Dr. Woods has been on the front line in the fight against diabetes as a clinical nurse specialist for thousands of diabetic patients. It was this experience that triggered the realization that she herself was in danger of becoming a victim of the disease, whose devastating effects include heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and loss of limbs. She had to lose weight, particularly because she had a family history of diabetes.Her book is a vivid account of how, after her initial shock, she accomplished that goal. It is also a valuable source of information for understanding diabetes and preventing it, and certainly a must-read for people at risk.In straightforward style, the author tells how she successfully fought obesity by means of fortitude and self-discipline. The reader will receive valuable information on the following subjects and more:• How a diabetic diagnosis is made• How obesity and heredity impact the disease• How to use the body mass (BMI) as a tool in weight loss and weight management• Why exercise is so important in prevention• How to put a diary to good use in self-training• How emotions can sabotage weight-loss efforts• How some medications cause weight gain