As a recently diagnosed type 1 I would be really interested to know if anyone has stuck to Bernsteins extreme low carb diet? I'm all for lifestyle changes to help with my health but don't see how you can live like this for long. I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm finding interesting, if not a little scary. His formulas for insulin dosing require a maths degree surely? Any advice?
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Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution
- Thread starter Daisy
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Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi Lisa, welcome to the forum 🙂 I know quite a few people have adopted some of Bernstein's principles and it has helped them, but not aware of anyone who would take it to the extremes he suggests - all a case of finding the right balance so you can gain good control but not spoil your quality of life by restricting your options too much.
Personally, if you are recently diagnosed I would give it some time to learn how you are personally affected by diabetes and the things you wish to have in your diet before taking too drastic measures. Let us know if you have any questions! 🙂
sbettoni
Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
This book saved my life...literally! You can see why at www.reversediabetesnow.co.uk
bill hopkinson
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Remember that in the day job I am paid to be sceptical of academic claims.
I think that Bernstein has some good basic ideas. Then he believes his own rhetoric and goes on beyond what is provable and gets too extreme.
Some others have made a similar point.
I think that Bernstein has some good basic ideas. Then he believes his own rhetoric and goes on beyond what is provable and gets too extreme.
Some others have made a similar point.
An article here explains how difficult it is for " mere mortals " to follow Bernstein.
So to my cynical but humanistic eye, a diabetes therapy that technically works, but is not achievable by most people, is a failure. No. Wait. That’s not right. It should be an option, of course. Because for those tough enough, zealous enough, fanatical enough to keep it up for their entire lives, it will work. But it’s not for everyone, so it should only be one of many options. We need to accept that not every diabetes solution will be the right choice for every person with diabetes
How low carb is low enough?
http://www.diabetesmine.com/2014/10/ask-dmine-how-low-carb-is-low-enough.html
So to my cynical but humanistic eye, a diabetes therapy that technically works, but is not achievable by most people, is a failure. No. Wait. That’s not right. It should be an option, of course. Because for those tough enough, zealous enough, fanatical enough to keep it up for their entire lives, it will work. But it’s not for everyone, so it should only be one of many options. We need to accept that not every diabetes solution will be the right choice for every person with diabetes
How low carb is low enough?
http://www.diabetesmine.com/2014/10/ask-dmine-how-low-carb-is-low-enough.html
Lindarose
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- MODY
I now know that even foods I thought were carb free have a small amount of carbs and its so easy to add just a little something to a meal and it suddenly shots up levels Much as I would love to go lower I know I can't do much more except learn what affects me most and reduce it My current diet isn't very exciting though Increasing exercise to outdo the damage is a good way that helps Got that message loud and clear on this forum Thanks
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Exercise helps you use the insulin you produce enormously. My consultant thinks I probably kept things at bay for quite a while due to the fact that I was running/training for half and full marathons - it was only when a virus overwhelmed my pancreas that I ended up with DKA.
Each of your cells carries insulin receptors, which are like locks to the door that lets energy into the cell. In Type 2, some of the locks and the insulin 'keys' don't fit properly, resulting in insulin resistance - you can be producing loads of insulin, but your body can't use it properly. However, when you exercise your cells develop loads of extra receptors/locks so there are a lot more ways for the energy to get into the cell, hence lowering your blood glucose levels! These extra receptors remain active for up to 40 hours after a period of exercise, so it's particularly good at helping you levels day after day if you exercise regularly 🙂 Of course, this is all dependent on your pancreas producing enough insulin in the first place, so if your body doesn't then you need some way of either stimulating more with medication, or adding extra by injecting 🙂
woniqidi
New Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
This book really was the beginning of me taking back control of my body. I say the beginning and if you really want to help yourself start here and move on to other information online. I don't particularly care much for some of DrBernstein's recommendations, but 80% of the time I try to keep to his advice.
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