Richard K. Bernstein

***This was a Goodreads.com first read contest win!***

I received this as a free book to read and review from the publisher. This book was very interesting. I will admit that I personally do not have diabetes but I have a dear friend that suffers along with her mother. They each have read this book after I finished it and stated that it was wonderful. My friend stated that her and her mother are going to the solution's offered in the book. They even stated they spoke with Dr Bernstein they his monthly chat. Where he offered additional options and advice. For anyone that is suffering with this problem this is a must read.… (meer)

This book is almost exactly what I wanted. I have Pre-diabetes and having been inching to diabetes since my late twenties. I have been struggling to understand how much carbohydrates I should limit myself to and also what those carbohydrates are. Since I have never reached diabetes in my blood sugar readings, I never was qualified for the free diabetes training offered at hospitals. Also, I couldn't afford to pay for it.

Dr. Richard K. Bernstein boils everything down in simple and not confusing language. He has Diabetes Type I and was never able to control it using the guidelines that were offered when he was young. He decided to figure out what works for him and from that sprang his plan that can be used by most diabetics.

He explained the effects of blood sugar are on our bones, skin, moods and joints. He discussed the tests that should be used for the initial workup-including one that I have never had. I will discuss that one with my doctor on the next appointment.

He also provides a list of prescription and none prescription medicines that can raise your blood sugar.I found one that I take twice a day so I will discuss with my doctor if it can be changed.

I learned so much from this book but there were a few drawbacks. I wished for more recipes in the back, I am not sure that I agree with him on the use of malodextrin. Since I checked many websites on it with opposing views, I am now confused as to whether I should avoid it. Also, can I totally give up bread and all baked goods and fruit? I will cut down but can I totally eliminate it? I think I will slowly cut down and eliminaate the foods that he said are "No No". And I will look for and increase the foods that he says are safe for diabetics.

Also in Chapter 13, he lists three exceptions to people who can do fine on his diet plan. I have one of the conditions and a possible second one that he lists. However he only discusses solutions for the third exception so I am left hanging with the question of what do I do?

Beyond that I really love the clear language and the way that he explained things that I have been confused about for years.

I recommend this book for all people with diabetes and pre-Diabetes.

I won this book from GoodReads and received it from the publishers but that in no way influenced my review.… (meer)