Bernstein's program for treating diabetes is highly regarded amongst his patients and achieves great blood sugar control, which reduces some or all of the complications associated with diabetes. The tradeoff is compliance with a very restricted diet and in many cases, frequent testing and insulin shots. Bernstein strongly opposes the dietary guidelines from the
American Diabetes Association (ADA) for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. His dietary recommendations are in contradiction to most other diets.
Some of the highlights of his treatment program include:
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- A very low carbohydrate diet to allow much tighter blood sugar control.
- The allowed carbohydrate amounts are a maximum of 6 grams for breakfast, 12 grams for lunch, 12 grams for dinner.
- Avoiding all foods with added sugar or honey such as desserts, candies and pastries; all foods made from grains and grain flours such as breads, cereals, pasta and rice; all starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, carrots, peas, tomatoes and beans; all fresh or preserved fruits and fruit juices; all dairy products except for butter, cream and fermented cheeses.
- The patient takes responsibility for blood sugar control including blood glucose testing up to 8 times per day.
- Target blood glucose levels that are nearly constant for the entire day.
- Weight loss for obese people with type 2 diabetes.
- Exercise for all those with type 2 diabetes.
- Basal and bolus dosing for insulin users.
