Poothullil emphasizes that his book does not address type 1 (juvenile-onset) diabetes but the type that usually occurs in older humans—although it may occur in children, as well. The main dietary culprits are grains: wheat, rice, potatoes, rye, etc. The way to improve overall health and significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes is to adopt the doctor's guidance to changes in diet and attitudes about eating.

Poothullil recommends taking eight steps in as many weeks. These are as follows: reduce grains considerably from your diet; reconnect with your authentic weight; maintain your authentic weight by paying attention to the hunger sensation; maintain your authentic weight by listening to the signals of satiation; overcome your tendencies to overeat; take control of your eating habits; understand the foods you eat; eat and enjoy with no diabetes.

Poothullil admits early in the book that he is not an endocrinologist, but he has researched the subject for twenty-five years. The reader may be inclined to muse about the changes in the American diet through the years, including the introduction of an increasing number of additives and pesticide residues in many foods. The book is a guide to a person's gaining control of the problems and restrictions that are and have been specific to the disease: frequent hunger, cravings, sugar spikes, meal schedules, and, according to the author, the contraindications of taking and becoming increasingly dependent on insulin. Insulin will not cure type 2. Ultimately, the book is literally "food for thought" for people who would like to be more mindful about the ways in which they think about and consume food that may induce and cure type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Poothullil's The Diabetes-Free Cookbook & Exercise Guide was the 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award Best Small Press book.

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