Dr. John M. Poothullil
With Type 2 diabetes emerging as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the modern era, new ideas around its causes and treatment are increasingly drawing public attention. A recent book review by Prof Dr Shiv Sethi has added momentum to this discussion by examining a work that questions long-established medical assumptions. The book, “Diabetes – The Real Cause and The Right Cure: 8 Steps to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes in 8 Weeks”, is authored by Dr. John M. Poothullil, a retired Indian-origin physician who practiced medicine in the United States for several decades.
The review presents the book as a serious, thought-provoking contribution rather than a conventional self-help guide. It highlights how the author challenges mainstream theories and places dietary habits at the center of the diabetes epidemic.
Revisiting the Foundations of Diabetes Treatment
According to the book review by Prof Dr Shiv Sethi, Dr. Poothullil begins by questioning the insulin resistance theory, which has dominated medical understanding of Type 2 diabetes for years. This theory proposes that body cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels and the need for medication.
Dr. Poothullil argues that this explanation has been accepted with limited critical scrutiny. He raises several logical questions, including why only a small number of cell types would become resistant to insulin while the rest continue to respond normally. He also points out that if muscle cells truly lacked access to glucose, diabetics would show signs of muscle weakness or failure, which is generally not the case.
Another example discussed in the book review is gestational diabetes. The author notes that the condition often appears suddenly during pregnancy and disappears soon after delivery. According to him, this pattern raises doubts about explanations that rely heavily on genetics or permanent hormonal dysfunction.
Diet as the Primary Driver of Disease
After outlining what he sees as flaws in prevailing theories, Dr. Poothullil offers an alternative explanation rooted in modern eating habits. As highlighted in the book review by Prof Dr Shiv Sethi, the author identifies excessive consumption of grains such as rice, wheat, corn, and refined flour products as the main contributor to Type 2 diabetes.
The book explains that a grain-heavy diet leads to excessive glucose in the bloodstream. When fat cells become overloaded, surplus fatty acids circulate in the blood and prompt muscle cells to switch from burning glucose to burning fat. This shift leaves glucose unused, causing it to accumulate in the bloodstream and result in high blood sugar levels.
This dietary explanation, according to the author, helps explain why diabetes is now seen across different age groups, body types, and lifestyles, including among people who are not obese or physically inactive.
From Explanation to Action
One of the most notable aspects of the book, as discussed in the book review by Prof Dr Shiv Sethi, is its emphasis on practical application. Rather than stopping at theory, Dr. Poothullil outlines eight actionable steps designed to reverse Type 2 diabetes within eight weeks.
These steps focus on significantly reducing or eliminating grains from the diet, increasing the intake of vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, and tubers, and consuming millets in moderation. The plan also encourages the daily intake of three types of nuts and advises readers to eat in response to genuine hunger instead of fixed meal timings.
The author claims that following these steps can help individuals lower blood sugar levels without long-term dependence on medication or insulin injections. This assertion positions the book in direct contrast to conventional diabetes management approaches, which often view medication as a lifelong necessity.
Hopeful Claims and Critical Reactions
The book review by Prof Dr Shiv Sethi acknowledges that such claims are bound to generate mixed reactions. For many patients who have managed diabetes with medication for years, the idea of reversing the condition through diet alone may seem unrealistic or even risky. Similarly, healthcare professionals trained under standardized treatment protocols may approach these ideas with caution.
There is also the question of evidence. Some readers may feel that while the logic presented is compelling, broader clinical trials and long-term studies are needed to validate the book’s conclusions. The review does not dismiss these concerns but frames them as part of a healthy scientific debate.
Importantly, the review emphasizes that disagreement does not diminish the book’s value. By questioning accepted norms, the book encourages readers to engage more actively with their health choices.
Accessible Language and Wider Appeal
Another strength noted in the book review by Prof Dr Shiv Sethi is the book’s clear and accessible writing style. Despite dealing with complex metabolic concepts, the author avoids heavy medical jargon, making the book understandable for a general audience.
This accessibility broadens the book’s appeal, allowing patients, caregivers, and health-conscious readers to engage with ideas that are often confined to academic or clinical discussions. The tone is described as empowering, encouraging readers to believe that informed dietary decisions can play a meaningful role in improving health outcomes.
An Author Committed to Lifestyle-Based Health
Dr. John M. Poothullil is no stranger to health writing. A retired physician with MD and FRCP qualifications, he has authored several books focusing on nutrition, lifestyle, and chronic disease management. His previous works include Beat Unwanted Weight Gain, The Diabetes-Free Cookbook and Exercise Guide, Eat, Chew, Live, Your Health Is At Risk, Surviving Cancer, and titles addressing childhood cancer and preventive health.
As noted in the review, a recurring theme across his work is the belief that modern dietary patterns are at the root of many chronic illnesses.
A Book That Encourages Personal Responsibility
In conclusion, the book review by Prof Dr Shiv Sethi presents “Diabetes – The Real Cause and The Right Cure” as a book that challenges readers to rethink not only diabetes treatment but also personal responsibility for health. While it may not replace conventional medical advice, it opens new lines of inquiry and encourages people to pay closer attention to what and how they eat.
For readers interested in exploring these ideas further, copies of the book are available by contacting Mrs. Udaya Sri in Hyderabad at udayasuri1611@gmail.com. Whether read with agreement or skepticism, the book succeeds in sparking an important conversation about diabetes, diet, and the future of preventive healthcare.
About the Author
