The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung

In this revolutionary book, Dr. Jason Fung explains how to prevent and reverse diabetes through dietary changes and intermittent fasting.

The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

The book has gotten 4.51 ⭐️ on GoodReads.

“Dr. Fung reveals how [type 2 diabetes] can be prevented and also reversed using natural dietary methods instead of medications … This is an important and timely book. Highly recommended.”
– Dr. Mark Hyman, author of The Pegan Diet

With an alarming statistic revealing that approximately 537 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, the need for reliable information and effective solutions to tackle this chronic disease has never been more critical.

In the quest for answers, ‘The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally’ by Dr. Jason Fung emerges as a beacon of hope and knowledge. This book delves into the intricacies of diabetes, challenging conventional wisdom and presenting a groundbreaking approach to managing and even reversing this prevalent health condition. As we delve into this book review, we will explore the invaluable insights offered by Dr. Fung, shedding light on a path towards a healthier and diabetes-free life.

Author’s background

Jason Fung, a well-known medical doctor, nephrologist, and author, has made significant contributions to the fields of obesity, diabetes, and cancer. He is the author of influential books such as ‘The Obesity Code’, ‘The Diabetes Code’, and ‘The Cancer Code’.

Jason Fung (r)

With his expertise in obesity and diabetes, Fung emphasises addressing the root causes of these diseases rather than merely managing symptoms. He has been a vocal critic of conventional treatments for type 2 diabetes, arguing that they are both ineffective and detrimental to patients.

What is the book about?

The Diabetes Code’ by Jason Fung is a book that offers a comprehensive approach to managing and reversing type 2 diabetes. Fung challenges conventional treatments and provides an alternative method that focuses on nutrition and intermittent fasting.

The book begins with an in-depth explanation of why conventional treatments for type 2 diabetes are ineffective and explores the history of the disease.

In ‘The Diabetes Code’, Fung presents a clear and prescriptive treatment plan for type 2 diabetes, emphasising the avoidance of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods.

The book also introduces the principles of intermittent fasting as an additional approach and a 2-week meal and fasting plan, along with accessible recipes.

Dr. Fung emphasises that dietary changes and fasting are key to addressing the underlying causes of diabetes, while exercise alone is insufficient.

The book warns against the dangers of treating type 2 diabetes with insulin, clarifying that it is a valid treatment for type 1 diabetes. It addresses the exponential consumption of sugary and processed foods as a contributing factor to the rise of diabetes and encourages readers to adopt a balanced eating approach.

Table of contents

  • Foreword
  • How to Reverse and Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: The Quick Start Guide
  • Part 1: The Epidemic Chapter 1: How Type 2 Diabetes Became an Epidemic
More…
  • Chapter 2: The Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
  • Chapter 3: The Whole Body Effect
  • Part 2: Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance
  • Chapter 4: Diabesity: The Calorie Deception
  • Chapter 5: The Role of Insulin in Energy Storage
  • Chapter 6: Insulin Resistance: The Overflow Phenomenon
  • Part 3: Sugar and the Rise of Type 2 Diabetes
  • Chapter 7: Diabetes, a Disease of Dual Defects
  • Chapter 8: The Fructose-Insulin Resistance Connection
  • Chapter 9: The Metabolic Syndrome Connection
  • Part 4: How Not to Treat Type 2 Diabetes
  • Chapter 10: Insulin: Not the Answer for Type 2 Diabetes
  • Chapter 11: Oral Hypoglycemics: Not the Answer
  • Chapter 12: Low-calorie Diets and Exercise: Not the Answer
  • Part 5: How to Effectively Treat Type 2 Diabetes
  • Chapter 13: Lessons from Bariatric Surgery
  • Chapter 14: Carbohydrate-reduced Diets
  • Chapter 15: Intermittent Fasting
  • Afterword
  • Appendix: Two Sample Week-Long Meal Plans
  • Endnotes
  • Index

Key takeaways from the book

1Diabetes and obesity are closely related

The key takeaway from this information is that Dr. Fung emphasises the strong link between diabetes and obesity. He explains that high levels of insulin, which are caused by consuming a lot of carbs, lead to weight gain and fat storage. The more obese a person becomes, the higher their risk of developing diabetes and insulin resistance.

On the other hand, reducing carb intake leads to lower insulin levels and blood sugar, resulting in weight loss and improved blood sugar control. Dr. Fung highlights the significance of carb consumption in creating and maintaining excess weight, rather than solely focusing on the number of pounds a person carries.

Researchers have shown that an 11 to 17-pound weight gain increases the risk of diabetes by 90%, while a weight gain in the range of 17 to 24 pounds increases the risk by a whopping 270%. Fung likes to give an example of obese people who have their stomachs stapled to the point where they cannot eat more than a tiny amount of food at a time, they usually immediately cease being diabetic, even though at first their weight hasn’t come down to normal.

2High insulin levels are the main cause of type 2 diabetes, not high glucose levels

The primary culprit in diabetes is not high blood sugar but rather high insulin levels. Dr. Fung’s groundbreaking idea, as highlighted in the book, is that diabetes is caused by the body’s insulin response to chronic overconsumption of carbohydrates.

To reverse the disease, it is essential to reduce the consumption of these carbohydrates. Type 2 diabetes can be understood as a disease caused by excessive insulin, which is secreted when we consume too much sugar. Lowering insulin levels through a reduction in dietary intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates is crucial. These two statements encapsulate the core beliefs and philosophy of Dr. Fung regarding the cause and cure of type-2 diabetes. While there are more valuable points discussed in the book, these statements provide a fundamental understanding of Dr. Fung’s perspective.

3Intermittent fasting and lower carb intake play a significant role in treating diabetes

Dr. Fung believes that diabetes is primarily caused by the body’s insulin response to chronic overconsumption of carbohydrates. To reverse the disease, he recommends reducing the consumption of carbohydrates and refined sugars. When we consume excessive carbs and sugars, our insulin levels increase, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. By implementing intermittent fasting and reducing carb intake, insulin levels decrease, resulting in less fat storage, weight loss, and a rapid drop in blood sugar levels.

Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

The book has gotten 4.51 ⭐️ on GoodReads.

Strengths

  • Challenges unreliable advice and treatment for diabetes

  • Emphasises the reversibility of the condition through diet changes and fasting.

  • Offers hope and empowerment to individuals seeking alternative solutions and a deeper understanding of their disease.

  • Suggests other valuable books on food recommendations, including ‘Brain Food by Dr. Lisa Mosconi and ‘How Not to Dieby Michael Greger.

Weaknesses

  • Repetitive and overly long. The book repeats the same message throughout multiple chapters, leading to unnecessary length and redundancy.

  • Equating diabetes with obesity. The author consistently links diabetes and obesity as two names for the same disease, despite acknowledging that there are cases where individuals suffer from one condition but not the other. This oversimplification undermines the distinction between the two conditions.

Best quotes from ‘The Diabetes Code’

“All the conditions we thought were problems – obesity, insulin resistance, and beta cell dysfunction – are actually the body’s solutions to a single root cause – too much sugar.” 
“…fasting is the simplest and surest method to force your body to burn sugar.” 
“The key to the proper treatment of type 2 diabetes is to get rid of the excess sugar, not just move it around the body. The problem is both too much glucose and too much insulin.” 
“Fatty liver is a completely reversible process. Emptying the liver of its surplus glucose and dropping insulin levels returns the liver to normal. Hyperinsulinemia drives DNL, which is the primary determinant of fatty liver disease. Normalising insulin levels reverses the fatty liver. Refined carbohydrates, which cause large increases in insulin, are far more sinister than dietary fat. High carbohydrate intake can increase DNL tenfold, whereas high fat consumption, with correspondingly low carbohydrate intake, does not change hepatic fat production.”

Final takeaway

The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally’ by Dr. Jason Fung presents readers with a groundbreaking approach to managing and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes through natural dietary methods. Dr. Fung challenges conventional wisdom, emphasising the importance of reducing carbohydrate consumption and controlling insulin levels. By following the principles outlined in the book, individuals can take control of their health and potentially avoid the need for insulin shots and other medical interventions.

This timely and empowering book offers hope and a clear roadmap for those seeking to prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes, making it a highly recommended resource in the fight against this prevalent disease.

Where to buy

You may purchase ‘The Diabetes Code’ on Amazon at the best price. It is available in Kindle, paperback, hardcover and audio versions, so you are free to choose the format that suits you best.


Healthypedia FAQ

Yes, the book provides valuable insights into the underlying causes of type 2 diabetes and offers practical strategies to prevent its development. By following the dietary recommendations and principles outlined by Dr. Fung, individuals can make proactive choices to reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

What sets ‘The Diabetes Code’ apart is its emphasis on addressing the role of high insulin levels in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Dr. Fung challenges conventional treatments that primarily focus on managing blood sugar levels and instead advocates for reducing carbohydrate intake and controlling insulin levels. This alternative perspective offers readers a fresh and potentially transformative approach to diabetes management and reversal.

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