(Work in Progress – Annotated Bibliography for Information Literacy class I’m taking at Antelope Valley College.)
Please note: This entire bibliography was built with Type 2 Diabetes in mind. Whereas you can find information on the other types of diabetes in many of these resources, my summaries are only written with Type 2 in mind.
Web Sites:
American Diabetes Association. American Diabetes Association Home Page. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
This site demonstrates the mainstream approaches to Diabetes in the U.S. today. The association provides research funding, community services, information, and advocacy regarding diabetes. Focus is upon medication and eating a diet that many no longer support as being beneficial, or even safe, for a person with Diabetes. It also contains information on symptoms, and some of the science of the disease. There are links to information on greater health issues related to the disease, food and fitness, news and research, advocacy, and possible local events and groups. I wouldn’t follow their recommendations on diet, because they still promote a lot of unsafe oils and tell you to avoid saturated fat altogether. They recommend eating a lot of grains, which isn’t safe because of the sugar they create in the body. They also recommend counting the elements of the foods eaten, such as carbs and fiber. Fortunately, diabetes patients don’t have to bog themselves down with such legalities, if they educate themselves carefully.
BMJ Group. Web. 21 May 2013.
This is the web site of a research group who isn’t afraid to publish scientific findings that go against the widely accepted mainstream. Calling themselves a healthcare knowledge provider, they strive to share information with the medical field as well as the patient. I like that they have articles that stand up to the widely accepted assumptions, and that they cover controversial topics. I first stumbled upon their site when I found an article there they demonstrate that modern ideas about fat and strokes are unfounded.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 13 May 2013.
This site contains information on the disease, as well as data and trends, resources, publications, projects, programs and even news. In their effort to promote good health and a high quality of life, they support programs that inform and protect against poor health and major disease and disability. They strive toward helping people live a long, healthy life as much as possible. There’s a lot to be learned here about the disease and its complications. This site, like many other mainstream sources, encourage the consumption of large amounts of grains, which aren’t safe for diabetics in general.
Fuhrman, Joel. How to Live, For Life. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.
Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified physician, best-selling author who is known for his research regarding the prevention and reversal of disease through nutrition and nature. He is an internationally recognized expert on preventative medicine, and has regularly appeared on radio and TV to share his findings. His diabetes page contains data, prevention, and even reversal of diabetes through natural means. His focus is on nutrition and lifestyle, and he has published a book detailing his plan, which is cited below.
The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. 3rd ed. 5 vols. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
When I initially went to the local county library asking about health encyclopedias, it was strongly recommended to me that I go home and access this one through the library itself. It contains information on over 1,600 disorders and concepts. It’s full of detail and has a good, strong reputation in the research community, from what I gather from the library staff. There’s a lot here about the way diabetes works. It’s a great tool for further educating one’s self in regards to diabetes in general. It contains a definition, description, background, (information on the different types, which most of these resources do,) causes, symptoms, treatment options and more. There is very little on dietary changes, basically referring the reader to the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association’s recommended diets, using the “food exchange” concept.
Hyman, Mark. Dr. Mark Hyman. Web. 13 May 2013.
Dr. Hyman is an MD and best-selling author who focuses on identifying the root causes of chronic illness through what is called Functional Medicine. His work takes him abroad – he sits on the boards of many groups, including the Dr. Oz show and the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. He is also active in government, from advising the Surgeon General regarding diabetes prevention to helping form the Take Back Your Health Act of 2009 into the United States Senate. This site has a diabesity quiz, recipes, blog, success stories, an online community, and a plethora of helpful articles.
Mayo Clinic Health Information. Web. 13 May 2013.
Similar to the first two resources above, the Mayo Clinic (a non-profit medical care, research and education world leader) provides information about the disease, its symptoms, causes and mainstream treatments. It covers a little about diet, but spends more time addressing lifestyle changes and secondary issues that are important to the person with diabetes, such as stress management and alcohol consumption. The secondary issues aren’t always explored, but this site spends plenty of time on them.
Mercola, Joseph M. Natural Health Information Articles and Health Newsletter by Dr. Joseph Mercola. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
This is my favorite web site right now. Dr. Mercola is an osteopathic physician (DO). That basically means he’s a souped up MD. He has the same education as an MD, but with the added focus on the whole person and preventative care. He’s a fellow of the American College of Nutrition and has been featured on many TV and radio shows. His site contains invaluable articles on cutting edge scientific findings, regarding nutrition, fitness and chronic disease (and their relationships to one another). At his site, you can take his Nutritional Typing Test (which is now free!), and at the end receive free pdf’s of his cookbook and an explanation of your specific Nutritional Type. You can also buy products at the site including his own line (I use his sunscreen – it’s all natural, safe, and has no free radicals) and products he highly recommends. All of his articles are well cited. I’ve read articles ranging from skin care safety to swimming pool chemical dangers to the effects of nutrition and fitness to chronic diseases such as diabetes. And the best yet, in regards to this bibliography, is that all of his nutrition advice keeps the concerns of people with diabetes at the forefront. He points out the intense relationship insulin and leptin have to the entire rest of the body, and how to live in such a way as to optimize its presence in the body.
Rose, Bud. UpToDate. Web. 13 May 2013.
UpToDate is a company founded by Bud Rose, which is a physician-authored clinical decision support resource. Basically, a team of over 1,500 world renowned physician authors, peer reviewers and editors use the results of the most up-to-date research to make reliable, evidence-based recommendations for the improvement of patient care. They’re a widely used and trusted resource by members of the medical community. This is the most comprehensive, in-depth scientific resource I personally have found in regards to diabetes care, especially the use of insulin.
Rosedale, Ron. Bridging the Gap Between Science and Medicine. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
Dr. Rosedale is an MD and international expert in nutritional and metabolic medicine. He’s known for his groundbreaking work in regards to diabetes and heart disease – his track record in keeping patients drug and surgery-free is rare. He founded the Rosedale Center and the Colorado Center for Metabolic Medicine. He is a regular speaker at prestigious professional engagements across the globe. He describes beautifully on his home page the harmony and community of the human body. He says it’s the disruption of inter-body communication that causes diseases such as diabetes. His program is designed to restore unity within the body using proper human diet and lifestyle. On this site he has a link to his health plan, which can be downloaded and printed for free. It’s a chart with foods than can and cannot be eaten, depending on whether you have diabetes type 1 or 2, or neither. He also has articles about insulin, leptin, sugar, fat and more in regards to not only diabetes but good health in general.
Journal Articles:
Di Loreto, Chiara, et al. “Make Your Diabetic Patients Walk.” Diabetes Care 28 (2005): 1295-1302. Web. 21 May 2013.
This article is great because it shows the impact of physical activity on diabetes. It’s basic, but it’s essential.
Franz, Marion J., et al. “Evidence-Based Nutrition Principles and Recommendations for the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes and Related Complications.” Diabetes Care 25.1 (2002): 148-98. Web. 13 May 2013.
This article is about the application of Medical Nutrition Therapy in diabetes care. Basically, it’s showing how what we eat affects our health. It includes physical activity in its assessment and application. The goal is to need less insulin, or other medication, in the first place.
Gerozissis K. “Brain Insulin, Energy and Glucose Homeostasis; Genes, Environment and Metabolic Pathologies.” Eur J Pharmacol. 585(1) (2008): 38-49. Web. 21 May 2013.
This article discusses the dangers of insulin and other medicinal treatments in diabetes care. Putting more insulin into a diabetic patient does more harm than good, and modern methods of treatment must be evaluated. Until more doctors begin to stress treatment through proper and nutrition as a first line of defense, the problem is only going to get worse.
Jenkins, David J.A. “Nuts as a Replacement for Carbohydrates in the Diabetic Diet.” Diabetes Care 34.8 (2011): 1706-11. Web. 13 May 2013.
I like this article for this research project because the study demonstrated that eating nuts in place of a portion of carbs improves glycemic control and serum lipids in diabetes. It further goes to show that replacing carbs with healthy fats is gaining more recognition in therapeutic strategy.
Pocai, Alessandro, et al. “Central Leptin Acutely Reverses Diet-Induced Hepatic Insulin Resistance Diabetes.” Diabetes 54.11 (2005): 3182-89. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
This article shows how overeating increases resistance to insulin and leptin on the metabolizing of glucose. This is so important, because too many doctors prescribe drugs over nutrition and fitness changes, inadvertently advancing the disease more and more.
Books
Fuhrman, Joel. The End of Diabetes. New York: Harper One, 2012. Print.
As I wrote in the summary for his web site, Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified physician, best-selling author who is known for his research regarding the prevention and reversal of disease through nutrition and nature. He is an internationally recognized expert on preventative medicine, and has regularly appeared on radio and TV to share his findings. This book details a scientifically proven means of preventing and reversing diabetes without the use of drugs. He points out that the mainstream method includes limiting carbs, monitoring glucose levels, and prescribing dangerous (and possibly fatal) medicine. He includes scientific data to support his claim that diabetes is not a natural part of the aging process, but rather preventable and even reversible.
Hyman, Mark. The Blood Sugar Solution. Emmaus: Rodale, 2010. Print.
As I stated above, in the summary for his web site, Dr. Hyman is an MD and best-selling author who focuses on identifying the root causes of chronic illness through what is called Functional Medicine. His work takes him abroad – he sits on the boards of many groups, including the Dr. Oz show and the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. He is also active in government, from advising the Surgeon General regarding diabetes prevention to helping form the Take Back Your Health Act of 2009 into the United States Senate. This book focuses on the need for balanced insulin levels, not only in diabetes patients, but everybody. He includes seven strategies for achieving optimal health (nutrition, hormones, inflammation, digestion, detoxification, energy metabolism, and a calm mind). He also recommends a special six-week healthy-living program. It gives information on green living, supplements and medication, exercise, and the maintenance of lifelong health.
Johnson, Richard J., et al. The Sugar Fix. New York: Pocket Books, 2009. Print.
Richard Johnson is an MD and clinical scientist, and is internationally recognized for his work with diabetes. He has published over 300 articles and given lectures in over 25 countries. This book focuses only on the dangers of a high fructose diet – which the Standard American Diet definitely is. It includes information on which foods contain fructose and the health problems associated with such massive consumption of it. It addresses ways to still satisfy a sweet tooth while consuming less fructose, and explains the counter-effects physical activity has on fructose levels in the body. It provides over 30 recipes, and gives a brief list of fructose levels in a variety of foods.
Mercola, Joseph and Levy, Alison Rose. The No-Grain Diet.” New York: Dutton, 2003. Print.
As stated in the summary of his web site above, Dr. Mercola is an osteopathic physician (DO). That basically means he’s a souped up MD. He has the same education as an MD, but with the added focus on the whole person and preventative care. He’s a fellow of the American College of Nutrition and has been featured on many TV and radio shows. His site contains invaluable articles on cutting edge scientific findings, regarding nutrition, fitness and chronic disease (and their relationships to one another). Although the primary focus of this book is to help readers lose weight, the strategies and information contained will help people with diabetes, too. Dr. Mercola would be severely diabetic if he didn’t follow his own advice – when he doesn’t, he is! This book helps readers lose their cravings for simple carbs, which are dangerous for people with diabetes to consume. He gives an easy, three day plan for eliminating grains, starches, and sweets.
Mercola, Joseph and Pearsall, Kendra Degen. The Sweet Deception. Nashville: Nelson, 2006. Print.
The description of Dr. Mercola is above. This book in important because it is a natural step, for many people, to use sugar substitutes when they learn they need to consume less sugar. Unfortunately, this is a very dangerous thing to do. Not only are they highly toxic chemicals, often cancer-causing even, but the FDA falsely labels them as safe!
