Dr. Richard Bernstein (June 17, 1934 – April 15, 2025) was the visionary behind the groundbreaking low-carbohydrate diabetes control system. Having battled type 1 diabetes since the age of 12, starting in 1946, he experienced significant complications by the late 1960s. The list of his complications encompassed life-threatening kidney issues.
During that challenging period, Dr. Bernstein became the first person to recognize the importance of maintaining blood sugar levels as close as possible to those of non-diabetic individuals. It is the only way to slow down the progression of diabetes-related complications. This perspective contradicted the prevailing medical opinions of the time. Moreover, Dr. Bernstein made an extraordinary breakthrough by discovering the remarkable potential of a low-carbohydrate diet for diabetics. His pioneering insights revolutionized the understanding and management of diabetes.
Many are unaware that alongside his battle with diabetes, Dr. Bernstein also faced the formidable challenge of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This condition significantly impairs the immune system’s crucial role in safeguarding the body against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer. Dr. Bernstein had to undergo intravenous infusions of a specialized blend of immunoglobulins (antibodies) sourced from donors every two weeks. This regimen added a layer of complexity to his diabetes management. However, Dr. Bernstein demonstrates remarkable prowess in successfully handling both conditions. At 89 years old, he was able to work with patients and diligently pursued physical fitness at the gym.
Personal Glucometers and Basal-Bolus Insulin Therapy
In the late 1970s, Dr. Bernstein made significant contributions to the appearance of the first blood glucose meters for self-use by people with diabetes. Organized medicine actively sought to impede the progress of personal glucometers. Their efforts succeeded in delaying their introduction by approximately five years. They aimed to mitigate the financial losses resulting from the reduced need for laboratory testing of blood sugar in diabetic patients.
Additionally, we credit Dr. Bernstein with the invention of basal-bolus insulin therapy. This approach involves maintaining a consistent, low-level insulin concentration in the bloodstream and administering additional insulin injections before meals to account for the consumed food. Today, basal-bolus insulin therapy is the universally accepted optimal regimen for type 1 diabetes. Also, endocrinologists prescribe it for individuals with severe type 2 diabetes.
To enhance your understanding, I recommend thoroughly studying the book “Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution” along with the abundant collection of its author’s free videos. These videos encompass a series of informative lectures on various facets of diabetes management, as well as monthly sessions where Dr. Bernstein addresses patients’ questions. Particularly noteworthy are the videos featured in the “Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes University” series. They offer many valuable insights. However, the monthly Q&A videos lack structure and, therefore, provide limited value in terms of information.
How Dr. Bernstein Identified Truly Normal Blood Glucose Levels
Within the community of diabetics adhering to Dr. Bernstein’s low-carb system, a blood glucose level of 83 mg/dL holds great significance. Dr. Bernstein deemed this value the ideal target for himself and his patients. His determination of this benchmark involved the following process. Representatives of the glucometer manufacturing companies frequently visited his office, typically being individuals in excellent health. Dr. Bernstein would have them measure their blood sugar using the glucometers they presented, followed by cross-checking the results with his professional-grade instrument—a tool he employed to verify the accuracy of the glucometers brought by visitors.
Conducting a study involving traveling salespeople was a rational approach to reliably establishing optimal blood glucose levels for healthy adults. Official medical authorities continue to refute the possibility of achieving and consistently maintaining such a level without encountering the risk of severe hypoglycemia. In reality, this feat is entirely feasible by adhering to a low-carb diet and administering moderate doses of insulin that align with it.