Conflicting headlines in the news media about what foods are healthy to eat can be confusing, especially when you or a loved one has diabetes. Besides understanding the impact of each food on one's blood glucose level, sorting through questions about fat, fiber, carbohydrates (carbs), sweeteners, the glycemic index and more can be daunting.


Staying Healthy with Diabetes -- Nutrition & Meal Planning, a new book from Joslin Diabetes Center, provides a "road map" to help guide people with diabetes and their families and friends down the road of healthy food choices. Written by Amy P. Campbell, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., a dietitian at Joslin Diabetes Center, and the staff of Joslin, the book provides a guide through the many food choices.

The book is filled with simple, easy-to-read charts that detail key issues about nutrition and diabetes. It explains which foods one may need to eat more of -- or which foods might be avoided if they are negatively affecting body weight, blood cholesterol or blood glucose levels. The book also covers such important topics as carbohydrate counting, the glycemic index, eating out, drinking alcohol, taking vitamin/mineral supplements, handling holiday gatherings, eating when sick, food shopping and label reading.

"No foods are forbidden for people with diabetes," says Campbell. "You can have a piece of cake on your birthday or go out to dinner," she says. "You just need to know how to count carbohydrates and sometimes limit certain foods to stay in the best of health." Nutrition & Meal Planning shows how.

Nutrition & Meal Planning also features Joslin's Food Lists -- 32 pages that provide serving sizes (each containing 15 grams of carbohydrate) for carbohydrates (breads, cereals, vegetables, cookies, crackers, fruit, favorite breakfast items and desserts); proteins (meats, cheeses, eggs); fats; "free" foods' combination foods; fast foods; and vegetarian foods. The new book is available for $12.95 plus shipping and handling through Joslin Diabetes Center's Online Store.

Latest Book in "Staying Healthy" Series

Staying Healthy with Diabetes is the name of a series of books published by Joslin Diabetes Center. Staying Healthy with Diabetes -- A Guide for the Chinese Community was the first in the series, followed by Nutrition & Meal Planning. The third in this Series, Staying Healthy with Diabetes -- Physical Activity and Fitness will be available in September 2006.

About the Author

Amy P. Campbell, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and education program manager of Disease Management at Joslin. She has nearly 20 years of experience treating people with diabetes, and is co-author of several books, including The Joslin Guide to Diabetes: A Program for Managing Your Treatment and 16 Myths of a 'Diabetic Diet,' both available from Joslin's Online Store or by calling 1-800-344-4501.

About Diabetes

The World Health Organization reports that approximately 150 million people worldwide have diabetes, and the number is projected to double by the year 2025. In the United States, diabetes affects an estimated 20.8 million children and adults -- 7 percent of the population. An estimated 14.6 million Americans have been diagnosed, leaving 6.2 million Americans unaware that they have the disease. In addition, 41 million Americans are thought to have pre-diabetes, or elevated blood glucose levels that put them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If untreated or poorly treated, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage and circulation problems that can result in limb amputations.

About Joslin Diabetes Center

Joslin Diabetes Center, dedicated to conquering diabetes in all of its forms, is the global leader in diabetes research, care and education. Founded in 1898, Joslin is an independent nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Joslin research is a team of more than 300 people at the forefront of discovery aimed at preventing and curing diabetes. Joslin Clinic, affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the nationwide network of Joslin Affiliated Programs, and the hundreds of Joslin educational programs offered each year for clinicians, researchers and patients, enable Joslin to develop, implement and share innovations that immeasurably improve the lives of people with diabetes. As a nonprofit, Joslin benefits from the generosity of donors in advancing its mission.