New Year’s Post
My son, Gideon, called me recently concerned that his good friend, Brad, in his mid-20s had been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. His friend although an insulin-dependant diabetic, didn’t seem to watch his dietary intake very seriously, would eat erratically and drink alcohol like a frat-rat. He appeared somewhat overweight and rarely exercised. Gideon himself had been in that rut for sometime and realized although himself not diabetic, should adjust his lifestyle.
Consequently after reading about food choices, adjusting his diet and commencing a vigorous exercise program he lost 20lb and reduced his waste from a 36 to a comfortable 32 inches over a period of 6 months. The enthusiasm was contagious and Brad decided to follow Gideon’s approach.
Within a few month’s Brad lost weight, people commented about his dramatic change in physique, but most importantly his retinopathy was noted to have completely resolved. WIth improved diet, eating habits and regular exercise Brad’s diabetic control dramatically improved.
Brad had picked up a copy of Richard Bernstein, M.D.’s book entitled: Diabetic Solution.. Diabetics all know that their greatest struggle is controlling their blood sugar levels. In this book, Dr. Bernstein details a ‘solution’ to obesity, fatigue, and many of the health risks associated with diabetes by following a structured diet controling protein, fat, and complex carbohydrate intake. Dr. Bernstein himself has had insulin-dependant diabetes for over sixty years since. After years of fighting with this metabolic disorder, he entered medical school at age 45 determined to discover a way to keep his blood-sugar levels normal. It was primarily in adjusting food intake that he saw dramatic improvement in diabetic control that he could achieve for both himself and his patients. Since opening his own practice in 1985 Bernstein has helped hundreds of patients improve their diabetic control with dietary restraint.
As an ophthalmologist, I see a tremendous amount of ocular complications including retinal hemorrhage, retinal swelling and detachment in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Poor control can also cause cataracts and increase risk of severe infections. There is also a higher chance of developing glaucoma which can cause blindness.
By managing blood sugar levels through a modified appropriate to diet and exercise, many of these problems can be avoided or even reversed. Look for more updates to my blog including fun and healthy recipes that will change your life and your health.
Dr. Bernstein’s Website
