Gary Scheiner author of Think Like A Pancreas can't hold a safe HbA1c !

Over at the forum diabetes.co.uk, a certain group of low carb antis, have besmirched the Dr. Bernstein low carb method of blood glucose control for years. On many occasions, these people have advised diabetics to read Gary Scheiner's book 'Think Like A Pancreas' Clearly Gary Scheiner is a hero to the low carb antis. Let's get one thing straight from the start, I am sorry Gary's HbA1c is in the danger zone, and sincerely hope he can get back to better blood glucose numbers quickly. A short extract from an article by Gary posted here. http://integrateddiabetes.com/my-diabetes-confession/

"Maybe the same can be said for blood sugar control. I think my practice does a pretty good job helping people to meet their diabetes management goals. But quite frankly, my control stinks. My A1c has crept up to nearly 8%, and despite using a pump and CGM religiously, I still experience more than my fair share of lows."

And

"Dietary Discipline – Like many people with type-1 diabetes, I have an appetite that just won’t quit. Perhaps it’s genetic, or maybe the lack of the amylin hormone really does make a difference. Regardless, I’ve always struggled to avoid munching between my usual meals and snacks, and I tend to overeat – especially when faced with hypoglycemia. I’ve taken to using liraglutide (Victoza) on a daily basis to help curb the hunger, but I still often find a way to eat myself into trouble."

A quick Google around for what Gary's diet may comprise of came up with this.

"Great discussion today in the live interview with Gary Scheiner. I asked a question about low carb diets and T1. Gary's response surprised me, because he basically said that low carb diets are inappropriate for T1. They're more suited to T2, he said. I went back and listened again to his reasoning (13:40-19:50 mins is that portion of the discussion). His theory is that dietary protein, which low carbers rely on, is "meant for" muscle development, bone, etc. But in a low carb diet, protein is instead being used for energy, brain, nervous system, etc - i.e. the things that carbs are supposed to take care of. So Gary recommends at least 100 carbs per day, which he says simplifies your blood sugar control."

Link to information here. http://www.tudiabetes.org/forum/topics/do-you-agree-with-gary-scheiner-about-low-carb-diets

So, Gary is not a low carber, despite being an expert on blood glucose control, an insulin pump, CGM, and Victoza, he cannot get to safe BG numbers. Now, who am I going to take diabetes advice from, Bernstein who has held HbA1c in the mid fours for years, or a man that with every advantage that modern science can provide, but can't get close to a safe BG number.

The DCUK low carb anti mods love the openness of Gary's words, as can be seen here. http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/gary-scheiner-confession.70781/

The reason I suspect, is because they cannot get good control themselves. That being the case, could it be the reason they have posted misinformation for years, because it makes them feel better, if they can get everyone down to their level of failure? Could it be as Gary has admitted to, they have no discipline regarding food intake and dietary control. One thing is for sure, getting honest answers from the antis is impossible, as they have proved on numerous occasions.

A quote from Noblehead, the new forum mod and staunch low carb anti, who has just gone onto an insulin pump.

"Try and get a copy of the book Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner, it's a must read for anyone living with type 1 diabetes." Posted here. http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/stupid-but-need-to-ask.69489/#post-717354

The $64,000 question must be, is Gary following his own advice? Maybe Gary should be getting hold of a copy of Dr. Bernstein's 'Diabetes Solution' I have.

Must admit, I read "Think Like a Pancreas" and found it helpful but this was early in my diagnosis. I was surprised to hear of this and it does seem weird when a guy who has the answer for everything can't manage his own condition. Would I buy his book now ? Not in a million years !

Hi Mo a comment came in on the blog this was my answer. As you can see Gary does not rate Bernstein highly. Check out the transformation for Julie when she went low carb.

Hi and thank you for your comment, I checked out the link.

"Julie March 22, 2014 at 7:21 pm - Reply
Gary
I’ve read your book, ‘Think Like A Pancreas’ and follow your blog and I have a lot of respect for your knowledge and the work that you do.
I’ve had type 1 diabetes for early 30 years and struggled for any sort of control during that time. Last year, I discovered Dr Bernstein and started following a low carb/high fat ketogenic way of eating. In 6 months, I’ve seen my insulin requirements dropped by 60%, my A1c has come down from 11.6 to 7.7 (and hopefully lower by the next blood test) and the range of swing between my highs and lows are much less.
What are your thoughts on this way of eating and is it something that you’ve ever considered for yourself? I’d be very interested to hear your reply.
Kind regards,
Julie

Gary Scheiner April 1, 2014 at 7:02 pm - Reply
Hey Julie –
Although I’m not a fan of the Dr. Bernstein approach (it is quite extreme and difficult to follow long-term), one can’t argue with the results you’ve seen. As long as it is not having a negative impact on your health and quality of life, it seems to be working for you."

Why am I not surprised by Gary's reply to you. "it seems to be working for you" It is working for you big time. He can't do it so he believes others can't. But millions are low carbing and it works, check out most diabetes forums.

I agree Gary has much to offer but clearly from his comments he cannot control his food intake. Controlling food and the type of food is critical for good BG control as you know.

Once again thank you for your comment and the very best of luck and health to you and yours.

Thank you for placing us on your sidebar, I will place your blog on our side bar.

Kind regards

Eddie Mitchell

I admire the man's honesty and his book does have it's uses for BG control in different situations other than diet. So many dismiss LCHF as extreme without having actually tried it. That salmon salad you posted earlier for example, who couldn't cope with that ? Crazy !

mo1905 wrote:I admire the man's honesty and his book does have it's uses for BG control in different situations other than diet. So many dismiss LCHF as extreme without having actually tried it. That salmon salad you posted earlier for example, who couldn't cope with that ? Crazy !

As we all know, if your diet is not right, good BG control is almost impossible. Junk covered by meds is never going to work for a diabetic as the NHS stats prove time and time again. Diet is a fundamental for safe diabetes control.

Interesting stuff; I have that book and do recommend it as it's got very good descriptions of the processes but just goes to show the best technique in the world won't help if you are eating the wrong stuff.

Best

Dillinger

Would you treat an alcoholic with more booze, or a drug addict with more heroin ? Starchy carbs, are poison to all diabetics. And starchy carbs, highly processed/sugar food ain't doing non diabetics any good.