Petition: Tell NIH Lowering Blood Sugar In Diabetics Does NOT Increase Death Risk

If you care about diabetes health, then sign this petition!

We all know how incompetent many of the government and leading health organizations are in the United States as it relates to providing information to the public about taking care of themselves to protect against disease and death. We've seen it with the failed low-fat, low-calorie diets they've been pushing on the American people for decades with no positive impact whatsoever and yet they continue to promote it as the only way to control obesity and health. If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result, then I do believe we can officially describe those in charge of health policy in America as INSANE!

But that adjective doesn't even begin to describe something so utterly despicable that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has done in response to the results of the ACCORD study published in the June 12, 2008 issue of New England Journal of Medicine. Have you seen this so-called "study" that concludes there is a HIGHER death risk among those diabetics who attempt to control their blood sugar levels? This is NOT a joke--that's exactly what they're saying and this just goes beyond the pale.

Check out this ridiculous statement from the abstract of the ACCORD study:

"As compared with standard therapy, the use of intensive therapy to target normal glycated hemoglobin levels for 3.5 years increased mortality and did not significantly reduce major cardiovascular events," the authors conclude. "These findings identify a previously unrecognized harm of intensive glucose lowering in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes."

Okay, let's think about this logically for a moment. A diabetic who is attempting to control their disease through an "intensive therapy" (we'll assume this doesn't mean carbohydrate restriction, although it should) of controlling their blood sugars over a 3 1/2 year period of time had an INCREASED risk of death and NO REDUCTION in the risk of a heart attack? Is that what they're saying? So are we to believe through deductive reasoning that a diabetic who allows their blood sugar to stay out of whack indefinitely without any treatment is better off than those who do try to normalize glucose levels?

Am I missing something here? There is absolutely NO rationality in this conclusion by the NIH and this borderlines on criminal behavior on their part by perpetuating this notion that controlling blood sugars is somehow bringing harm to diabetes patients. This kind of fear tactics serves no good purpose and spreads misinformation to scared diabetics who become confused and dazed by what they hear from an official government health source.

That's why I am urging everyone who reads this to SIGN THIS PETITION telling the NIH to acknowledge the existing science behind why controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics is ESSENTIAL. This isn't something to be played around with--there are bigger health consequences involved with uncontrolled blood glucose levels in diabetics than with those who are controlling them. It doesn't appear that the NIH cares about these facts because they are instead seeking to put out their own twist on this ACCORD study to baffle Type 2 diabetics.

Oh, but they're saying otherwise on their Q&A web site about the ACCORD study. Check out message to Type 2 diabetics about how they shouldn't be worried at all about what they are saying.

"Patients with type 2 diabetes should not be alarmed by these findings of the ACCORD trial...This goal of less than 6 percent A1C is very hard to reach for most patients who have had diabetes for several years, often requiring multiple medications. Even the achieved level of A1C of about 6.4% is often difficult to achieve in such patients."

All I can say is WHAT?! First you tell diabetics that they "should not be alarmed," but then you follow that right up with the pessimistic view that getting A1C levels down below 6 percent is "very hard" and can only be accomplished through "multiple medications." It is too "difficult" to make this happen in patients, the NIH claims, so just throw your hands up in the air and give up. Is that what you're telling diabetic patients, NIH?!

Plus, keep in mind the definition of "intensive therapy" as noted in this study is never described, so we have NO IDEA what they're talking about. From that answer above, we can assume it includes lots of prescription drugs which may have been the culprit in the increased death risk rather than the "intensive therapy" as they stated. Instead of trying to figure out WHAT the cause was, they just ASSUMED (and you know what that means!) that lowering A1c levels were what created the jump in mortality rates.

This is like stating a firefighter has an increased mortality rate because he breathes oxygen since that's what he was doing when he died. It's not that he puts his life at risk trying to douse a raging ball of fire, oh that can't be it! It's must be that oxygen he's sucking in, so that's our story and we're sticking to it. Sound absurd? Well, it is! And so is this conclusion by the NIH. They should really be ashamed of themselves.

Their argument is not based on any kind of rational scientific reasoning or thought process at all. But who's gonna call the NIH's bluff? Doctors and medical researchers don't want to stick their neck out against this powerful government group in the fear that some much-needed research dollars are withheld from their future studies. It's a sickening place to be in at the mercy of such a group that can make or break your career.

But I and the thousands more who come to my blog each day are NOT tied to the NIH in any way. We are public citizens who care about the issue of diabetes and helping our mom, dad, sister, brother, uncle, aunt, cousin, son, daughter, and friend with this terrible condition find the hope they need to beat this disease once and for all.

And most of us realize that it is livin' la vida low-carb that has helped to bring the ill effects of diabetes under control, especially for those with Type 2 diabetes. This ACCORD study gave absolutely ZERO consideration for carbohydrate restriction which has been shown time and time again to be the most safe and effective method of improving glycemic control. Why is the NIH so silent about low-carb diets for diabetics? That's what this petition is all about and I hope you and your entire family will SIGN THIS PETITION to share what the healthy low-carb lifestyle has done for you.

Notable signatures appearing on this petition so far include Dr. Richard Feinman, Regina Wilshire, Dr. Richard Bernstein, Jackie Eberstein, Dr. Keith Berkowitz, Uffe Ravnskov, Fred Hahn, and many others! Christine and I have done our part to SIGN THIS PETITION and we invite you to do the same for the sake of providing accurate information for diabetics dealing with this terrible disease. Let's not make the problem worse by discouraging the goal of normalizing blood sugars.

I love what Dr. Bernstein, the most famous Type 1 diabetic in the world who has been using a low-carb dietary approach to control his disease since 1946, had to say in the comments beneath his signature on this petition.

"I've had type 1 diabetes for 64 years and have an HgbA1c of 4.6% thanks to a low carb diet. I have a coronary artery calcium score of '1' at age 74. My patients with similar A1c's enjoy similar cardiac health."

You tell 'em, Dr. Bernstein! The low-carb diet is indeed an effective "intensive therapy" that is helping CONTROL blood sugar levels without the use of the risky drug therapies. How about the NIH taking a closer look at the REAL studies that have come out in favor of using something like the Atkins diet to benefit diabetics? There PLENTY of evidence out there and I'm all too happy to share it anytime.

Make your voice heard and SIGN THIS PETITION!

Odom Diabetes Educator Of The Year, Low-Carb Docs Vernon, Bernstein Follow

The winner of Diabetes Educator Of The Year 2007 has been named

It's been several months in the making and now a winner has been chosen in the first annual American Diabetes Wholesale-sponsored Diabetes Educator of the Year for 2007 award--Barbara Odom, RN, PHN, M.ED.

CONGRATULATIONS to Ms. Odom for winning with 43.1% of the 1991 votes that were cast. She is a U.S. Navy Veteran, a Registered Nurse of 36 years and a Certified Diabetes Educator since 1985. After retiring in 2001, Ms. Odom has since been a regular volunteer and monthly support group leader in the San Diego area by providing workshops and education fairs about the subject of diabetes.

The field of nominees began in the hundreds and was whittled down to five earlier this year, including highly-respected low-carb diabetes doctors Richard K. Bernstein and Mary C. Vernon, as well as Marcia D. Draheim, RN, CDE and Fran Kiger, RN, CDE. You will recall back in October 2007 I officially nominated Dr. Vernon for this award and named her in my Top 10 Low-Carb Movers & Shakers of 2007 list soon thereafter. Because of your enthusiasm for her, Dr. Vernon was included among the five finalists named in late January 2008 until the voting ended on February 22, 2008. The winner was announced on Monday.

Dr. Vernon garnered 26.2% of the votes to come in second place and win a $250 American Express gift certificate as well as a well-deserved plaque for her runner-up achievement. Dr. Bernstein, another low-carb pioneer in the field of diabetes, was a close third with 23.5% of the total votes cast.

It seems that despite our best efforts to try to bring the low-carb community together voting for either Dr. Vernon or Dr. Bernstein were unsuccessful and the vote was indeed split between the two candidates as many feared would happen with two qualified candidates. The combined vote totals for just these two nominees were half of the total votes cast--more than enough to give either Dr. Vernon or Dr. Bernstein a plurality of votes to win.

According to my site statistics for the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog, well over 500 people clicked on the link to vote in this contest. THANK YOU to everyone who voted and helped Dr. Vernon become the second place winner and giving her the recognition she has earned for the amazing work she is doing on behalf of the healthy low-carb lifestyle for diabetics. We appreciate the opportunity to tell the diabetic community about the great work she and Dr. Bernstein are doing.

I personally spoke with a representative from American Diabetes Wholesale today to confirm these results since the final vote tallies were not available to the general public. They made the decision to withhold the actual vote tally from the public so as not to embarrass the finalists who did not garner as many votes. Let me assure you the votes were accurate and I've seen them with my own eyes.

Special THANKS again to everyone who voted and CONGRATULATIONS to Barbara Odom for winning Diabetes Educator of the Year for 2007.

Low-Carb Champions Vernon, Bernstein Finalists For Diabetes Educator Of The Year

Two of the five finalists support livin' la vida low-carb

Well, you did it and in a BIG way!

In October 2007, I shared with you an opportunity to nominate a strong advocate of the low-carb lifestyle to be named "Diabetes Educator of the Year" for 2007. Her name is Dr. Mary C. Vernon from Lawrence, Kansas and anyone who has met her will tell you just how incredibly passionate about this way of eating she is for both her overweight as well as her diabetic patients. Livin' la vida low-carb is well-represented by the work Dr. Vernon is doing and I am pleased to tell you that she has been named among the five finalists for this prestigious award.

At the same time, another powerhouse low-carb proponent was also nominated for this award: Dr. Richard Bernstein. You gotta admire Dr. Bernstein for hanging tough in the midst of some rather vocal voices of dissent over the years, but now the tide seems to be turning in his direction. I'm proud of him for being named among the finalists for this award and congratulate him on being rightfully recognized as one of America's best and brightest diabetes doctors.

Isn't it amazing that 40 percent of the finalists for "Diabetes Educator of the Year" sponsored by American Diabetes Wholesale are unabashed supporters of the low-carbohydrate nutritional approach? Who would have ever guessed that would happen in a million years? But that's EXACTLY what has happened and it should give us all hope that perhaps the message is finally breaking through and people are getting it now. It is interesting this is happening at the same time the American Diabetes Association (ADA) finally gives credence to low-carb diets for diabetics. Progress is happening, albeit ever-so-slowly, but it IS happening!

So, with two low-carbers among the top five finalists for "Diabetes Educator of the Year," what is the low-carb community to do? If we are not unified behind one candidate, then the low-carb vote will be split and one of the other three finalists will win. Since we'd like to see a low-carb champion crowned with the title of "Diabetes Educator of the Year," I would encourage everyone to rally behind Dr. Mary C. Vernon to win this award.

Taking nothing away from Dr. Bernstein, I think Dr. Vernon has established herself among the medical mainstream while still holding true to the low-carb philosophy when she was named the President of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) last year following her win as Bariatric Physician of the Year in 2005. She co-wrote a fantastic book explaining how the Atkins diet can help control Type 2 diabetes in Atkins Diabetes Revolution and her continued published research into this subject area reveals her genuineness about presenting factual data for informing her patients.

If you have never heard or been exposed to the work of Dr. Mary C. Vernon, then please read my blog interview with her and then listen to my my podcast interview to see for yourself why she is such a worthy candidate for this title. Also, be sure to check out her "Ask Dr. Vernon" blog where she directly addresses how low-carb living is positively changing lives for the better in the diabetics willing to give it a chance.

Let's not forget that Dr. Vernon was featured in Men's Health magazine in November 2006 for the work she is doing on behalf of thousands of diabetic patients. That media attention gave Dr. Vernon quite a platform for speaking out on television and in various other news mediums talking about livin' la vida low-carb all year long. She is certainly a worthy recipient of the title "Diabetes Educator of the Year" for 2007.

To vote for Dr. Vernon, go to the finalists web site and click on "Cast Your Vote Here" at the bottom of the page. Then mark "Dr. Mary C. Vernon" and vote. The panel of judges includes a representative from the South Florida division of the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Kimberly Mistiszyn of the Rand Eye Institute, and Chris Maguire from the sponsor of this award American Diabetes Wholesale.

You only have until February 15, 2008 to cast your ballot, so DON'T DELAY and do this TODAY! The winner will be announced on March 1, 2008 and recognized in a special ceremony in Boca Raton, Florida. Let's make sure that's Dr. Vernon they're applauding for her fabulous work with diabetes patients. THANK YOU for rallying behind her nomination and putting her over the top for this award.

We'll let you know what happens! Please leave a comment below after you vote for Dr. Vernon so we can keep track of her support. It's high time low-carb is given credence within the diabetic community and catapulting an ardent advocate like Dr. Mary C. Vernon to the heap for "Diabetes Educator of the Year" will certainly help.

2-14-08 UPDATE: They have decided to extend the voting for "Diabetes Educator of the Year" one additional week through February 22, 2008, so be sure to VOTE NOW if you haven't done so yet!

The Pinnacle Diabetes Bible Just Got Better

Dr. Richard Bernstein doesn't just teach, but lives the low-carb way

Diabetes is a disease that used to only afflict young children when Type 1 was so dominant. But now it's the 21st Century and Type 2 diabetes hasn't just risen, but exploded into a full-fledged epidemic as one of the biggest health threats of our day. What's really scary is the fact that the problem is expected to get that much worse over the next few decades. Yikes!

In 1997, Dr. Richard K. Bernstein first introduced what would become the pinnacle diabetes bible to the world when he published the first edition of The Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars. Controversial, against the grain, but extremely effective, the low-carbohydrate dietary approach to treating diabetes has never been more clearly explained.

Now, Dr. Bernstein has revised and expanded his classic bestselling book to make it even better than it was when it released a decade ago. As a man who has lived with Type 1 diabetes since childhood, he knows from whence he speaks and now wants to help others find the "solution" that he discovered a long time ago.

Controlling diabetes as much as possible without little to no use of insulin or medications is the goal of The Diabetes Solution. While the American Diabetes Association (ADA) feels good about recommending a high-carb, low-fat diet (which requires HIGHER doses of insulin and prescription diabetes drugs), Dr. Bernstein believes that is the wrong way to go about managing blood sugars.

Written in a very informative and entertaining style, this book answers all those little nagging questions diabetics may have about this method of treatment, including the uniquely damaging role of carbohydrate in the diet, what the best pharmaceuticals and how they can help, a comprehensive look at the various types of insulin and which should be used, and what to do to manage your disease naturally.

Is low-carb dieting controversial? Sure. But so are a whole lot of other things that we used to think were strange, but now they're normal years later after much research has proven them to be true. The same goes for the low-carb lifestyle as a treatment option for diseases like diabetes and aiding in weight loss. The science is catching up to a reality that Dr. Bernstein unveiled years ago.

I personally lost nearly 200 pounds on this way of eating. Although I don't have diabetes, it runs in my family and I was borderline when I weighed over 400 pounds. But then I started a low-carb diet in 2004 and changed my life forever. Dr. Robert C. Atkins, like Dr. Bernstein, was also before his time espousing the benefits of livin' la vida low-carb.

Living with diabetes need not be a hopeless situation where you feel all alone. Dr. Bernstein has The Diabetes Solution and wants you to experience the freedom that comes from knowing you can beat your diabetes. Never give up the hope for a better life, even with diabetes.

Dr. Bernstein, we salute you for your contribution to diabetes management and low-carb living. You should be honored and hailed for standing up for what you know is right and refusing to just settle for the failed methods for treating your diabetes. I think your life speaks for itself. CONGRATULATIONS!

Low-Carb Blogiversary Contest Prize Bundle #3

Prizes, prizes, and more prizes are coming out my ears and I can hardly wait to share more of them with you today as part of my 2nd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest going on throughout the month of April in celebration of my two years of blogging about diet, health, and low-carb living. If you haven't entered for your chance to win yet, then why the heck not?

Did you see that gorgeous Vermont Castings grill you can win, hmmm? Or how about the first and second bundle of prizes that await you just for being a reader of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog? I'll be sharing more prizes with you in this blog post today, but first I'm gonna have a little mercy on you regarding the scavenger hunt questions.

Here are just a few hints to help you out if you are struggling:

a. My favorite movies can be found here.
b. You can find my latest HDL number in this bloodwork.
c. The "must-have" book for low-carbers is in one of my book reviews.
d. For the author of the foreword to my book, read my press release.
e. As for my cat that died last year, she passed away with leukemia.

Okay, now that I've virtually given you ALL of the answers to my scavenger hunt questions now, EVERYBODY should have a fair chance at winning these amazing prizes I have for you in my contest. So many of you have already entered and I wish you all the best of luck in winning a prize during my drawing at the end of the month. It's gonna be so much fun!!!

Here is the third bundle of prizes that you can WIN! Yee haw!

JIGSAW HEALTH SUPER PRIZE PACK


Our friends at Jigsaw Health have an awesome prize for you!

You know who Jigsaw Health is because I recently wrote a review of their protein bars here at my blog. Well, have they got a prize package for you if your name is chosen as the winner! Check this out: And autographed copy of Pat Sullivan's book Wellness Piece by Piece, one-month supply of Jigsaw Essential Daily Packets, a box of each flavor of Jigsaw Bars, a bottle of each flavor of Jigsaw Whey Protein, and a 3-pound bag of Jigsaw Sprouted Organic Nuts and Seeds. WOW, now THAT is a nice prize, wouldn't ya say? Be sure to visit JigsawHealth.com for more information about this company.

ONE CASE OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVADO AVOCADO OIL
ONE CASE OF OMEGA PLUS OIL FROM OLIVADO


Olivado's avocado oil is cold-pressed for quality

You'll want to read my review of Olivado avocado oil from last year to gain a whole new appreciation for this healthy fat to consume while livin' la vida low-carb! Special thanks to Olivado Natural Nutrition for donating 1 case of 6/250ml cold pressed, extra virgin avocado oil as well as 1 case of 6/250 ml Omega Plus oil. Discover more about the joys of consuming high-quality oils by going to Olivado.com

KAREN RYSAVY/FIBERFIT PRIZE PACK

What an honor it is to have low-carb matriarch Karen Rysavy from the phenomenal TrulyLowCarb.com donate an entire autographed set of her wildly popular Cooking TLC cookbooks for my contest as well as a 16-ounce bottle of liquid Fiberfit and an 8-ounce powder donated by Nutragenics. You can place an order for either of these products at the Cooking TLC Shop and don't forget to check out my review of Fiberfit, too!

AUTOGRAPHED CD AND BOOK BY DR. RICHARD K. BERNSTEIN


Get this six-hour audio CD from the Bernstein library

On the heels of my wonderful interview with Dr. Richard K. Bernstein last week, the good diabetes doctor who is still preaching the low-carb solution to blood sugar problems has been gracious enough to donate an autographed copy of his 6-hour CD audio program entitled Secrets to Normal Blood Sugars as well as an autographed copy of his recently revised and updated version of his classic book Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars. Learn more about upcoming teleseminar calls featuring Dr. Bernstein by visiting Diabetes911.net.

FREE 30-PACK OF LOW-CARB NEXGEN MUFFINS


NexGen low-carb muffins are chock full of fiber and flavor

Finally today I want to give you an opportunity to taste those fantastic NexGen muffins that I recently blogged about for yourself. They have so graciously donated a 30-pack of these ginormous muffins, including 15 of the lemon poppy seed flavor and another 15 of the banana walnut flavor. I've had both of them and they are absolutely incredible! Learn more about the muffins by clicking here and don't forget to swing by NexGenFoods.com.

That's all the prizes I have to share with you for now, but more are on the way. Keep reading and keep on livin' la vida low-carb! If you haven't entered the giveaway yet, then you still have time. But you need to CLICK HERE to learn how to become eligible. I WANT you to win something, but you can't unless you enter. GOOD LUCK! :)

Bernstein: No Other Diet Works To Control Blood Sugars In Diabetics As Well As Low-Carb

Dr. Richard K. Bernstein has beaten his diabetes with a low-carb diet

I've interviewed a lot of people here at my blog, but there has been one interview I have been wanting to do for a very long time--Dr. Richard Bernstein, M.D., F.A.C.E., F.A.C.N., C.W.S., FACCWS (did I leave out any letters in the alphabet? *wink*). You've seen him on dLife on CNBC debating the so-called experts who say to just eat a low-fat diet and take your diabetes medications and insulin while Dr. Bernstein just keeps on smiling and living his life just as normal as a non-diabetic for the past 61 years and counting.

In fact, I so highly regard the work Dr. Bernstein is doing on behalf of diabetics that I named him one of my Top 10 Movers & Shakers of 2006 and he deserves the accolodes as much as anyone else in the low-carb community. I recently highlighted the fantastic work he is continuing to do in pursuit of giving people living with diabetes hope for a better future in this blog post and was absolutely thrilled when he agreed to be interviewed by me for my blog.

Whether you have diabetes or not, we could all learn a lot from this man. Absorb what he has to say, let it permeate your thoughts, percolate a while, and then share the good news with a diabetic loved one in your life to let them know that livin' la vida low-carb could very well be their answer to a long and healthy life with diabetes. Let Dr. Bernstein encourage you today.

1. What an honor and a privilege to welcome the one and only Dr. Richard K. Bernstein to the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog today.  Dr. Bernstein is THE authority on the positive impact of low-carb diets on diabetes today and is living proof this way of eating works since he uses it to control his Type 1 diabetes.  Thank you for joining me for this interview today since many of my readers are big fans of the work you are doing on behalf of diabetics.

You once described yourself as "an ordinary diabetic" before you found the low-carb solution to your diabetes.  What changed about your life when you went from the recommended diabetic diet to your current low-carb dietary approach?

When I was on the ADA high-carb diet, it was impossible to approach normal blood sugars on a steady basis, no matter how I juggled multiple insulin doses. Once I cut my carb intake to the minimum necessary for consuming a reasonable amount of vegetables, my blood sugars leveled off.

2. Normalized blood sugar levels is the ultimate goal of everyone who has been afflicted with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.  How were you as a diabetic able to control this disease that threatened to take your life at an early age for so many years and do you believe there is a better all-natural way to stabilize blood sugar than a proper diet plan like low-carb?

I don't know what you mean by an "all natural way" to stabilize blood sugar. A low-carb diet works. I know of no other approach that can remotely work. I have seen naturopathic physicians who were diabetics. I've seen diabetics on vegetarian and vegan diets and none of these people were able to remotely control their blood sugars until they abandoned their prior practices and embarked upon a low carbohydrate diet. I have seen some vegans and vegetarians who refused to consider a low carb diet and of course, they never attained anything approaching normal blood sugars.

3. Your discovery of the answer to the diabetes dilemma over three decades ago and your inability to convince the medical community of what you stumbled upon led you to go to medical school at the age of 45 to become a doctor.  What barriers did you encounter when you were just a "layperson" and how were those barriers overcome once you became a part of the health establishment?

Becoming "part of the health establishment" only permitted me to get published. It did not change the minds of most of the physicians who were uninterested in normalizing blood sugars. To this day, professional diabetes associations are advocating elevated blood sugars for diabetics. Even many drug manufacturers and makers of devices are focused on profit rather than the well being of the patient.

I can say that I accomplished one thing, however. After battling the ADA from 1969 until the early 1980's on behalf of blood sugar self-monitoring, they finally caved in to a variety of outside pressures and approved self‑monitoring for those diabetics who use insulin. It is still, however, impossible to get Medicare to pay for enough blood sugar test strips for type 2 diabetics who do not routinely inject insulin.

4. Today you practice medicine in the state of New York helping literally hundreds of patients annually find the low-carb solution to their diabetes and obesity.  Dr. Mary C. Vernon in Kansas is another prominent medical doctor treating diabetes patients with a low-carb diet, but you don't hear about many others.  How many Dr. Bernsteins and Dr. Vernons are there using this treatment option for their diabetic patients across the country and do you see this field of medicine expanding in the coming years to accomodate the rising rates of diabetes?

The intensive treatment of diabetes is not a profit-making venture. It is, therefore, very unlikely that many physicians will pursue the intensive training and meal planning that I do with my patients. It should be possible, however, for large group practices and insurance based medical practices such as Kaiser Permanente, to train patients in groups and to have meal planning and medication planning put in the hands of paramedical personnel such as nurse educators.

This would be far more financially practical than the kind of medicine that I perform. I have, from time time, encountered physicians that actually did use my book as a guide and are achieving good results. For the most part, they have large practices and supervise non-physician personnel in the administration of the methods that I disclose in my books.


Dr. Bernstein recently revised and updated his classic diabetes book

5. Your book Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars became an instant bestseller in the late 1990's and has become like a virtual health Bible for people living with diabetes.  How has the release of that book as well as The Diabetes Diet book made and impact on our culture?
 
If you look at the reader reviews on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, you will see the effects that these books have had on many of the readers who have put them into practice. Over the years I have read several thousand such reviews on both of these sites. I, therefore, have a rough idea of the effects that these books have upon diabetic patients and their families. I have no way of gauging "the impact on our culture".

Since the grand total sales of my books over the years is less than 400,000 copies, I haven't even touched 3% of the diabetic population in the U.S.A. alone. One thing that has occurred, however, is the formation of the Nutrition and Metabolism Society which now has a web site that publishes studies of low carbohydrate vs. low fat diets. Furthermore, the number of such studies have burgeoned in the past few years. Has my work had an increase in such studies? I have no idea but it would be nice if I could get a little bit of the credit.

6. I'm sure many would be happy to give you that credit you deserve, Dr. Bernstein. You recently released a revised and updated version of your Diabetes Solution book commemorating one decade since it first came out.  What changes did you make to the original book and is there any specific new information about diabetes that may have come out even since the publication of this update?

The third edition of my book that came out in March 2007 was probably up‑to-the minute in terms of new developments as of February 2007. To my knowledge, there have been no significant discoveries in diabetes care since publication. Probably the single most important thing that I discuss in the book is the use of Symlin to treat overeating in diabetics and the use of Byetta to treat overeating in non-diabetics.

There are, of course, hundreds of changes in the book and discussion of many, many new products, new medications and so on. The basic approach to normalizing blood sugar, however, is essentially the same as before with a smattering of more advanced methodology.

7. Why does the American Diabetes Association (ADA) continually ignore the low-carb solution to diabetes?  Dr. Richard Feinman from SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, New York told me last year in an interview that he believes they are "backing into supporting low-carb," but it certainly doesn't look imminent.  What are your thoughts about this?

Although there have been one or two papers presented at ADA meetings demonstrating the value of low carbohydrate vs. low fat diets, I see no evidence that the ADA has any intention of backing off on their guidelines. There is, however, a lot of pressure from other professional organizations to lower Alc targets.

The ADA tends to follow the mob very slowly so when other organizations lower their Alc target by 1%, the ADA might lower theirs by 1%. I'm sure, however, that they realize that anything approaching normal blood sugars is utterly impossible with their dietary recommendations. I, therefore, expect they will never recommend normal blood sugars during my lifetime (Hgb Alc = 4.2 - 4.6%).

8. You assert that popular low-carb programs such as Atkins and South Beach are great only for short-term weight loss, but fail to provide people following these plans with a permanent way to keep the weight off for good.  I went on the Atkins diet in 2004 and lost 180 pounds in one year.  Since then, I have been able to keep the weight off by following the basic principles of the Maintenance phase of the diet.  How does your program provide long-term support for improvements in both weight and health and where do you see those other plans falling short?

I read the Atkins' diet and found that it usually works initially, but when he backs off and permits the re-institution of high carbohydrate foods, such as bread, he is just reigniting the addiction to carbohydrates that has spawned the epidemic of obesity and diabetes. In my experience, any diet that permits carbohydrates other than vegetables and perhaps a few bran products is doomed to failure.

9. You have an outstanding online resource for diabetics (Diabetes-Book.com) looking for more information about the low-carb lifestyle and how it can help them with their disease.  The posted testimonials are quite encouraging and compelling.  Are there any specific testimonials that stick out in your mind over the years since you started helping diabetics that you will never forget?

I have seen so many testimonials that they've become a blur in my mind. I was, however, greatly impressed by the testimonials on Amazon.co.uk. It appears that the people in the United Kingdom are either better educated and therefore, more capable of writing impassioned prose or are just more capable of expressing their feelings. One could probably write a book based upon the stories that some of the readers posted on this site.

10. Again, I cannot thank you enough for coming on my blog today and sharing your wealth of wisdom with me and my readers.  I remember seeing you at the Nutritional & Metabolic Aspects of Carbohydrate Restriction conference in Brooklyn, New York in January 2006 and most of the researchers there were confounded by not just your knowledge about low-carb living as it relates to diabetes, but also your experience living with this disease with relative ease for many years.  Do you have any words of wisdom and encouragement to pass along to the diabetics who are reading this right now?

Jimmy, I could sum it up with one expression that strongly contradicts conventional medical wisdom: "Diabetics are entitled to the same blood sugars as non-diabetics." Thanks for inviting me to your blog.

As always, YOUR comments are welcome! What did you think of my interview with the great Dr. Bernstein? Do you have any pesonal stories to tell about how his work has helped you manage YOUR diabetes? Please share by clicking on the comment link below.

'Almost' All You Need To Know About Diabetes

Dr. Richard Jackson and Amy Tenderich give diabetics a useful tool

Lose 30 pounds. Get your blood pressure down. Lower your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and get that HDL cholesterol up. Keep an eye on your blood sugar and have it checked often.

Does any of this sound familiar? Sure it does and you may have even heard it from your own doctor regarding your flailing health because of you are overweight or obese. It's the dreaded lecture that comes from physicians when they see certain health indicators come back as irregular.

But what if what you are dealing with is something even more life-threatening than just a bout with obesity, hypertension, or a poor lipid profile? What if it’s one of the most dreaded of all diseases that makes you feel like your world has come to an official end? That’s exactly what happens to some people when they are told they have been diagnosed with diabetes.

What did I do to cause this? How can something like this happen to me? Will I ever live a "normal“ life again or am I destined for a life of painful insulin injections, expensive prescription medications, and endless doctor visits for the rest of my life?

These thoughts are not only very real to people who are told they have diabetes, but it can paralyze them even when they otherwise have their life under complete control. Diabetes has quite literally turned the life of millions of people upside down and leaves them with very little hope or help. Where can people turn when they are faced with such despair about this complex disease they have?

Whether you are Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic, then you have undoubtedly been given some all-too-familiar generic advice about handling your diabetes (like I illustrated at the beginning of this review) which is all meant to help you I am sure. Unfortunately, though, this kind of one-size-fits-all approach to diabetes is not only shortsighted, but incredibly ineffective.

That’s where the mostly informative new book from Harvard medical professor and Joslin Diabetes Center investigator Dr. Richard Jackson as well as saucy and always on point professional journalist, blogger, and diabetes sufferer Amy Tenderich comes into play. It’s called Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes: 5 Essential Health Factors You Can Master To Enjoy A Long And Healthy Life (Marlowe Diabetes Library) and will quickly become your handy reference resource guide for almost everything you ever wanted to know about diabetes.

I say "almost“ for a reason which I will explain in a moment.

First, the good parts of this book. It is very well put together in an enjoyable format mixing a healthy dose of diabetes facts alongside some hands-on practical advice about how to best implement the proper lifestyle changes that need to take place for optimal diabetes management. While this can be a rather drab and boring topic to discuss, Dr. Jackson and Tenderich do a yeoman’s job of keeping it fun and engaging.

And I really like the fact that the authors strongly urge people living with diabetes to implement permanent lifestyle changes. At the same time, they push the positive message that diabetics don’t necessarily need to attempt to make multiple changes all at once, but instead slowly begin to work them into their individual routine incrementally. I agree with this bit-by-bit strategy because it is the best way to make the changes take hold and become a permanent habit whether it is with weight loss, diabetes, or anything else. Breaking out of those old habits takes time.

Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes hits the ground running right away in the first six chapters explaining why you need to be concerned about your health when you have diabetes and points to the five tests that every single diabetic absolutely must have checked regularly if they are going to lick this disease by learning to manage it well.

What are these five tests? Very simply put, it’s the following:

1. Your A1C
2. Your blood pressure
3. Your lipid profile (cholesterol)
4. Your microalbumin (What?! Don’t worry, they explain!)
5. Your eye exam

While Dr. Jackson and Tenderich do not explicitly recommend people who are not diabetic to have these tests conducted, I think it is an extremely good idea considering there are tens of millions more pre-diabetics walking around and have no idea they are either already or becoming insulin resistant. Taking preventative action now would likely slow down the expected diabetes boom coming over the next few decades.

You can certainly appreciate the "been there, done that“ feel of this book which does a fabulous job of removing the mystery and awe out of diabetes for good. Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or even if you are a decades-long veteran living with the disease, there is plenty of useful statistics and data to keep you occupied for hours as you learn all the ins and outs of diabetes.

But I have one pretty major concern about the book that makes me say it is "almost“ a comprehensive look at the subject of diabetes. While there is plenty of discussion about carbohydrates and how controlling your intake of them whether they are in the form of sugar, pasta, rice, potatoes, or otherwise in Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes, the lack of a real sense of urgency about trying to keep them limited as a means for managing diabetes is not emphasized heavily enough and given the significance it deserves. All the latest research indicates that reducing carb intake can bring about permanent control of diabetes and you just don't hear this message stated explicitly in this book.

For a book like this about diabetes releasing in the year 2007, how can you totally ignore the many years of clinical studies (like this one) that have been conducted by valient researchers like Dr. Eric Westman from Duke University and Dr. Mary C. Vernon from the University of Kansas and the co-author of Atkins Diabetes Revolution? What about Dr. Steve Phinney or Dr. Jay Wortman? And let's not forget Dr. Mary Gannon and Dr. Frank Nuttall, too! I could easily continue on with many more names, but these are enough to get you started.

Not only have these amazing researchers shown the vital statistics for their diabetic patients become normalized, but many of them were able to come completely off of all their prescription medicines for good. GASP! How can this be? You'd never know this was possible if you only read this book because there was no mention of ending diabetes drug use in Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes--NONE! Just the strong "now take your medicines regularly along with a low-fat diet" message that diabetics have had to suffer through long enough.

Where was the promotion of this major "cure“ for diabetes which was highlighted nationally by Adam Campbell in Men’s Health magazine in November 2006 found within the pages of this diabetes book, hmmm? The glaring absence of this cutting edge information about diabetes is like talking to someone about how to drive a car that doesn't have a steering wheel. Sure, you may get somewhere, but not necessarily where you want to go.

Furthermore, there was nary a single mention of the most famous diabetes expert who has implored a low-carb solution to his Type 1 diabetes for decades—the amazing Dr. Richard Bernstein! This man has done more to add quality of life and even saved the lives of millions of diabetics through his bestselling books and personal practice. However, if you read Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes it’s as if Dr. Bernstein and his common sense strategies for tackling diabetes don't even exist. Shame on them for this grave omission!

To be honest, it was quite scary reading over and over again in this supposedly all-encompassing book on the topic of diabetes that people with this disease need to consume as much as 60 percent carbohydrates daily, including regular servings of sugar if they want it "in moderation!" Say what?! ARGH!

Are they trying to make these people get sicker and sicker?! What kind of irresponsible advice like this is being given to diabetics?! Yikeseroo! How about just giving them a little arsenic "in moderation" while you're at it, too? Sheeez!

Yet, at the same time, the authors emphasize the critical nature of carbohydrate reduction in the management of diabetes. So which is it? I understand we are all different with a variety of factors that will work for the individual person, but come on! I’m a big believer in people finding what works for them in weight loss and health management at my blog, but I see no downside for diabetics who want to control their disease naturally through diet by livin‘ la vida low-carb.

What will happen if diabetics decide to take the low-carb pathway to reversing the effects of their disease is they will get better than they’ve ever been before, seeing their A1C drop into "normal“ range and staying there, lower their blood pressure, significantly drop their triglycerides, raise their HDL cholesterol levels, and ward off many of the inevitable future health issues due to their diabetes. Not a bad deal if you ask me!

Of course, the lack of any information about the low-carb nutritional approach to combat diabetes in Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes may have more to do with the American Diabetes Association and their ill-advised recommendations than anything else. It is quite clear that Dr. Jackson and Tenderich relied heavily on their skewed advice for diabetics.

You see the unmistakable fingerprints of their needless warnings about lowering LDL cholesterol (with even MORE medications such as statins—EEEK!), avoiding saturated fat, lowering salt intake, and controlling fat, calories, and portion sizes in page after page of this book. It really was more than a little nauseating to read all of this information while "low-carb" was nowhere to be found. I can't tell you how incredibly disappointing this was to me because diabetics who read this book will be left in the dark about what very well could be the solution to their disease.

While I certainly can appreciate what Dr. Richard Jackson and Amy Tenderich have done with their book Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes to help educate people with this disease get the basic information they may be looking for, it is the blatant omission of critical information about low-carb as a viable treatment option for diabetes that has me gravely concerned.

And if you are diabetic, you deserve to be armed with all the facts so you really can "outlive your diabetes."

3-21-07 UPDATE: Amy Tenderich read my review and had this to say about it.

Hi Jimmy,

I wasn't aware that you had diabetes, or that you where one of the True Believers that low-carb diets can make your diabetes "go away" (which is misleading).

Please understand that an extreme low-carb diet is not the answer for MOST people; in fact, it only serves to frustrate them and lend to a continuous sense of failure. Good for you if you have managed to follow Dr. Bernstein's plan, but again, it really isn't the answer for most people.

In addition, my book was geared at helping people gain a framework for their long-term, all-around health with diabetes. We do state that limiting carbs helps glucose control, but we had no intention of giving people specific diet advice, since everyone is different.

Best of luck to you,

Amy Tenderich

Isn't it funny how she described low-carb as an "extreme" answer to diabetes? Ahhh, well I decided to write Amy back and share where I was coming from.

THANKS, Amy. I don't have diabetes personally, but I keep up with the latest research that comes out about it. While I entirely agree with you that a low-carb diet is NOT the answer for every diabetic, it's not even provided in your book as an option for people who have the disease.

If no specific diet advice is promoted, then why all the talk about limiting saturated and total fat and consuming as much as 60 percent of carbohydrates per day? The fact is a high-carb, low-fat diet raises blood glucose levels which is why you have to take medication and even insulin along with it to control blood sugars.

But why not give your body the opportunity to come off of diabetes meds and insulin by consuming a protein-rich, low-carb diet? That's exactly where all the latest research is pointing and the ADA is slowly moving towards this fact.

I'm sorry you are disappointed with my review, but none of what I wrote is surprising to anyone who has read my blog for any length of time. This is too important a subject to simply let things slide because that is doing a grave disservice to diabetics everywhere.

With that said, I like the basic information that you provide people with diabetes in the book as I stated in the first part of my review. For someone that knows nothing about this subject, your book is an excellent resource. I certainly hope that message comes through loud and clear as well because you and Dr. Jackson have done fantastic work in that realm.

THANK YOU again for allowing me the opportunity to review your book. Take care, Amy!

Jimmy Moore

She is attempting to set up an interview for me with Dr. Jackson to directly address the issues I brought up in my review and the absence of low-carb options in his book. Stay tuned for that coming up soon. Share your comments about how Amy Tenderich responded to my review below. I'd love to know what you think!

3-22-07 UPDATE: Amy did at least acknowledge in this column at her Diabetes Mine blog today that including at least a mention of the low-carb solution to diabetes should be included in future editions of her book.

"We do talk a lot about limiting carbohydrates, but steer clear of recommending the kind of severe eating restrictions that tend to pit a person against their own willpower--which for so many people ends ends in binging, or creates a roller coaster cycle of eating. That said, we probably could have done a better job of at least introducing Dr. Bernstein's approach. Second edition, anyone?"

Well, at least that's a good start, Amy, and I'm happy to see you acknowledge this. THANK YOU!

Dr. Richard Bernstein Still Preaching Low-Carb As Means For Controlling Diabetes

Many diabetics live a better life today thanks to Dr. Bernstein

There are certain people within the wonderful world of livin' la vida low-carb who you absolutely MUST learn know more about because of the amazing contributions they have made to this awesome permanent lifestyle change we know and love.

A few "big" names stick out above the rest, both among the living and those who have since passed on: Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins, Dr. Michael Eades and Dr. Mary Dan Eades, Dr. Barry Sears, Dr. Jonny Bowden, Dr. Mary Vernon, Dana Carpender, and too many more to even begin to list them all (and I'll get myself into trouble if I try to name too many more...go to my low-carb links blog to see more of them!).

These are the real giants who we now stand on the shoulders of when we tell others about the amazing low-carb lifestyle. The best way to honor them is by continuing to pass on the lessons they have taught us to the people in our lives who need that message.

But for people who have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, there's another superhero out there who advocates and supports livin' la vida low-carb not just for weight management but also for controlling a disease that is quickly reaching epidemic proportions--DIABETES! His name is Dr. Richard Bernstein.

If you have not yet had a chance to learn about this remarkable man, you really should. A Type 1 diabetic since the age of 12, he took his health into his own hands when the recommendations by the so-called diabetes experts (like the American Diabetes Association) failed him time and time again as his condition got worse. Eventually, he began doing something revolutionary at the time to help control his disease--monitoring his blood sugar through low-carb dietary changes that really work. The rest, they say, is history.

He went to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has been helping patients for nearly a quarter century in his medical practice near Mamaroneck, New York. Patients literally line up at the door to see this man who practices what he preaches regarding the treatment of diabetes and his life serves as an example to any diabetic who feels they can never live a "normal" life again. Dr. Bernstein has proven just how wrong that kind of thinking really is.


Dr. Bernstein has revised and updated his classic diabetes book

Today, Dr. Bernstein is THE authority on low-carb diets and their impact on controlling blood sugar levels and diabetes. It's hard to believe it's been a decade since he first published his wildly popular bestselling book, Diabetes Solution, but it has become the personal instruction manual for diabetic on how to best manage their disease. Even non-diabetics have learned a lot from this book!

I'm excited to announce the release of a newly revised and updated version of Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars available right now to place on pre-order at Amazon.com. It will be releasing in March 2007 and will include some added information and commentary from Dr. Bernstein about the advancements made in the realm of low-carb diabetes research and methodology. As soon as I can get a copy of this new version of Dr. Bernstein's book and read it through, I'll post a review of it here at my blog. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, though, you don't have to wait for his book to come out next month to have YOUR questions about diabetes answered from the man himself. That's right, you can ask Dr. Bernstein any question you want on this subject by using this special link and he will answer it during a FREE LIVE TELESEMINAR CALL this Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 8:00PM EST.

He wants to know the following from even the deepest skeptics:

What is the single most perplexing question that you would like to ask Dr. Bernstein?

If you have ever wondered about the low-carb approach to treating your diabetes, then Dr. Bernstein is the man you want to ask. In fact, when I attended the Nutritional & Metabolic Aspects of Carbohydrate Restriction conference in Brooklyn, New York in January 2006, Dr. Bernstein was there as a spectator, not as a speaker. But guess who they all turned to when a question about diabetes came up during the question and answer sessions? Yep, it was Dr. Bernstein because he knows what he is talking about even amongst the brightest minds in the field of health and nutrition. Now that's what I call respect!

To participate in the one-hour teleseminar call with Dr. Richard Bernstein, here's what you need to do:

1. Send him your best question
2. On Tuesday evening, dial 712-338-8900
3. Enter the passcode 4838#
4. Call about 10 minutes early to insure your spot
5. Teleseminar limited to the first 800 callers

You can rest assured you will receive the very latest developments surrounding the natural treatment of diabetes. What a rare opportunity to hear from the best in the business of low-carb diabetes treatment! Don't let it pass you by!

If you have any questions, send an e-mail to info@diabetes911.net.

Top 10 Low-Carb Movers & Shakers Of 2006

With 2006 quickly approaching the fourth quarter, it's time yet again for me to continue a tradition at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog to name my top 10 movers & shakers of the year. When I debuted this feature for the first time in 2005, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People were intrigued by the list of ten people who I thought had made the biggest difference on behalf of the low-carb community.

So why not do it again in 2006? And something peculiar happened with my picks this year when there was only one repeat from last year. While some of those chosen in 2005 are certainly worthy of mention again this year, it's time to introduce some new names and faces so people can see who is intricately involved in furthering the low-carb cause in a culture still feeling the effects of the constant negativity about this amazing way of eating.

As I stated last year, you may have heard of some of these people already and perhaps there are others you haven't heard about before. Regardless, each one of these men and women are low-carb leaders that you really should get to know and be grateful for their tireless contributions on behalf of livin' la vida low-carb.

The following is my random list of who I think are the top ten low-carb movers & shakers of 2006:

1. Drs. Michael & Mary Dan Eades - Protein Power



As the only carryover pick from 2005, I would be completely remiss if I overlooked the enormous contribution of Dr. Michael Eades and Dr. Mary Dan Eades. If ever there were two people more dedicated to helping people desiring not only weight loss but also a healthier life, then I haven't met them yet! The Eades are true heroes among us low-carbers who admire their continued bold stand on behalf of this way of eating despite the intense negativity that pervades our media and culture. This pick was a no-brainer!

2. Dr. Richard Bernstein - Diabetes Solution



If you are a diabetic, then you will most definitely want to acquaint yourself with Dr. Richard Bernstein, author of The Diabetes Solution. This incredible man heralds the low-carb approach to treating and reversing diabetes even as the ADA keeps pressing for more and more medications. Dr. Bernstein has more recently appeared on a new cable television show on CNBC called dLife in debates with Dr. Howard Wolpert and Hope Warshaw. This man is a true inspiration to all of us who believe in the miraculous power of low-carb living.

3. Veronica Atkins - The Atkins Foundation



When Dr. Robert C. Atkins tragically passed away a few years ago, everyone thought his legacy would quickly fade. But thanks to his faithful and loving widow Veronica Atkins, the great work of Dr. Atkins still lives on in 2006. Veronica Atkins has made several donations through her charitable Atkins Foundation to help further low-carb research. She has also recognized students for shunning sugar and continued the work of her late husband in helping diabetics defeat their disease. Mrs. Atkins has endured a lot of heartache and pain from those who choose to continue debating his death. She handles it with all the dignity and class that defines who she is.

4. Dr. Richard Feinman - Nutrition & Metabolism



It was my privilege to interview Dr. Richard Feinman recently and I found him to be a most fascinating low-carb researcher. His passion is evident in the meticulous way he goes about studying the metabolic science behind what makes the low-carbohydrate diet work so well. His study on metabolic syndrome would be headline-making news if it were about the low-fat diet. But Dr. Feinman just keeps plugging away at his research because he knows sooner or later the media will not be able to ignore the facts about low-carb.

5. Dr. Mary Vernon - Ask Dr. Vernon



One of the nicest and most personable people you will ever meet is Dr. Mary Vernon, who recently started answering questions from the public about livin' la vida low-carb at her new blog. She too had a lot to say in my interview with her and she is fully committed to continuing to educate the public about how low-carb can help with weight loss and diabetes management. Be looking for many more great things from this amazing woman in the years to come.

6. David Koch - "Low-Carb Dave"



If you haven't had the chance to read about "Low-Carb Dave" and his low-carb weight loss success story yet, then you have missed one of the most energetic and enthusiastic low-carb supporters on the planet. This Melbourne, Australia native, whose real name is David Koch, has lost over 100 pounds so far on the Atkins diet and is planning to lose another 100 pounds. In addition to his popular low-carb blog, he also has a fairly active message board called Aus Low-Carb. His story was recently featured on WLTips.com and I expect Dave to continue inspiring people the world over with his success.

7. Dr. Eric Westman - Duke University researcher



If you ever get the opportunity to meet Dr. Eric Westman from Duke University in person, then you will know that this man of research is not some lab rat who doesn't understand the workings of the real world. He is as real as they come from my brief encounter with him in January. But Dr. Westman made a name for himself in 2006 with this landmark study on the impact of the Atkins diet on diabetes patients. A long-time low-carb researcher, Dr. Westman has applied his skills to help the scientific world better understand how controlling carbohydrates helps the body overcome obesity and disease. We haven't heard the last of Dr. Eric Westman.

8. Kent Altena - Atkins Diet Videos



What can you say about a man who has lost 200 pounds on the Atkins diet? If his name is Kent Altena, then you can say plenty! Two years after weighing in at well over 400 pounds, this incredible man is now seeking to educate the public about how the Atkins/low-carb nutritional approach can help them lose weight and get healthy. From his motivating success video to his practical how-to videos, Kent is using his talents to spread the news about low-carb even further. Visit his YouTube feed often for new videos.

9. Anthony Colpo - Low-Carb Muscle



What a year it has been for independent researcher Anthony Colpo! Not long after my interview with him about his remarkable new book entitled The Great Cholesterol Con, he decided to pull the content from his wildly popular TheOmnivore.com down for good. However, he did decide to make those articles available in an e-book format. Currently, Colpo is cultivating his latest project Low-Carb Muscle to give low-carb bodybuilders a place to discuss fitness. Colpo will always be a voice of sanity in the insane world of health.

10. Richard Morris - Bread & Money



Last, but most certainly not least is a man named Richard Morris. He's another 400-pounder who lost a ton of weight and is now seeking to educate the public about the benefits of eating more organic, natural, whole foods instead of the high-carb, sugary, processed foods that dominate grocery store shelves these days. His autobiographical A Life Unburdened book about his weight loss experience is a stunning account of how one man changed his life forever. This talented individual was gracious enough to allow me to interview him for my blog so he could share his insights and lessons learned through life's experiences. This is a man you will want to keep an eye on for many years to come.

What do you think about my top ten low-carb movers & shakers of 2006? Did I get all the biggies in the wonderful world of low-carb who are making a difference? If nothing else, perhaps you learned a new name and face on the frontlines of defending livin' la vida low-carb to the masses. I encourage you to learn more about each of these people because they play a vital role in spreading the low-carb message in 2006 and beyond.

Comments anyone? If you believe I left someone off of my top ten list who deserves to be among the low-carb movers & shakers this year, then please post your comment below or e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net.

9-19-06 UPDATE: One of my regular readers said I missed another low-carb mover & shaker:

You forgot someone...YOURSELF!!!!! Come on, Jimmy, I know it's hard but somewhere you have to give yourself some credit. Most of those people you listed, I have no idea who they are. Anyone can write columns and columns of information about low-carb. But to do with the enthusiasm and support that you do makes people want to go back, time and time again.

You just never know who is out there and who you are helping but I think the whole thing is bigger then you can ever imagine. Having a COACH like you helps more then you know. So yes I would make a #11 and add yourself.

Awwww, that's so sweet! I appreciate the heartfelt words of encouragement and appreciation from my reader. I'm grateful for the privilege to come here day after day to do what I do. Every single one of you who reads this blog daily, weekly, or just every once in a while is why I keep on doing what I am doing. THANK YOU for your faithfulness and I will keep on sharing the positive message of livin' la vida low-carb to a world desperately looking for answers to their weight and health problems.

9-20-06 UPDATE: Low-Carb Dave is showing his appreciation for being named in my top 10 list by blogging about it and me today at his popular blog. THANKS for those extremely kind remarks, Dave. I too am glad to know there are good people like you in the world as well. :)

9-21-06 UPDATE: Several more honorees on the list decided to respond to being named.

Richard Morris said:

Hey Jimmy,

Thanks for including me on the list with some very impressive people. I feel really good about how the low carb message has evolved from being the diet of the week to a permanent and healthful part of the nutrition landscape.

Richard

Dr. Eric Westman said:

Thanks, Jimmy. I keep an eye on your blog because sometimes you discuss research articles that I haven't seen yet! Jeff Volek also was an "early researcher," like me. Keep it up.

Eric C. Westman, MD MHS
Associate Professor of Medicine
Duke University Medical Center


Anthony Colpo said:

Hey Jimmy,

What an honor to be included in your list, thanks!

I think it's great that you have included some of us low-carb "underdogs" on your list along with some of the more famous low-carb identities, this kind of recognition is always nice and gives that extra bit of incentive to keep battling on.

And I agree with the reader who said that you yourself deserve to be on the list--you're doing a great job!

Take care,

Anthony

Kent Altena said:

It was a tremendous honor to have my name listed next to some of the big names in the low carb field. I only hope I can reach or assist in making successful a small portion of low carbers as those researchers or benefactors have. Thank you for the honor, and I agree with Richard that moving low carb from a fad to an accepted healthy way of eating is my goal for 2006 and beyond. Keep up the good and inspiring all of us (those at goal and those just starting) with your work here.

Kent

Bernstein vs. Warshaw On dLife This Sunday

Dr. Richard Bernstein and Hope Warshaw debate carb intake on dLife

Whether you have diabetes or not, you really should be watching the television talk show about diabetes called dLife on CNBC on Sunday nights. This program provides amazing guests and commentary about controlling diabetes through various means, including the active discussion of livin' la vida low-carb as a treatment option.

If you haven't seen this program yet, then be sure to tune in THIS SUNDAY, September 17, 2006 at 7:00PM EST for a very special edition of dLife featuring the most renowned proponent of a low-carbohydrate diet for treating diabetes, Dr. Richard Bernstein, author of "Diabetes Solution." Dr. Bernstein will be debating the subject of carb intake with Hope Warshaw, RD, CDE and author of "ADA Complete Guide to Carb Counting."

Warshaw will no doubt provide the official position of the American Diabetes Association regarding carbohydrates which is slowly backing into supporting the low-carb solution. The good news is that the low-carb lifestyle is already being promoted in local diabetes seminars pushing counting carbs as an effective solution for diabetes patients. Studies like the one from Duke University a few months ago are proving that livin' la vida low-carb DOES work to control diabetes with little to no use for any medications.

Look for Dr. Bernstein to articulate these points clearly in his debate with Warshaw on CNBC's dLife this Sunday night. DON'T MISS IT!

Hey Diabetics, CNBC Offers dLife Just For You

Tune in Sunday nights at 7PM EST for the diabetes-focused dLife

If you are one of the 73 million Americans who are either diabetic or pre-diabetic, then you will want to know about the first television talk show to help people who suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It's called dLife!

Featuring inspiring stories of triumph, timely sources of information, and educational resources from some of the most qualified field of experts on the subject of diabetes today, dLife is devoted to arming diabetics with exactly what they need to better understand their disease and how to deal with it in a variety of ways.

This weekly broadcast airs on the cable news channel CNBC on Sunday evenings at 7PM EST and is jam-packed with the very latest news and information about diabetes research and treatments that will keep diabetics abreast of how to best control their condition. The dLife show also includes many delicious recipes (most of which are perfect for people who are livin' la vida low-carb!) and tales of real people living with diabetes in today's world.

What an amazing opportunity for diabetics to get connected with everything they need to make the best of their disease! I highly encourage you to watch some past episodes online, read some of the expert answers to some common questions regarding diabetes, and join the free forum to interact with other diabetics who are dealing with the same issues that you are.


Dr. Howard Wolpert and Dr. Richard Bernstein face-off on dLife

For diabetics interested in the low-carb treatment option for dealing with diabetes, something that is becoming more and more commonplace these days because of the latest studies, you won't want to miss this recent debate on dLife between Dr. Howard Wolpert from the Joslin Clinic in Boston and Dr. Richard Bernstein, author of "Diabetes Solution" and a world-renowned diabetes expert focusing on natural low-carbohydrate dietary solutions to diabetes.

Be sure to read Regina Wilshire's take on this debate between Dr. Wolpert and Dr. Bernstein in two recent blog posts she wrote at her fantastic low-carb blog "Weight Of The Evidence" found here and here.

One of the highlights of the debate was when Dr. Bernstein was asked by dLife host Howard Steinberg about a point made by Dr. Wolpert regarding diabetes patients on a dietary treatment plan feeling discouraged and defeated. Dr. Bernstein hit the ball out of the ballpark with this poignant response.

"Very rarely have we lost patients. Getting a person to switch to a low-carbohydrate diet, which is essential, there's no way to control blood sugars on a high-carbohydrate diet. You have to do it fast, all at once, otherwise it takes forever. Those where you change them immediately they lose the cravings and you forge ahead and they see the results. When patients see the payoff, they stick with it."

KABOOM! That was an AWESOME answer from Dr. Bernstein. But, not surprisingly, Dr. Wolpert said it takes an especially motivated patient to follow such advice which is ridiculous. Sure, it's not easy, but neither is trying to lose weight. The bottom line is IT CAN BE DONE and livin' la vida low-carb can get you there.

Don't miss the rest of the debate by clicking here and be sure not to miss a single episode of dLife on Sunday nights at 7PM EST.