone has heard of it. People have had eye examinations, but they're not sure about the results... One of the fundamental points in our book is that first you have to find out where you are before you can get to where you're going."

Right. So get the book. Get the tests. Figure out where you're going. I hope the message that came across at MedScape was the urgency of educating patients about these tests, and motivating them to take control.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Diabetes Guidebook is "refreshing" and "reduces stress"

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:36:35 -0700

A few more endorsements for Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes to share with you today. Needless to say, we are delighted that so many prominent diabetes educators and fellow authors find our book useful and easy to read!

Malinda Peeples, leading diabetes educator

“The positive, person-focused approach presented by the authors was refreshing! Rather than starting with

‘What is diabetes?’ this book immediately guides the reader through concrete ways of identifying their very own practical

strategy for ‘taking on’ their diabetes. The authors use numerical test results as an objective approach for guiding the person with diabetes to identify what self-care behaviors to tackle first. Self-care success is measured by using these test results to define personal actions that produce outcomes of health and well-being. This book is a must read for people with diabetes, their families, and all health professionals who need to understand that diabetes is about self-care!”

— Malinda M. Peeples, Immediate Past President, AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators)

“Worrying about diabetes complications is stressful. But keeping the results of 5 essential tests in healthy ranges

Gretchen Becker, diabetes author

should vastly reduce your risks of developing any complications. This book will help you to understand these tests and what your goals for the results should be, as well as what you can do to get them into healthy ranges. This should reduce your stress, and that, in turn, should make your diabetes easier to control.”

— Gretchen Becker, author of The First Year^® - Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

More Praise for "Know Your Numbers"

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:25:04 -0700

News flash! Two more exciting endorsements that came in just this week:

Martha Funnell, diabetes educator

"Knowledge is power. This book provides important information that people with diabetes need for making decisions and taking charge of their health."

— Martha M. Funnell, MS, RN, CDE,

University of Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center

Gary Scheiner, diabetes educator

“There is no need to hide in fear of diabetic complications. ‘Know Your Numbers’ takes some rather serious and complex issues and simplifies them so that everyone can benefit. The ‘Health Account’ concept alone makes the book a must-read!”

— Gary Scheiner MS, CDE,

Owner/Director, Integrated Diabetes Services

Author, Think Like a Pancreas and The Ultimate Guide to Accurate Carb Counting

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

KYN Diabetes Book: Rave Reviews at Revolution Health & ChronicBabe

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:29:40 -0700

Dr. Jackson and I are delighted to announce two more very positive reviews of our "Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes" book by some of our favorite authors/bloggers:

First off, James Hirsch, who himself recently published the fantastic diabetes narrative "Cheating Destiny" has read our book and liked it (whew!)

Revolution Health

His review appears in Diabetes Close Up, the industry newsletter produced by Kelly Close's razor-sharp consultancy, CloseConcerns, and also on Kelly's new Q&A page at Revolution Health. Lucky us! Here's are some excerpts from what Jim had to say:

"Breaking new ground in a diabetes book isn’t easy. As the epidemic has spiraled, dozens of 'how-to' books have been published in recent years – how to maintain normal blood sugars, how to eat properly, how to care for your eyes, your feet, and your heart; how to exercise or, for that matter, how not to exercise and still maintain good control. Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes is also a how-to book. In straight-forward prose, the last two-thirds cover the usual bases (exercise, food, medications, low-blood sugars, complications, travel tips, etc.) It’s a good primer for newcomers to diabetes and a solid, if overly long, refresher for diabetic veterans."

"Part of the book’s strength is the blending of authoritative medical information with the real-world experience of living with the disease."

"... the authors not only create a coherent framework for your health but also deliver a message of empowerment. The burden falls to the patient to act and act now. The book is actually written for patients with type 2 diabetes, though most of the material is relevant to all types of diabetes, and type 1 patients will appreciate the overview of insulins, pens, and pumps."

Jim felt we were somewhat wordy and repetitive in spots, but thinking it over, I wouldn't change a thing even if I could -- because the repetition was intentional: one of the core goals of this book was to drum the basics into patients' heads. Our "real-world" stories illustrate that the details of health/diabetes management often don't sink in the second, third, or even fourth time that patients hear them. So we'll just keep reminding you!!

* * * *

Over at ChronicBabe.com, a fave blog for women with chronic health issues, medical writer Michelle Haus was even more enthusiastic:

Chronic Babe blog

"In the almost nine months since I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I've read numerous books, countless articles in magazines, tens of web sites and blogs... and gotten a great deal of information from doctors, dieticians, and various diabetes educators, but this is far and away the most positive, hopeful and -- most importantly -- best read of any of the books."

"The bottom line from this book is exercise," she concludes. "Get up and get moving, because that, my friends, is the most positive thing one can do to overcome the negative, long-term effects of diabetes. And the first thing I recommend you do is get up and get this book!"

Thank you, Michelle, looks like all that repetition did the trick for you on the exercise message ;)

Also have a look at our Author Interview at ChronicBabe, in which we get to extrapolate even more (wink!) on why we wrote this practical guidebook and how these 5 tests (A1C, blood pressure, microalbumin, lipids, and eye exam) are so critical to managing your long-term health.

Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes is available in all major bookstores, on Amazon.com, or with a special offer of 5 free ExtendBar snacks on DiabetesMine.com.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

"Know Your Numbers" at the Joslin Store, etc.

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:41:02 -0800

Well now, I suppose you know your book about diabetes is ON THE MAP when it's available via the Joslin Diabetes Center online store. Of course, it helps that Dr. Jackson has been a fixture at that world-leading diabetes treatment

Joslin Center in Boston

center for over 20 years.

He is Medical Director Joslin's highly successful DO IT (Diabetes Outpatient Intensive Treatment) program -- an intensive outpatient seminar that combines teaching and training with actual on-site exercise and meal sessions. In other words, patients spend 3-1/2 days of intensive time with Joslin doctors, nutritionists and exercise physiologists getting to the bottom of their own most pressing health issues with diabetes. There's nothing quite like it.

And Dr. Jackson always felt that the majority of patients attending the DO IT program would have been in much better shape upon arrival if they'd had early access to the info in our book, i.e. the details of the 5 key tests to monitor your health with diabetes. This was his major incentive to write the book, he tells me.

The reason that we both care is that we both know lots of people who have feelings, ideas, and opinions about their diabetes, but don’t really know the actual status of their own health. Too often they focus one factor, like glucose readings, or food… with constant frustration... because their idea of "doing good" is very vague indeed. But we felt there must be a better way Because now, for the first time in history, the specific tools and knowledge you need to live long and well with diabetes are readily available.

Consider this (from our Preface):

In the past, people were essentially groping in the dark with their diabetes. The tests and methods available were so primitive that it really was like fumbling in a dark room towards the door marked "Exit Here for a Long and Health Life" that you knew was there, but couldn’t see.

Since doctors could only guess at their daily glucose levels, for example, patients were subjected to all sorts of drills—like eating the same bland food for dinner every night for years on end—in the hopes that this would keep their diabetes in control.

But now the light in that dark room has been switched on! Improved laboratory tests and advanced tools like home glucose meters let you see where you’re going—and sometimes you’ll find there are even different paths to reach the same door marked "Exit Here for a Long and Health Life" on the other side of room. So you even have some flexibility in your health improvement choices.

That's the approach, folks. Publisher's Group UK calls it "a brilliant idea whose time has come."

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Authors Feature Know Your Numbers: "Just What the Doctor Ordered"

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 09:21:48 -0800

This week we've had the privilege of being featured on two excellent authors' blogs, both praising Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes as "just what the doctor ordered" for people with diabetes everywhere.

First off, emerging novelist Martha O'Connor has hosted a lengthy interview with me, Amy Tenderich, all about how the KYN book came to be, what's behind it, and what the co-authoring experience was like. (Writers eat that stuff up,

Martha O'Connor

you know.)

Martha's interest in diabetes is highly personal, as one of her 9-year-old twins was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes about two years ago. Among other things, she asks : "What advice would you give to us parents about getting our kids responsible for their own health without scaring them? How can this book benefit us and them?" which struck me right in the heart, being a mother of three myself.

Here's my reply: "... I think if it were my children, I’d want to send them off into the world with the clearest possible strategy for living well with diabetes and avoiding diabetic complications. That means in addition to checking their blood glucose before meals and fine-tuning insulin doses, they need to keep an eye on the “big picture” by monitoring these 5 key health risks regularly.

"I hear so many stories of kids that did well under their parents’ care, but then went into serious “neglect mode” for a whole chunk of years during college and young adulthood. As a parent, I would try to drum into their heads that they need to know their A1C, blood pressure, lipid, microalbumin, and eye exam scores at all times, and know what to do about it if something is out of range. Even if complications start to set in, all of the damage is treatable or in many cases reversible if it’s caught early."

All of these factors should be checked regularly in anyone with diabetes passed puberty. This book truly was meant to be the instructional guide to long-term good health with diabetes, so we do hope that parents can apply this knowledge to preparing their Type 1 kids for taking care of themselves down the road. Thank you, Martha! (Read the full interview HERE)

Next up, journalist and health author Connie Bennett welcomes Know Your Numbers to her Sugar Shock! blog. Connie's had a personal struggle with reactive hypoglycemia, and has become an expert on the topic. She calls herself the "ex-sugar-shrew," having eradicated refined sugar from her diet.

Connie Bennett

Connie is a big supporter of the hands-on-strategies approach of our book, and even remarks: "No longer can people with diabetes plead: 'Oh, I don't know what to do.' Neither will they be able to bemoan: 'I'm confused about how to manage my diabetes' ...

... (because) the new book teaches readers to understand, track, and prioritize their five most critical health factors -- A1c, blood pressure, lipids (HDL, LDL, triglycerides), microalbumin, and yearly eye exam. What's more, patients who find that any of those five values are out of range, will find in the book "detailed strategies and doable action plans for improving them."

You got it, Connie! Thanks for helping us get the word out. Read Connie's complete KYN post HERE.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

"The Perfect Diabetes Reference Handbook," Says NYTimes' About.com

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:30:44 -0800

Score!! Deb Manzella, a respected NY-based RN who writes for the New York Times Company's About.com/diabetes, has just come out giving Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes perfect marks. Here's what she had to say:

"Cons? There are no cons. It's the perfect diabetes reference handbook."

Deb Manzella, RN

This after she offers a meaty list of Pros for the book:

Gives a comprehensive gameplan for managing the five most important areas of diabetes management
Outlines the tests you need and tells you why they're important
Gives you the science behind the numbers in easy to understand language
Gives you the tools to bring your test results into the range you need.
Gives additional advice about nutrition, exercise, medications, and much, much more.

"...This book is a terrific resource for diabetes management. After you learn the five most important tests, the book gives you the tools you need to keep your test results as normal as possible. Exercise, nutrition, medications, glucometers and other equipment all influence what your own personal test results will be.

"Beyond the basics, Dr. Jackson and Ms. Tenderich also address coping issues, healthcare basics, and resources to turn to for support and more information.

"Also, charts and diary pages to help you keep track of your results and your progress. This book stresses that knowing your numbers and working to improve them is the road to a complication-free life, and it gives you the tools to achieve it, too."

Read the FULL REVIEW here.

We're especially pleased with Deb's response knowing that she has extensive experience helping patients with diabetes, from teaching the newly diagnosed, to providing continuing care for diabetic patients in the hospital. She's a strong advocate for "Knowledge Is Power" -- a lady after our own hearts...

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

"The Key to Outliving Diabetes"

nobody@vox.com(Amy & Rich) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 11:30:00 -0800

Wow, more high praise from the ultimate source: a very knowledgeable and articulate patient. Allie Beatty, who reports on all things diabetes over at TheDiabetesBlog.com and lives with Type 1 herself, has published a glowing review of "Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes." Here's what she has to say:

Health-key

"The book is a priceless addition to any diabetic library. It begins by explaining the five tests that are the cornerstones for monitoring your overall health with diabetes. These tests are: A1c, blood pressure, lipids, microalbumin, and an annual eye exam. You may think you know it all because you've been there, done that. But do you really know - what it tests, why it's done, and what your numbers should look like....?"

"I was impressed beyond my expectations... I was looking for a good guidebook on diabetes care. No ma'am. This book is AWESOME!"

See the full review HERE. Thank you kindly, Allie and the Weblogs, Inc., team.

* * *

In addition, see our latest Virtual Book Tour appearances at these fine blogs:

Diabetes Notes - Rob Rummel-Hudson says "I’m not saying that your very SURVIVAL depends on you going and purchasing Amy’s book just as soon as you finish reading this. But really, why take the chance?" (~grin~)

GruntDoc - Dr. Robert Allen kindly notes, "If it at all interests you, please get a copy!"

Read and post comments | Send to a friend