10 Diabetes Books That Will Change How You Manage Your Health

Expert recommendations from Sarah Jones, Chris Evans, and Dexter Shurney for navigating Diabetes Books with practical, science-backed advice

Sarah Jones
Chris Evans
Andreas Eenfeldt
Updated on June 22, 2025
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What if the key to managing diabetes isn't just medication but understanding the complex relationship between diet, insulin, and lifestyle? Diabetes affects millions worldwide, yet many still grapple with controlling blood sugar and avoiding complications. The landscape of diabetes care is evolving rapidly, offering new insights into how food choices and habits can dramatically influence health outcomes.

Experts like Sarah Jones, a journalist deeply engaged in diabetes and nutrition reporting, and Chris Evans, who has publicly shared his struggles with sugar addiction, have highlighted books that go beyond conventional advice. Meanwhile, Dexter Shurney, president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, champions plant-based approaches that challenge traditional paradigms. Their recommendations provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, blending science, personal stories, and practical strategies.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific diabetes type, lifestyle, and goals might consider creating a personalized Diabetes book that builds on these insights. This approach allows you to focus on what matters most to your unique health journey.

Best for managing sugar cravings
Sarah Jones, a writer for Intelligencer and NYmag, came across this book during her exploration of diabetes management strategies. She says, "Sugar Addiction No More for Diabetics is an outstanding resource for anyone looking to control their sugar intake. The recipes are delicious, and the actionable guide is easy to follow." This recommendation highlights how the book helped her see sugar addiction through a new lens and offered realistic tools to manage it effectively. Alongside her, Chris Evans, an actor who has personally wrestled with sugar addiction, calls it "a real eye-opener" and praises its practical advice, reinforcing the book’s appeal to those battling similar challenges.
SJ

Recommended by Sarah Jones

Writer for Intelligencer and NYmag

Sugar Addiction No More for Diabetics is an outstanding resource for anyone looking to control their sugar intake. The recipes are delicious, and the actionable guide is easy to follow. I highly recommend this book!

When Laura Garrett first realized how deeply sugar addiction complicated diabetes management, she crafted this guide to demystify the connection and offer a path forward. You’ll learn to identify the cravings tied to sugar addiction, understand how they exacerbate blood sugar instability, and apply an anti-inflammatory diet designed for gut health. The book dives into practical strategies, like swapping out refined sugars with wholesome ingredients, and includes recipes that prove managing diabetes doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This is particularly useful if you’re struggling to break free from sugar’s grip while keeping your diabetes in check.

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Best for lifestyle-based diabetes management
Diana Licalzi, MS, RD, CDCES, brings her depth of knowledge as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist to this guide. Co-founder of the Type 2 Diabetes Revolution platform, she developed this book to empower individuals with diabetes through an integrative approach combining plant-based nutrition, exercise, and mindset. Her background in nutrition science and policy ensures this book offers scientifically grounded advice, making it a resource for those seeking to manage or reverse type 2 diabetes effectively.

Unlike most diabetes cookbooks that primarily focus on recipes alone, this book integrates nutritional science with practical meal planning to address type 2 diabetes management holistically. Diana Licalzi, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, combines her expertise to offer not only over 100 high-fiber, plant-based recipes but also a structured 4-week meal plan and grocery shopping strategies. You learn how to balance your diet to regulate blood sugar effectively while understanding the roles of exercise, sleep, and stress in diabetes control. This guide suits anyone aiming to actively manage or reverse prediabetes or type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes supported by credible nutrition science.

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Best for custom diabetes plans
This AI-created book on diabetes management is crafted specifically around your background, current health status, and personal goals. By sharing what aspects you want to focus on—whether diet, exercise, or medication—you get a tailored approach that fits your unique situation. Unlike generic guides, this personalized book zeroes in on your specific needs, offering strategies that make managing diabetes more practical and effective for you.
2025·50-300 pages·Diabetes, Diabetes Management, Diet Planning, Exercise Regimens, Medication Strategies

This personalized book provides a tailored approach to diabetes management by integrating customized diet, exercise, and medication strategies. It offers a personalized framework that fits your unique diabetes type, lifestyle, and health goals, cutting through generic advice to focus on actionable plans that suit your specific context. The book covers how to balance nutrition for blood sugar control, design effective physical activity regimens, and optimize medication adherence based on individual circumstances. By addressing the interplay between these crucial elements, it provides a comprehensive yet focused path for managing diabetes effectively and thriving despite its challenges.

Tailored Framework
Integrated Management
3,000+ Custom Books Made
Best for plant-based diabetes prevention
Dexter Shurney, President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, knows the challenges of tackling type 2 diabetes firsthand. After witnessing the effects of chronic disease in vulnerable populations, he turned to Eric Adams' book, impressed by Adams' personal transformation and advocacy for plant-based nutrition. "Eric Adams is living proof of the power that a plant-based diet has on the prevention, effective treatment and even the reversal of type 2 diabetes," Shurney explains. This book reshaped his understanding of diabetes management, highlighting food as medicine rather than just pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Dean Ornish, founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, praises the book for demonstrating how lifestyle changes can reverse serious diseases, reinforcing its significance for anyone confronting chronic illness.

Recommended by Dexter Shurney

President, American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Eric Adams is living proof of the power that a plant-based diet has on the prevention, effective treatment and even the reversal of type 2 diabetes. In Healthy at Last he delivers practical, life-changing, life-saving recipes for good health.

What if everything you knew about managing diabetes was wrong? Eric Adams, drawing from his own startling health crisis and years of public service in Brooklyn, challenges conventional reliance on medication by advocating a plant-based diet as a means to prevent and even reverse type 2 diabetes. You’ll explore how dietary shifts can lower cholesterol, improve vision, and reduce weight, supported by more than 50 recipes that transform traditional soul food into healthful alternatives. This book guides you through practical nutritional insights and cultural context, making it especially useful if you’re looking to address diabetes through lifestyle rather than pharmaceuticals.

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Best for low-carb insulin control
Andreas Eenfeldt, MD, founder of Dietdoctor.com, is a leading voice in diabetes nutrition. After exploring various approaches, he found Dr. Fung's book transformative in understanding how diet and fasting can reverse type 2 diabetes. He praises it as "a terrific and hopeful book" that teaches everything needed to tackle the disease naturally. This perspective resonates with Benjamin Bikman, PhD, who underscores the book's call to rethink diabetes treatment amid a global epidemic, highlighting its scientific foundation and practical relevance.
AE

Recommended by Andreas Eenfeldt, MD

Founder of Dietdoctor.com

In this terrific and hopeful book Dr. Fung teaches you everything you need to know about how to reverse type 2 diabetes. It could change the world.

When Dr. Jason Fung first discovered the role of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, he transformed conventional understanding of the disease. This cookbook builds on his medical expertise and bestselling work, offering 100 low-carb, high-fat recipes designed specifically to help manage insulin levels and support intermittent fasting regimens. You'll find practical meal plans, shopping lists, and fasting schedules that make adopting this approach more approachable. If you're looking to complement diabetes management with everyday cooking that aligns with proven science, this book provides clear guidance and flavorful options without relying on medications.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for balanced diabetic cooking
Ellie Krieger, a TV personality and bestselling cookbook author known for her expertise in nutrition, highlights this book as indispensable for anyone with diabetes aiming to enjoy food without feeling deprived. She calls it "a must-have for those with diabetes who want a life free of deprivation and full of flavor." Krieger appreciates how Mary Ellen Phipps combines professional dietitian insight with personal experience to create recipes that truly support balanced blood sugar management while keeping meals delicious and satisfying.

Recommended by Ellie Krieger

TV personality and bestselling cookbook author

A must-have for those with diabetes who want a life free of deprivation and full of flavor.

2021·152 pages·Diabetes, Diabetic Cooking, Diabates, Nutrition, Cooking

What if everything you knew about managing diabetes through diet was wrong? Mary Ellen Phipps, diagnosed with type I diabetes at five and a registered dietitian, challenges typical restrictive approaches by offering recipes that balance blood sugar without sacrificing flavor. You learn to prepare meals like Cheesy Quinoa-Crusted Spinach Frittata and Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, all backed by clear nutritional info to support your carb, protein, and fat needs. This book suits anyone with type I, II, or prediabetes seeking straightforward, enjoyable cooking that aligns with their health goals.

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Best for personal action plans
This AI-created book on diabetes nutrition is tailored to your specific goals and background. You share your diabetes type, current nutrition knowledge, and which areas you want to improve, like blood sugar or energy levels. Then you receive a book designed to focus exactly on those needs with daily step-by-step guidance. This personalized approach makes sense here because diabetes management is highly individual, and what works for one person often doesn’t for another. By having a book created just for your situation, you get relevant, targeted advice without wading through irrelevant information.
2025·50-300 pages·Diabetes, Diabetes Nutrition, Blood Sugar Control, Energy Management, Meal Planning

This personalized book provides a tailored approach to improving blood sugar control and energy through diabetes-focused nutrition. It offers step-by-step actions designed to fit your specific diabetes type, lifestyle, and health goals, cutting through generic advice to deliver practical daily guidance. Readers gain a personalized framework that integrates nutritional strategies, meal planning, and behavior adjustments proven effective in managing blood sugar and boosting energy levels. The book emphasizes actionable insights grounded in nutrition science and individualized planning, enabling you to implement changes within a manageable 30-day period. By focusing on your unique context, it supports sustainable improvements in diabetes management and overall vitality.

Tailored Framework
Diabetes Nutrition
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for simple diabetic meal prep
David Smith, Washington bureau chief of The Guardian, found this book invaluable during his exploration of diabetes-friendly cooking. After encountering the complexities of dietary management, he praised it as "The Kitchen Starter Kit. Are you starting in the kitchen? This cookbook is your perfect entry point...." The straightforward air fryer tips and clear nutritional data helped him rethink how accessible diabetic cooking can be, especially for beginners.
DS

Recommended by David Smith

Washington bureau chief of The Guardian

The Kitchen Starter Kit. Are you starting in the kitchen? This cookbook is your perfect entry point. With simple air fryer tips and recipes that are easy to follow, it's a great beginner's guide. The added nutritional values for each recipe make meal planning a breeze, accommodating various dietary needs in no time.

When Isabella Abrams first discovered the challenges of managing diabetes through diet, she channeled her expertise into crafting a resource tailored for simplicity and health. This book teaches you how to harness air fryer technology to create flavorful, diabetes-friendly meals suitable for type 1, type 2, and prediabetic conditions. You’ll learn about glycemic index principles, meal planning with a 28-day schedule, and an array of recipes—from breakfasts to desserts—that come with detailed nutritional information. If you’re newly diagnosed or seeking approachable ways to maintain balanced blood sugar via cooking, this book offers practical culinary skills and insights that fit into your lifestyle.

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Best for reversing diabetes with plants
John Kelly, founder and director of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, highlights the importance of diet in reversing type 2 diabetes. After witnessing the impact of nutrition on insulin resistance, he recommends this book as a practical guide, saying, "Properly selected and prepared plant foods can reverse insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Reverse your diabetes and enjoy full remission using the nutritional approach so enjoyably presented in The Kick Diabetes Cookbook." His endorsement reflects how the book reshaped his thinking about diabetes management. Likewise, Michael Greger, founder of Nutritionfacts.org, urges anyone aiming to reverse diabetes to keep this book close, emphasizing its practical support for the journey.

Recommended by John Kelly

Founder, American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Properly selected and prepared plant foods can reverse insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Reverse your diabetes and enjoy full remission using the nutritional approach so enjoyably presented in The Kick Diabetes Cookbook.

2018·192 pages·Diabetes, Diabetic Cooking, Nutrition, Health, Plant-Based Diet

When Brenda Davis, a registered dietitian with decades of experience in plant-based nutrition, developed this guide, she aimed to provide a clear, research-backed approach to managing type 2 diabetes through diet. You’ll learn why not all carbohydrates affect blood sugar equally, how plant-based proteins can reduce diabetes risk, and practical meal planning that supports blood glucose regulation. The book includes 100 recipes ranging from comfort foods to indulgent treats, each with nutritional analysis, plus guidance on cooking techniques and a sample weekly menu. If you’re looking to understand the dietary science behind diabetes control and want delicious, accessible recipes, this book is tailored for you.

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Best for quick type 2 diabetes meals
Chef Julie Andrews, a registered dietitian and cookbook author, recommends this book highly for anyone managing type 2 diabetes. After encountering the challenge of balancing a busy schedule with healthy eating, she found that Andy and Michelle's cookbook offered a solution that doesn't sacrifice flavor or simplicity. She said, "Andy and Michelle have created a wonderful resource for those with type 2 diabetes. This cookbook is filled with easy, scrumptious recipes that are suitable for people with busy schedules who are looking to eat delicious, nourishing meals." This book helped her rethink diabetic cooking as approachable and enjoyable without feeling restrictive.

Recommended by Chef Julie Andrews

Registered Dietitian and Cookbook Author

Andy and Michelle have created a wonderful resource for those with type 2 diabetes. This cookbook is filled with easy, scrumptious recipes that are suitable for people with busy schedules who are looking to eat delicious, nourishing meals. The intro section outlines simple ways to incorporate more nutritious foods into your daily routine, and there is something everyone will love in the recipes section. My personal favorites are the Red Lentil Dal with Pita, Cheesy Taco Skillet, and Chocolate Yogurt Granita. If you haven't grabbed a copy, now is the time!

2021·156 pages·Diabetes, Diabetic Cooking, Type 2 Diabetes, Diabates, Nutrition

What if everything you thought about managing type 2 diabetes through diet was simpler than you believed? Andy De Santis, with his background at Diabetes Canada and private nutrition practice, delivers 75 recipes that strip away the intimidation around diabetic cooking. You learn to prepare meals that are low in carbs and sugar but rich in flavor, like Mongolian-Inspired Beef or Salmon Po'boy, all designed to fit into busy lifestyles with minimal prep. Beyond recipes, the book demystifies blood sugar, insulin, and glycemic index, giving you tools to better understand how food impacts your condition. This book suits anyone seeking practical, tasty ways to adjust eating habits without overwhelm.

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Best for scientific diabetes reversal
Michael Mosley, a respected science journalist and medical broadcaster, found this book crucial in understanding type 2 diabetes. After witnessing the widespread impact of diabetes, he highlights how Roy Taylor’s research demystifies the underlying causes and offers a pathway to reversal. Mosley states, "Roy Taylor and his team have not only cracked the mystery of what causes type 2 diabetes, the greatest health problem of our time, but shown the world how to get rid of it." This insight changed his perspective on diabetes management, emphasizing that remission is achievable through targeted weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Recommended by Michael Mosley

Science journalist and medical broadcaster

Roy Taylor and his team have not only cracked the mystery of what causes type 2 diabetes, the greatest health problem of our time, but shown the world how to get rid of it. This is a terrific book, which will help a huge number of people.

2020·320 pages·Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Diabates, Metabolism, Weight Loss

When Roy Taylor first challenged the prevailing belief that type 2 diabetes is an incurable, lifelong condition, he shifted the conversation by presenting evidence that it can be reversed through significant weight loss. Drawing from over forty years of research, Taylor explains how excess fat in the liver and pancreas disrupts their function, and how losing less than a gram of this fat can restore normal insulin regulation. You’ll find clear explanations of the physiological mechanisms behind diabetes and practical guidance on safely reducing calorie intake to shed weight rapidly, with chapters outlining strategies to avoid hunger and decision fatigue. This book suits anyone looking to understand the science behind diabetes reversal and those motivated to regain control over their health through dietary changes.

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Best for gestational diabetes nutrition
Robb Wolf, New York Times bestselling author and expert on nutrition and metabolic health, encountered this book while seeking better ways to address gestational diabetes beyond standard protocols. After witnessing many women struggle with restrictive diets that failed to control blood sugar, he found Lily Nichols’ work refreshingly grounded in evidence and practical food choices. He shares, "At last, a book that challenges the outdated conventional gestational diabetes diet and provides an evidence-based, common sense approach to managing it with real food." This perspective shifted his understanding of gestational diabetes management, highlighting the importance of individualized nutrition.

Recommended by Robb Wolf

New York Times bestselling author

At last, a book that challenges the outdated conventional gestational diabetes diet and provides an evidence-based, common sense approach to managing it with real food.

When Lily Nichols first discovered the shortcomings of traditional gestational diabetes diets, she crafted an alternative rooted in real, nutrient-dense foods that prioritize both mother and baby's health. This book guides you through understanding which carbohydrates truly impact blood sugar and how to tailor your meal plan to your unique needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Nichols, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, also explores safe prenatal exercises and the science behind ketosis in pregnancy, offering insights that challenge conventional wisdom. If you’re navigating gestational diabetes and want clarity on nutrition beyond standard advice, this book provides practical knowledge without unnecessary restrictions.

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Conclusion

Across these 10 books, clear themes emerge: the power of diet in managing and sometimes reversing diabetes, the importance of understanding insulin resistance, and the value of practical, delicious cooking strategies that don't feel restrictive. Whether you're combating sugar addiction, exploring plant-based diets, or seeking quick, balanced meals, these books offer pathways suited to varied needs.

If you're newly diagnosed or overwhelmed by diabetes management, starting with Sugar Addiction No More for Diabetics or The Easy Diabetes Cookbook can ground you in fundamental habits. For those ready to dive deeper into lifestyle transformation, The Diabetes Code Cookbook and Life Without Diabetes provide science-backed methods to approach remission. Combining the insights from these books can accelerate your understanding and empower your choices.

Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Diabetes book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Tailoring knowledge to your needs ensures your diabetes management strategy is as individual as you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Sugar Addiction No More for Diabetics" if sugar cravings are a challenge, or "The Easy Diabetes Cookbook" for balanced meal ideas. These provide approachable entry points before diving into more specialized books.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Diabetes?

Not at all. Many books like "30-Minute Type 2 Diabetes Cookbook" and "Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners" are designed for all experience levels, with clear guidance and practical recipes.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational knowledge on diet and cravings, then explore cookbooks focused on your diabetes type. Finally, read science-driven works like "Life Without Diabetes" for deeper understanding.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

They balance both. For example, "The Diabetes Code Cookbook" offers practical recipes paired with explanations on insulin management, while "Healthy at Last" combines lifestyle insights with recipes.

Are there any contradictions among these books?

Some experts emphasize low-carb diets, others plant-based nutrition; however, all agree diet and lifestyle are crucial. Consider your personal needs and consult healthcare providers for tailored advice.

Can I get a Diabetes book tailored to my specific needs and goals?

Yes! While these expert books offer valuable insights, you can create a personalized Diabetes book to focus on your unique situation, combining expert knowledge with your lifestyle and preferences.

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