Take control of your diabetes risk

"Despite how common diabetes is, many people don't really understand what's happening in their body," posits Whyte (Take Control of Your Cancer Risk), the chief medical officer at WebMD, in this frank and useful take on diabetes and its care. Whyte begins by breaking down what exactly diabetes is (differentiating between type 1, type 2, and gestational), laying out risk factors (including weight, age, and family history), and outlining symptoms (increased hunger and thirst among them). Whyte then advises on lifestyle tips to help keep blood sugar levels stable--readers should include tuna, salmon, coffee, whole grains, and plenty of fiber in their diet, and avoid alcohol and processed meats; exercise is key, too. A four-week meal and exercise plan rounds things out, with shopping lists for each week, simple recipes (including turkey burgers and a breakfast burrito), and cardio, resistance, core, balance, and flexibility exercises. Whyte is enthusiastic and keeps things shame-free while arming readers with information: "Don't blame yourself and don't let anyone blame you," he writes, but "you have the power to take control of your risk. Start using it!" Those worried about their blood sugar should give this a look. Agent: Mel Berger, WME. (Mar.)