MUMBAI, June 7: Here is a book on diabetes, a metabolic abnormality which remains with you for life, by a doctor who is a specialist in it. Panikar's book is written from the patient's angle and addresses all aspects, including complications and myths associated with the ailment.

The first thing the author does is to rid the patient of his fear of diabetes, provided he follows a disciplined life as prescribed in the book. Dr Panikar's presentation is functional (a lucidly written question-answer format), his style simple (with minimal medical jargon), his approach positive and, more important, his prescription easy to follow.

The book enhances awareness about the disease which has seen an increasing incidence in urban population. The incidence of diabetes has registered a five-fold increase to 8-10 per cent in the urban population in the last two decades. "A fast urban lifestyle, fast foods, changing diet patterns, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking are responsible for this epidemic," he says.

Common queries such as "Can diabetics take alcohol?, What to do if you still feel hungry after eating your permissible quota," are discussed in layman's language. In fact, the diet for diabetics has been so simplified that you can be your own dietician and formulate your diet. Panikar also says that traditional cooking mediums like mustard oil, ghee and coconut oil, though rich in saturated fats, have a very healthy ratio of essential fatty acids like Omega-6 and Omega-3, and may actually be better than today's refined oils.

By the end of the book, the patient gets the feeling that diabetes is not such a dreaded disease after all, provided he adheres to Panikar's prescription. Here is a primer which answers all the questions that a diabetic may want to know and may not ask.

All you wanted to know

Dr Vijay Panikar, MD, MCPS, FCPS, DNB, Diabetologist

Price: Rs 40

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.