Introduction:
This is THE BOOK which allowed me take control of my diabetes.
I managed to stabilise my blood glucose values and lower my HbA1c values.
I also had a profound improvement in my mental condition. I reported this mental
improvement to the MELAS specialists in England and they wanted to do a test of
me reverting to my old diet for 8 weeks then going back to the new diet for 8
weeks. However, so profound were the mental improvements that my wife forbade me
undertaking this test!
In the first chapter of the book, 14 of Dr. Bernstein's patients tell their
experiences - many similar to my own
experiences.
Background of Dr. Bernstein.
He developed Type I diabetes in 1946, at the age of 12 - when
treatment with insulin was still pretty much in the dark ages, (having to boil
syringes daily and sharpen the needles on a stone).
He trained as engineer and
had a successful career.
He was following the recommended diet of Low Fat, fairly Low Protein and High
Carbohydrate. Despite following all the medical advice he felt awful, and had constant problems of Hypos.
Over a 20 year period he gradually developed a wide range of diabetic
complications.
He was able to obtain a very early Blood Glucose
Monitoring Meter, in 1970. He used this to measure the effects of various foods
on his own blood glucose values.
By 1973 he had developed a diet which worked for him. Gradually, most of his
diabetic complications improved or disappeared.
He wanted to spread the word of his new diet, but no one would listen to him. So,
in 1979
at the age of 45, he quit his career and trained to be a doctor.
He opened his own medical practice in New York in 1983 - dedicated to
Diabetes.
He has lived with Diabetes for over 55 years.
The Diabetes Solution.
The solution provided by Dr. Bernstein is very detailed and covers both Type I
and Type II.
In the 24 chapters of the book, he covers all aspects of both types of diabetes and all methods of treatments,
(ranging from diet only through various tablets to insulin).
However, fundamental to all solutions, regardless of the range of medications
used, is the low carbohydrate diet. His guidelines for carbohydrate intake are -
- 6 grams for Breakfast,
- 12 grams for Lunch and
- 12 grams for Tea/Supper.
These are quite small amounts. E.g. Half a piece of toast for Breakfast. By contrast a
small/medium size Pizza can have 90 grams.
This is not a starvation diet though. There is plenty of protein, healthy fat
and lots of salad. There are plenty of recipes towards the end of the book.
Although it is possible to inject more insulin to cover a large amount of
carbohydrate, (as I know myself), you soon get onto a rollercoaster of highs and
lows. The only way to get off the rollercoaster is to reduce both the
carbohydrate and insulin intake.
The solution is based on the engineering principle "Large inputs make large
mistakes, small inputs make small mistakes". He calls this "The Laws of
Small Numbers".
An example of the small inputs scenario is to have multiple injections of
insulin per day, (typically 4 or more injections).
Dr. Bernstein steps through all aspects and uses examples as needed. There is no
"one solution fits all", but in his book he goes through all possible
scenarios.
Notes:
Although the majority of the book is a "How to...", there is a detailed section
at the end of the book in which describes the scientific basis of his solution.
He discounts many of the myths about diabetes - such as why a high carbohydrate,
low fat, low protein, low salt diet came to be recommended in the first place.
One thing to bear in mind is that the book uses American blood glucose
values of mg/dl whereas the rest of the world uses mmol/l. To convert from
American values, divide by 18 - or to convert to American values multiply by 18.
E.g. in England we might aim for a blood glucose value of 5.0, but in America
they might aim for the same blood glucose level of 90.
Dr. Bernstein has his own website, see
www.diabetes-book.com.
Summary.
If you have diabetes, or know someone that has, BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
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