Anyone following Dr Bernstein diabetic solution

[Ian DP]

Sorry what is a GAD Test?


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You need a GAD antibody test to confirm whether you have autoimmune diabetes or not. If you have antibodies you are autoimmune and therefore either type 1 or LADA/1.5 and if you have no antibodies you are non-autoimmune and so therefore type 2. A GAD test can be done by your GP, they do not like to do them as they are costly £300ish. If you are underweight and a T2 it is probably worth requesting.


Diagnosed T2 in sept 2013, BS levels 20+. BMI 22, age 58. Requested a GAD test in November, came back very high 2,000+, doc said I would be T1 within weeks, but presently still LADA taking no insulin or medication, and striving to keep my BS readings one hour after meals under 7.8 in order to keep as many insulin making pancreas beta cells as possible for as long as I can.
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[smidge]

Hi Ian,

I wish i had the dedication to follow Bernstein! I know his way is absolutely the best for controlling BG to non-diabetic levels. I also know I can't do it - it would be too restrictive for me. If you can do it and stick to it I would love to follow your experiment because I have toyed with the idea a few times, but chickened out! I'm currently sabbotaging my LCHF diet with Nectarines! And my levels are definitely suffering. I'm due an HbA1c and I certainly expect to lose the 5.4% I was at for t he last three times. Still, it will shock me out of my complacency I guess!

As for the consultants - mine believes my HbA1c is way too low and I should raise it to 6. He won't help me sort out my overnight levels because he thinks with the HbA1c I have I can afford to raise my BG before bed and should do that to make sure I don't drop low overnight - instead of helping me work out an insulin dose that works for me. As you can probably tell, I'm getting a little (a lot!!!) peeved with him nd am thinking of changing consultant. He would probably get me banned from driving if I ran my HbA1c in the 4s. Still, if you're not on insulin yet, I don't see what argument they could have against you running 'normal' levels.

Good luck with it.

Smidge

 

[Ian DP]

Many thanks smidge,
I am finding that I am naturally getting closer and closer to the Bernstein diet, simply by eating to my meter. But I do love a few berries and cream first thing in the morning. Fruit I will miss. I am also concerned that I will lose weight in achieving his 'normal' blood sugar levels..... Unless they give me some insulin..... But I do not think they will yet. I have an appointment at the diabetic clinic tomorrow, so will try to find out what they think of dr Bernstein.


Diagnosed T2 in sept 2013, BS levels 20+. BMI 22, age 58. Requested a GAD test in November, came back very high 2,000+, doc said I would be T1 within weeks, but presently still LADA taking no insulin or medication, and striving to keep my BS readings one hour after meals under 7.8 in order to keep as many insulin making pancreas beta cells as possible for as long as I can.
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[smidge]

Hi Ian!

I think you will struggle with your weight on Bernstein's diet without insulin. I can't think how you would maintain enough calories unless you added rather a lot of fat. Although I LCHF, I don't actually add much fat, I just don't avoid fat.

If you wanted to go onto insulin now, you could explain your diet to your consultant and explain that you'd love to add more carbs to your diet but you can't as your BG goes too high with carbs without insulin. So, you'll not be able to add carbs unless he gives you insulin. Clearly, if you get the insulin, it's up to you what diet and insulin balance you adopt.

At the stage you're at, I was already on a very small dose of intermediate acting insulin.

Smidge

 

[gfmoore]

Hi Ian,

I wish i had the dedication to follow Bernstein! I know his way is absolutely the best for controlling BG to non-diabetic levels.

...Still, it will shock me out of my complacency I guess!

Smidge

Don't get complacent. Perhaps if you reread the first chapters of Bernstein it will re-awaken your rationale as to why you can't let go of the control of this monster.

:wry smile

 

[Ian DP]

Many thanks Smidge.
I will try without insulin. If my weight drops to much I will ask for insulin. But I will do as you suggest at tomorrows appointment... And see what the response is.

Bernstein's book seems just such a logical solution. Tried and tested by an engineer / doctor.


Diagnosed T2 in sept 2013, BS levels 20+. BMI 22, age 58. Requested a GAD test in November, came back very high 2,000+, doc said I would be T1 within weeks, but presently still LADA. On a LcHf diet taking no insulin or medication, and striving to keep my BS readings as low as possible in order to keep as many insulin making pancreas beta cells as possible for as long as I can.
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[reidergirl]

I'm just wondering,I'm type 1 have been for 30years and am currently following the DAFNE regime, do you think the Bernstein way would be better for me? My levels have been erratic at best for the last 15years,so anything that may help is worth a try.

 

[Ian DP]

Hi reidergirl,
If you can follow dr Bernstein's solution I am 100% sure that your BG levels would improve, and your chances of getting associated complications in future years drastically reduced. But following it will not be easy. It is a very strict diet, all be it a diet formed from BG meter testing..... Eating to your meter.

Dr Bernstein's book, dietetic solution can be purchased on iBooks / kindle for around £5.00. It is worth a read. He is now 80, diagnosed T1 aged 12, studied to become a Dr around 40 years ago and had his own practice specialising in diabetes.


Diagnosed T2 in sept 2013, BS levels 20+. BMI 22, age 58. Requested a GAD test in November, came back very high 2,000+, doc said I would be T1 within weeks, but presently still LADA taking no insulin or medication, and striving to keep my BS readings as close to 'normal' as possible in order to keep as many insulin making pancreas beta cells as possible for as long as I can.
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[smidge]

Hi Ian,

I hope it went well today at the diabetes clinic.

Reidergirl - Bernstein's diet is difficult to stick to and takes a lot of committment. I eat LCHF and only have about 50g carb a day, but that is way more than Bernstein permits. I have no doubt it is absolutely the right way to go for non-diabetic BG levels and minimising risk of complications. I think people who knock it do so because they don't have the willpower to do it and stick to it and would rather rubbish it than admit it works but that they'd rather risk complications than make those sacrifices. Personally, I'll admit I'm not strong enough to follow it even though I know i'm increasing my risks by not doing so. I stick to LCHF, but the inflexibility of Bernstein's regime is too much for me. I have nothing but admiration for bernstein, though and all that he's acheived - he is a remarkable man. I also have great admiration for diabetics who have the strength to follow the regime.

Smidge

 

[Ian DP]

Diabetic clinic went fairly well yesterday.

The DSN was surprisingly quite receptive / understanding. I told her I had 3 reasons to follow Bernstein's recommendations:-

1). To retain my insulin making beta cells (high BG kills beta cells)
2). To stop frequent visits to the toilet (I find anything over 5.5 means frequent urination)
3). Minimise long term associated diabetes complications.

She actually agreed and understood my reasons, then conferred with the consultant, who agreed to me taking insulin when needed (because of my tight BG control). She advised last thing at night, 1 unit of novo rapid, but only if my BG is over 7. This she said because 1ml could lower my BG levels by 3, and going below 4 not advised (hypo). I was hoping for a little insulin help at the 6 mark.... To bring BG down by a single point, but advised that this was not possible.

My target I am setting myself is simply to keep pre breakfast fasting below 5 and +2hr after eating below 6, not quite to Bernstein's solution (4.6 and 5.6). But I think the target I have set myself is achievable without insulin, but maybe not without weight loss. Next appointment in 2 months, if weight loss is significant, then I will up the protein / carbs with insulin.... That my plan.

I don't actually think Bernstein's solution is about diet, it is about having 'normal' BG levels.... Achieved through eating to your meter.



Diagnosed T2 in sept 2013, BS levels 20+. BMI 22, age 58. Requested a GAD test in November, came back very high 2,000+, doc said I would be T1 within weeks, but presently still LADA. On a LcHf diet taking no insulin or medication, and striving to keep my BS readings as low as possible in order to keep as many insulin making pancreas beta cells as possible for as long as I can.
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[reidergirl]

Thanks for the info Ian,I will get the book and then when I've read it make a decision about whether it is right for me, I'll stick to the DAFNE in the meantime. Smidge I think I have a good amount of willpower,but I'll see after I've read the book, thanks though.

 

[rowan]

Hi Ian,

I wish i had the dedication to follow Bernstein! I know his way is absolutely the best for controlling BG to non-diabetic levels. I also know I can't do it - it would be too restrictive for me.

I have just got this book today and would like to know in what way is it so restrictive?
i will be reading it of course, but my eyesight is a bit blurry at teh moment so it will take some time! Am going to the opticians for sight and retinal tests soon.

 

[Clivethedrive]

I have just got this book today and would like to know in what way is it so restrictive?
i will be reading it of course, but my eyesight is a bit blurry at teh moment so it will take some time! Am going to the opticians for sight and retinal tests soon.

I'm following dr bernsteins reccomendations and have been happy with his suggestions, my bs levels are down to 4.7 on average ...well pleased.

 

[rowan]

Did you find it overly restrictive?
I'd be thrilled to get back to those levels, I'm hovering between 7 and 17 at the moment. But that's still better than a couple of weeks ago when it was high 20s and more

 

[Pasha]

From what I remember Dr Bernstein recommends about 30 grams carbs/day. I needed to go down to 20/day to get a FBG of 83 +-3 mg/dl. Of course this means no fruit etc but I have learned that once you get used to this level it becomes easily manageable.

I did do trials @ 15 grams/day carbs and although it was manageable it was a bit restrictive.

My current HbA1c is 5.1 @ 20carbs/day @ 15 grams carbs/day it was 4.8 .

 

[rowan]

I think I need to start counting carbs, I know I'm eating low but don't really know how low. I can live without fruit without too much problem although i do miss bananas and I think they're one of the worst for us? Biggest problem is my habit when making veg soup or stew to just chuck anything in as i come acrioss it in fridge or cupboard! Looks like I'll have to start weighing everyhting to calculate carbs.

 

[Ian DP]

Hi rowan
My viewpoint on Dr Bernstein's solution is that it's not about diet but about keeping your BG levels at around 4.6 fasting and 5.6 2 hours after eating.

In order to achieve this he recommends exercise, medication and a low carb (36g per day) diet with no fruit (except avocado),

I have been following his recommendation for 6 months now. It's working for me. I loved fruit, found it hard to give up at first, but now don't miss it at all.

It's a way of life now. And I can't see me ever changing it, because it works.... For me

 

[rowan]

Thank you. I have problems with exercise for various medical reasons, I can walk the dog but no more than half a mile or so at a time on a good day (He runs around for a good few miles!). Although I found a yoga class the other day I might try, it's for over 55s so hopefully should be ok for me.
I forgot about the avocados, I do eat them, had one yesterday

 

[Clivethedrive]

Hi rowan
My viewpoint on Dr Bernstein's solution is that it's not about diet but about keeping your BG levels at around 4.6 fasting and 5.6 2 hours after eating.

In order to achieve this he recommends exercise, medication and a low carb (36g per day) diet with no fruit (except avocado),

I have been following his recommendation for 6 months now. It's working for me. I loved fruit, found it hard to give up at first, but now don't miss it at all.

It's a way of life now. And I can't see me ever changing it, because it works.... For me

Hi ian dp and rowan yes i went down to 20g of carbs a day and very slowly increased them and i can now manage 65 gs without raising my bs's over 5.5 after meals

 

[killerkaz]

I have just starting reading Bernstein book and its scaring the bejeezus out of me. I felt quite positive about controlling my diabetes until I started reading it, and even though he says a lot of the complications can be avoided, I still feel I'm staring disaster in the face a few years down the line. I've put it away for now as I think I've got enough to come to terms with. I'm keeping my carbs low, or trying to anyway, and have just received my glucometer so have started testing before and after meals. I might return to it at a later date when I feel more confident.