A Review of DR. BERNSTEIN’S DIABETES SOLUTION-Revised and Updated. The Complete Guide To Achieving Normal Blood Sugars. Little Brown and Co., New York
This remarkable book is a prime example of the major constipation, indeed obstruction, of the American Medical System.
Richard Bernstein is an M.D., juvenile, type 1 diabetic since age 12. Originally an engineer, he independently discovered through literature research, that, in animals, the complications of diabetes could be prevented and even reversed by normalizing blood sugars. He asked his physician if this could be a diabetes solution for him too. His physician, displaying arrogant ignorance, assured him ”Animals aren’t humans.”
In true scientific spirit he continued his quest for a diabetes solution. Bernstein discovered that ”1 gram of carbohydrate raised my blood sugar by 5 mg/dl, and 1 unit of the old beef/pork insulin lowered it by 15 mg/dl.”
Within a year he refined his regimen to the point that he had essentially normal blood sugars around the clock – a diabetes solution!
His chronic fatigue and many other symptoms disappeared and his blood lipids became normal. He had found a diabetes solution.
Meanwhile the Medical Establishment continued to insist that blood sugar ”Normalization” was impossible.
His article describing his discovery was routinely and repeatedly rejected by medical journals.
The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE and JAMA went so far as to say that few if any patients would be willing to check their blood sugars! Boy, were they stupid!
For many years the Medical Establishment refused to accept glucometers for patient use. Finally, in order to obtain some possible acceptance, Bernstein entered medical school and at age 49 he opened his own practice. At age 71, he is perhaps the first Type 1 diabetic to live almost 60 years without any complications of diabetes, ON NO INSULIN!! His truly unique discoveries have led the Director of the Diabetes Division of the CDC to write the foreword to this book, which should be mandatory reading for all diabetics-AND PHYSICIANS.
There are over 15 million diabetics in the U.S, and increasing at close to a million a year. Sadly, at least 200,000 Americans die of complications of diabetes each year.
I cannot imagine any intelligent diabetic accepting typical medical advice, which avoids such critical and successful therapy. The essential, other than careful self-testing of blood glucose, is a diet that avoids all simple sugars, most ”diet” foods (junk anyway!), sugar-free artificial foods, honey, fructose, desserts, pastries, bread, crackers, rice and pasta, breakfast cereals, snack foods, ”protein bars” (more junk), fruits and juices, beets, carrots, corn, potatoes, tomatoes and tomato sauces, commercial soups and 99% of ”health food” products.
What is left? Quite a lot of delicious food is. It includes most of the veggie vegetables, meats, fish, fowl, seafood and eggs. In addition to some cheeses and plain, unflavored yogurt or gelatin.
I personally part with Dr. Bernstein on his acceptance of aspartame and Splenda. Stevia seems to me to be the only acceptable sweetener. In essence, Dr. Bernstein recommends a maximum of 12 carbohydrate calories per meal.
This book and its companion, THE DIABETES DIET, are must haves for all diabetics. There are 3 keys to combine to have the best possible solution for all diabetids. The first is a good exercise program. Next is optimization of weight at 19 to 25 Body Mass Index. Finally, regular stress reduction/relaxation is a must.
Yes, some will need insulin or other drugs especially initially, but the resultant health benefits far outweigh any conceivable objections to this scientifically pure approach to one of our major health crises.
Everyone with diabetes needs this wisdom and practice that is by far the best I have seen. It truly is a diabetes solution.
Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D. is the father of holistic medicine. He recommends autogenic focus (the basis of the Biogenics System) and Shealy-Sorin Essentials & Youth Formula as part of your overall commitment to self-health.