Rating: 
Summary: Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution
Review: A wonderful book. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes some 7 years ago, and probably had the condition for a considerable time before that. I was diagnosed at the same time with rheumatoid polyarthritis, which leaves me unable to exercise in any significant way. For the last 7 years, I have been trying to follow medical practitioners' standard advice involving "a balanced diet" and "plenty of exercise", taking huge quantities of oral hypoglycemic drugs, checking only my fasting gluscose levels, and being happy if I could keep these under 160 mg/l. All this time my condition has been getting steadily worse.Now, for the first time, after reading this book, I really understand what is happening to my body and can do something about it myself. My levels are coming steadily down, and sometimes I can keep them almost "normal" over periods of days. It is a really liberating experience to be in control again after so many years. The book should be required reading for all diabetics and, more important, for those who make their living treating them.
Rating:
Summary: Eighteen Months Later—Bernstein's Program Works!
Review: I wrote a review of Dr. Bernstein's book in June of 2000. At that time, I had lost 15 pounds and had normalized my blood sugars using his regimen. Eighteen months later, I am still following his diet and routines. Most of the time my blood sugar is between 75 and 90 and my hemoglobin a1c is 4.6. I visited his office in ... and have had phone contact and occasional visits to his New York office since that time. (I live in Pittsburgh, PA) I have now lost over 55 pounds and kept it off. My cholesterol has improved so that it is normal to low normal. Dr. Bernstein also diagnosed a thyroid condition—which other doctors told me I did not have—and with treatment, I am now in the completely normal range of both T3 and T4 and my energy levels are normal for the first time in years. I do not find the lack of carbohydrates to be that much of a sacrifice, especially considering the damage that high blood sugars can cause. I have found food items that help make up for the lack of regular bread and potatoes (made by Ketogenics) that help when I am hungry for bread, but do not adversely affect my blood sugar. Dr. Bernstein is indeed available 24 hours a day. Last December, I awoke at 2 A.M. with severe vomiting and diarrhea—very serious for diabetics and I called his emergency number. He answered the phone, gave me excellent instructions, and had me contact him every few hours—through Christmas Day—until I had recovered somewhat. I wish doctors in my area would take his treatment and ideas more seriously because they do work. When I have attempted to add extra carbs to my diet, it ALWAYS raises my blood sugar to unacceptable levels (over 110). If I were to eat the diet recommended by the A.D.A., I would have severe problems with my blood sugar, which would in turn affect my cholesterol and my heart. I know because I used their diet and developed diabetes while on it. Low fat, high carb (and I ate mostly complex carbs—whole grains, beans, fruit, carrots, beets) and avoided foods considered to be unhealthy. I liked that food, but it certainly did not help my condition, and I quickly gained weight on it after initially losing weight. I have lost the weight on the Bernstein diet and have NOT regained it. The Bernstein program works for those who follow it. I am very, very grateful I found the book and I still highly recommend it to anyone who is diabetic, is likely to be one or who has a loved one who has the disease.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: I am a physician specializing in metabolic medicine. I am a diabetic educator and lecture frequently at various physician conferences. I am in awe of the masterpiece Dr. Bernstein has put together. Never has there been a work so thorough, accurate, understandable and most importantly, effective. He's encompassed the entire topic so effectively that no question is left unanswered. This could only be done by someone who is not only well educated but also experienced and passionate about the topic. There is no doubt that this book will save thousands of lives. For the first time in history, a diabetic who follows Dr. Bernstein's advice will have the opportunity to live beyond the average life expectancy as he or she will be far healthier than the average non-diabetic.This book is an essential component to the library of every diabetic and every physician who cares for diabetics.
Rating:
Summary: Realistic approach to the heart of the matter.
Review: Dr. Bernstein gets right to the critical facts of obesity and diabetes, and leads you, step by step, through the information you need to know and what no one ever tells you. As a newly diagnosed Type II diabetic, I was lost in a sea of misinformation and apprehension until I discovered this book. Pulling no punches, he hits home in a straight forward easy to understand conversational manner. Make no mistake, this plan is not easy, at first. But, if getting control of your blood glucose and being in charge of your health is your goal, this is the book for you! You'll never again feel like diabetes controls you, and you'll feel healthier than you ever believed possible. I highly recommend this book to every diabetic, or caregiver of a loved one with diabetes.
Rating:
Summary: Review from a control freak
Review: Yes, I have to be in control. Not of everything, but when dealing with my personal health or that of my family I cannot just blindly follow whatever is the current thinking...IF it doesn't make sense. What a relief to read Doctor B's book in which he gives all the specifics behind his method of controlling high sugars. Of course It takes discipline to follow his advice but that's not too hard for those of us who want some control over our own health . I am 46 and have just recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I am so thankful I stumbled upon this book. Due to following Dr.B's program I have been able to cut back on my insulin requirements and will be requesting my doctors to make further cut backs soon. I also really appreciate that Doctor Bernstein holds out the hope that with proper control those of us who still have some functioning beta cells MAY be able to preserve them. With all the medical advancements being made this may be helpful for many diabetes down the road. Can you believe I went to a diabetes education class and they told me that there was no way they could be preserved? NO EXCEPTIONS.. That seemed pretty dogmatic. That was the last of my classes thankfully. Dr B's book has taught me so much more.
Rating:
Summary: Diabetes Solution - Dr. Richard Bernstein
Review: I was diagnosed 7-20-00 w/diabetes. My fasting sugar was 300. I followed the Atkin's diet for awhile but my fasting sugar was still too high - 145 . I then searched on the web for help - and found the book from Richard Bernstein - I purchased the book and have followed his diet now for 1 year and have lost 53 lbs. I also have a normal liver (it was high before) and my A1c is ranges 95-100. I'm 33 years old and finally feel young.
Rating:
Summary: Save your life and the lives of your loved ones
Review: After I read this book, I immediately put into action its principals. In 5 months I lost 50lbs. I gave the book to my diabetic mother. She was able to reduce her insulin pills by half. This book is easy to understand and extremely helpful. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Then PLEASE tell others about it.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you all for writing reviews!! This book has helped me
Review: It was surprising to see 58 reviews written for Dr. Bernstein's book, many of them testamonials. That alone caused me to stop & read awhile. Thank you to each person who wrote a review. I visited Dr. Bernstein's website next, and was able to read chapters excerpted from this book. Dr. Bernstein writes very succinctly, confidently, and compassionately. This approach to Type I and Type II diabetes is strict and challenging; however, his explanations for his approach are very clear and make good sense. He itemizes lab tests each diabetic should have, what those tests mean, what your values should be. Various medications are covered in detail. Diet and exercise are addressed. The key feature for me is that, in Dr. Bernstein's approach, diet & medication & exercise WILL ACTUALLY WORK TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD SUGARS. I don't know how many times my current doctor has said diet, exercise, medication, but it hasn't really worked to bring me and my blood sugars into line. I've been working at this for 6 weeks. I am still not tightly controlled, as Dr. Bernstein promotes. However, my blood sugars have dropped (from an "average" of 188 to an "average" of 135), I have not had any readings over 200 for 4 weeks. It takes time to build up your exercise routine, and time to learn what foods can be eaten and what cannot. I really believe this book will be one of the best investments you can make in your health if you are diabetic.
Rating:
Summary: Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution : A Complete Guide to Achi
Review: An essential book for anyone with diabetes...I have given it to several friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Must have Fruit
Review: This is a good book, one of many that taught me about diabetes. However, I don't believe in not having fruit. As a Type 2 diabetic, my blood sugar can drop very low - hypoglycemia - and I have found that I do need some fruit added into my diet.
|
