Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution and The Diabetes Diet

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Permalink Reply by bsc on October 26, 2009 at 4:12pm

I have both of these. I actually have had several copies of Diabetes Solution, but have given them as gifts to others. I consider Diabetes Solution as a must have reference for all diabetics. You may not accept and do everything Dr. B says, but the book is a compendium of great advice. Diabetes diet is useful, but as time goes on, it has been less of a reference that the Solution. In the scope of things, spending perhaps even a $hundred on good books will pay you back in gobs (sorry for the technical term). I would put Blood Sugar 101, Using Insulin and Think like a Pancreas on that list.

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Permalink Reply by Di on October 26, 2009 at 4:19pm

I second "Think Like a Pancreas". Great book that you will refer to over and over again.
I have Diabetes solution, too. Also good, but super strict diet.

If you are deciding whether or not to get it, I say get it, as the info is sound and Dr. Bernstein writes from his own experience.

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Permalink Reply by Judith on October 26, 2009 at 6:01pm

Perfect list, by me bsc. I also found Gretchen Becker's first year with T2 helpful and sane, reading being the way I find my way in the world, I built a big library after diagnosis. And several specifically aimed at diabetes and women.

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Permalink Reply by Judith on October 26, 2009 at 6:36pm

We called him Crazy Bernie at first. Such a difficult program to embrace in the beginning. But, by gum, it works and we love it now. My non-diabetic husband went along with the program in support and lost 70 lbs and got off his BP meds. Being a middle-aged post-menopausal female who is also dealing with the requirements of fibromyalgia, I have adapted it to 40-45 carbs for myself, as opposed to his 30. You will find others here who can tolerate a lot more carbs with no complications, but he works for me. I would underline also the recommendation of Blood Sugar 101. And for comparison on carb tolerances, you can get to know Nel Peach, a long-time T1 eating higher carb-count with no complications.

Ultimately, you want to keep your readings as close to "normal" as possible and so you need to TestTestTest to see what works for you!!!

Best wishes and stay in touch.....Judith in Portland.

P.S.....After 3 years, my lipid profile is excellent. Some folks distrust this approach because of high protein/fats needs. But I have substituted non-meat sources of protein and eat only about 2-3 ounces of meat a day. That may help. And you could get to know Gerri and Hana Rous for more comparison.....Be well.....

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Permalink Reply by Danny on October 26, 2009 at 7:25pm

Dr. Bernstein very well might be a little wacky or quacky (crazy), but he sure does have a great way of controlling his blood sugars (without a pump or CgM, go figure). I do not follow his diet 100%, really not even close but have managed to take bits & pieces of his advise and make it my own way of managing Type 1 Diabetes. To this very day, I will still refer to his book often. I recommend you purchase it, what really do you have to loose (I guess the purchase price of $30.00)?

There are 92 reviews at Amazon.com (below link), give them a read when you get a moment.

Amazon.com Diabetes Solution

You can also read it online (link below).

Diabetes Solution Read it online

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Permalink Reply by Troy K. Childers on October 27, 2009 at 6:45am

Thanks for the feedback, I totally appreciate it. I will give the other books a gander as well and see what fits me best.

Thanks all....

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Permalink Reply by Dori S on October 27, 2009 at 3:06pm

I have read it and like the science behind it but I'm with you on liking my carbs. There is no way I could go that low on a permanent basis. I will try to keep my BG and A1C as low as possible and do watch what kind of and how many carbs I eat but to go that low and give up all the things he wants you to give up is near impossible for me.

I am not knocking him or anyone who follows the lifestyle - good for you! I am just agreeing with Rainbowgoddess that it is not for me.

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Permalink Reply by Judith on October 27, 2009 at 4:50pm

Well spoken, Tori and my Friend Goddess. None of us have a lot of tolerance for hard-core proselytizing---I think it goes with any chronic illness----one hears so much claptrap and when you have to be your own advocate, when it's as individual as The D is, well it doesn't work, anyway, does it? I just love the Civilized exchange of info---so rare in these crazy days.

Civility: The benevolent awareness of others. Isn't that a great definition? Wish I could remember where I read it.

Be well all.....Judith

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