I am reading in different threads comments about what a doctor has said or what a nurse has said when you tell them about the Blood Sugar Diet. Just to try to get an idea of the medical professions reaction to this, it would be interesting to have all the comment together under one thread. Some people have told the doctor before starting, what did they advise, has that changed now they are seeing your good (I hope) results. Have there been any really positive or really negative reactions to us taking things into our own hands. Some of you will have just started and not had the conversation yet, I know some are due to be retested at the end of this month. Let us know how you get on and lets hope there are more positive than negative. Maybe this will help people who are going to be having this conversation soon and you must always tell your doctor what you are doing with your medical situation. Maybe we will recruit lots of doctors / nurses into our way of doing things. Also, it does not have to be diabetes related. Lots of people are doing this diet for other medical reasons or just for the sake of good health in general.

I will start off as I have already told my doctor what I am doing.

To start with my results had been terrible, it is a long story about a rubbish nutritionist putting me on a high carb diet. I was running an HBA1c of 8.2 and over 6 months and 3 tests not been able to get it down. My doctor was in despair with me, knowing I was such a good patient and always taken good care of myself. I had found Dr Mosleys book by chance and told my doctor I was going on a new diet, no details, he had already heard it all and just smiled at me. When I went back for my next check up my HBA1c was 6.7 my cholesterol and triglycerides were all down to well within a normal range, and my weight was down by 4kgs.

He was amazed and very happy with me. Then I told him about the diet…… When I said I was on 800 calories he nearly fell off his chair. No no no, you cannot live on 800 calories. I had typed up a list of 5 days worth of meals, in detail, not just courgette salad, but everything that went into it. At the bottom I had written notes like, I do not eat simple carbs, and listed them, I do eat complex carbs and listed a few like cauliflower, aubergine. I do eat full fat foods like butter, cheese, yoghurt. And so on, the water, how I manage my exercise days etc etc. Now, here I have to say because I live in France my doctor is like private, I pay him and a consultation is 15 mins but can be up to half an hour if I want to discuss things. This is my GP not a hospital consultation. I gave him the internet address for Dr Talyor at Newcastle University and told him to look if he was intersted, and I gave him a copy of Notes for Doctors. So basically I lectured him for about 15 minutes. He said my diet was nutritious and good and my results were so good how could he say different and that I was to carry on with what I was doing. I had already reduced my medication (insulin down from 37 units to 26 units each night and Glycazides down from 90mg to 60mg) which he was happy about. He said he would not reduce my cholesterol meds until he had seen another test result and I should stay on my blood pressure medication as it was still high at 130 / 80 with medication so not back to ‘normal’.

I had to see him 4 weeks later about something unrelated but he had to do my blood pressure and weigh me and I had lost another 1.5 kg and my b/p was 125/70, so he is open to discussion on my next visit at the end of November.

Knowing my doctor he will have looked at the web site and updated himself on the research and we will have a very full discussion which I will report back on here. I hope others stories are just as positive.

Very interesting! Let’s hope more of our GPs accept this way of eating although I’m sure that quite a few will pooh pooh the idea.

Thanks for starting this thread it should prove very informative.

This has been posted before, but to add to sunshine-girl’s very sensible thread here:

My OH had Type 2 for some years.

He went to Doctor and said he was going to take action with diet (waving BSD book) and asked for doctor’s support in having monthly HbA1c tests to monitor his results. He would have done the BSD whatever she said, but you will note didn’t ask for her permission or approval to do it, just requested her support in his taking action.

He was able to demonstrate BS reductions to normal levels in July and August, came off Metformin and September’s test replicated the results. Doctor had forgotten she had taken him off Metformin in August and was therefore doubly impressed by September, but also by the fact he intends to maintain the low carb and keep being tested to make sure he doesn’t slip up. She marked his record Type 2 “in remission” so he will continue to get the optician/podiatrist follow up.

However, it has not been suggested that he discuss his success with either the ‘diabetic specialist’ doctor or the ‘diabetic nurse’ in the practice, which I think is a shame. He’s just had another blood test this week (October’s) and will be meeting the doctor in a couple of weeks, so I’ll suggest to him that he asks if he can help in any way.

My GPs reaction – initially not that interested, & thought I was being optimistic about the amount of weight I intend to lose, but pleased I’d lost some; about a stone at that point, and HbA1c result had dropped from 112 to 62, and all other issues (fatty liver, cholesterol etc) back in the normal range.
Following the next HbA1c result two months later, after dropping metformin, my BG was back in the normal range at 38, and she seemed far more interested, pleased with the results, and described my diabetes as being reversed, which I understand has been an issue with others’ doctors on this forum. Confirmed that I had made a sensible decision in dropping metformin.
We had a conversation around my being taken off or remaining on the diabetic register; I agreed I’d prefer to stay on it for a couple more HbA1C tests, to check my levels stay in the right range for a long period of time, but probably not bother with eye tests while BG levels remain normal.

The reaction of the diabetes Nurse at my GP practice have been more worrying – seems totally unfamiliar with BSD/Newcastle research, and uninterested. She was pleased that my blood sugar results have come down – but seemed happier with another patient who’d reduced BG levels but still had high HbA1c results but had been “following a proper diet, not a silly one like yours” and being compliant with medication.

The Diabetic Nutritionist (healthy diabetic living and eating course for diabetics provided by a local charity) has been interested in the diet, but has made odd statements, such as “nobody can survive on less than 130g of carb a day, it affects their brain”

QUOTE :
The Diabetic Nutritionist (healthy diabetic living and eating course for diabetics provided by a local charity) has been interested in the diet, but has made odd statements, such as “nobody can survive on less than 130g of carb a day, it affects their brain”

No wonder some of the recipes say no carb or low carb …. because when you are having 130 g. of carb a day as the official goal ……. 50 carbs seems like nothing!!

My doctor didn’t say much … it’s a walk in clinic and there isn’t that much time for patient. I asked to to send me for some basic tests which will be redone in 3 months.

The nurse and nutritionist with Diabetes North kind of freaked … but i didn’t really take much note of their ignorance. I don’t really thing these people keep up with new research. I am only going to keep their appointments and do their tests to show them.

I think doctors and other medical personnel have gotten so used to patients that want the magic pills and easy fix that they just automatically hand out pills … it’s easier for the doctor and the patient. BUT everybody seems to be under the impression that you just take the pills and eat what you want.

I am sure there are exceptions … i am generalizing here. Frankly that’s what i used to think … i just keep taking Metformin and eating cheesecake and chips and candy, etc.

We had positive experiences with our GP. My mum went to see her about her yearly blood tests, among other issues, and was told she was pre-diabetic, to lose weight and cut out the carbs. We did this, swopped white for brown bread, cut out the cakes, potatoes etc.

Went back a couple of weeks later and she told my mum to try the BSD, and me also i had a lot of weight to lose. The GP was also on the BSD as she said she wouldn’t recommend the diet unless she tried it herself. She wasn’t obviously overweight but said she was carrying excess weight around her middle she wanted rid of.

Back to the GP again about 3 weeks later, i’d been on the diet a week and mentioned the weight i’d lost and that my mum had just started it. She was made up and excited to talk about the recipes in the book. Since then, my mum has lost 14lb even though she is 81, very inactive and has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Also interesting that when i was on the RA forum they also mentioned that a mediterranean diet was the best one for arthritis, for dealing with inflammation.

Haven’t had a need to see the GP recently but when we do, will have to say a big thank you to her for telling us about the BSD and being open minded enough to recommend it to her patients, which doesn’t seem like the norm for a lot of Dr’s and diabetic professionals judging by people’s experiences on this forum. I’ve lost 75 lbs so far, with more to come and it has been life changing so i owe our GP big time!

Helsbels ,,, that’s a wonderful experience!! Nice to hear this!!

Shalimar…..reading other people’s experiences about the GPs and diabetic nurses, giving outdated advice and generally being skeptical and negative about their patients trying to help themselves, i realise how lucky we were with our GP. My mum and i keep thinking of gifts we could give her to say thank you!

Frog, a good friend of mine studied to be a dietician only a few years ago and she said the same thing (not sure if it was 130 or 100 grams of carbs that are “essential” to human life). So this is what is being taught at universities right now, our doctors aren’t really that out of date!

But did you know that in all their years of study, family doctors have usually had ONE HOUR of instruction on nutrition? It is not their area of specialty. Makes it very tricky for them. I think we need to get our diet information elsewhere.

Well so far most of the reactions have been either positive or non-committal, at least no one has been forbidden or reprimanded. Helsbels, you have a great doctor and lets hope she is spreading the word. I hope when I see my doctor he will have read the real research (not the watered down version us non medics have access to) and will have talked to other doctors too. When I went to get my permission to exercise certificate he had a trainee doctor shadowing him and I heard him telling him that I was on a strict diet and had lost weight and reduced blood glucose. Hopefully, my blood glucose will be down even further along with my weight and he will either say he has read about it or that he is impressed enough to read up on it. We have to start somewhere and the medical profession are under a lot of constraints so we should not be too hard on them.

Keep the stories coming as you go for your tests, as and when.

My GP is a waste of time. The only approach to dealing with him is to tell him what I’m doing. When I told him I wanted six months to demonstrate that I could regulate my blood sugar by diet/lifestyle, his response was to add a note to my records saying I had “declined” medication. Typical a**e-covering public sector middle manager.

My diabetic nurse on the other hand is an absolute star. She had heard of BSD but didn’t have a patient trying it. She is impressed by the results (down 44lb in 10 weeks, 5 inch off the waist and blood pressure down into normal) but has asked me to do a V-something blood test which will test to make sure that I’m getting all the right nutrients. Sounds sensible to me. We have agreed a target weight and she has recommended doing some weight training as new muscle typically is more sensitive to insulin. She quoted the Johns Hopkins study and it looks good to me. She’s looking forward to the next HbA1C test in December.

Without getting on my hobby horse, most medics are quoting current best practice, it is not “out-dated”. The Newcastle research is not yet complete.

I would suggest simply talking to them about outcomes not diets….

An update on my Diabetes Annual Review today – which I had got very very stressed about because I really didn’t know what the Diabetes Consultant would say about BSD.

But now I am floating on air. I can’t even describe how good I am feeling.
Hba1c in March at 50 (6.7) on insulin injections at least 5 times a day.
Today absolutely normal at 37 (5.5) with no insulin for 7 weeks.
BM1 now 23.

I saw a wonderful Consultant I hadn’t seen before. She had been at Newcastle and had met Professor Taylor and knew all about the diet – she was so knowledgeable.

I was advised that I was now (after losing almost 2stone 7lb) at a healthy weight and should only, at the most, lose another 4lbs.

My Hba1c is now officially normal. The Consultant advised that I am ‘in remission’ but would not be able to go back onto my previous diet with all the starchy and sugary carbs. She said that my beta cells could not cope.

I had actually been thinking along the same lines. Although off the insulin it is very clear to me that my pancreas would not be able to cope with my previous diet.

When I started the BSD my long term goal was to prevent meal time spikes in an effort to reverse the retinopathy. I really believed that my body was so damaged by all the starchy carbohydrates and sugar I had eaten in the past and there was no way I would ever again have normal blood sugars or come off the insulin.

So now – thanks to Professor Taylor, Dr Michael Mosley and most of all this wonderful forum – I can live healthily on the wonderful Mediterranean diet which I have really grown to love. There is no way I would ever want to go back to my old way of eating. When I see sugary, starchy carby foods they hold absolutely no attraction for me now. I actually now think yuk – how can people eat that stuff.

The Consultant has asked if I would talk to diabetes patient groups about my experience. I am so happy to do so – I will do my best to ‘spread the word’.

She also suggested that I email Professor Taylor – which I will do.

It has been such a positive experience today. To be ‘in remission’ is a dream come true.

Wow Krysia — absolutely fantastic!

Wow Krysia — absolutely fantastic! YIPPEE!!!

That is so wonderful, congratulations on turning your life around!

That’s so, so great to read Krysia. From seven injections a day to nothing. I mean – it’s miraculous! And yet it isn’t, it’s good science and research, of course, your amazing effort at sticking with it. How brilliant that you can spread the good news and help other people. And are already doing so in this forum. WELL DONE!

After watching the Tonight programme last night, which was mainly about the BSD but not quoting it – there are several similar diets around, we might make some headway with the medical profession.

I was watching UK TV this morning and it was about doctors allowing you to decide our own treatments. It was put in a very negative way in that it was so doctors cannot be sued as you make your choices. Looking deeper into it it is just that a doctor should spend time talking you through the options not just pushing one treatment and that, knowing the choice, you can make an informed decision. You don’t have to make the decision yourself, you can choose to go with the doctor’s recommendation or maybe try a different way. The main thing seemed to be that doctors don’t have the time to talk you through everything. It is such a shame. In fact, it is the European way of doing things. My doctor gives me as much time as I need, I am never rushed. When I had gastric problems I saw a consultant for about 30 minutes. When I decided I wanted to go ahead with the minor surgical procedure I was sent to see an anaethatist who spent 30 mins going through my history and explaining what she was going to do, how deeply I would be under, what were the risks, were there alternatives like hypnosis or spinal injection etc. (Can’t remember what it is called) This all happened within the space of 3 weeks and I had surgery as a day patient. It is brilliant to be treated as an important part of the whole procedure and was active in the decision making.

sunshine-girl – private medicine?

topcac, I don’t have private medical cover but I live in France, that is standard. If what they want to do in UK sounds like the private sector, what is wrong with that. Surely all medical treatment should be top rate, not just for those who pay.

Yes you’re right sunshine – I’m not going to argue that it should be better in the UK, neither am I particularly political – but the NHS is at breaking point so I just wondered if you had private medical because that’s the only way you would get that kind of attention in the UK – I’m not saying it’s right.

sunshine-girl – about that UK TV program.

As you say, it didn’t quote BSD. But the book was in the set of books about this topic on a table. And Professor Roy Taylor had a good segment in the program under his name.

For interest: if you type Roy Taylor into Amazon UK, the top book is Michael’s BSD book. Which is currently the third best seller in “Books” in Amazon UK!

(I don’t have type-2, but at 69 my highest health priority is to avoid getting it! I believe that publicity about the very idea of reversing type-2 is massively important. I was very encouraged that a program on a major UK TV channel should have a title such as “Can Your Diet Defeat Diabetes?”. On 3 October a program “Fat v Carbs with Jamie Owen” was broadcast on BBC Wales, and a doctor encouraged one of her patients to change her diet to successfully reverse her type-2. But there is still a lot of resistance from authorities and ignorance in the medical professions).

Barry the UKTV programme I was talking about was just general, something in the papers about people making their own decisions on treatment, nothing to do with the Tonight programme on diabetes. I know all about Prof Taylor but this was a different subject. My mention of the Tonight programme was in relation to people starting to understand what we are doing as we can get negative responses from the medical profession. Sorry if I have talked about two different issues in one post. We are making progress on the LCLCHF issue although the low calorie part is not often mentioned.

One thing you can be sure of is that a diabetes nurse at a GP’s practice will not have kept up with the latest thinking. She will have been told when she started that diabetics MUST base their diets on carbs and will not have the wit to deviate from that stance. Arguments will usually be met by the assertion that you, as a lowly patient and a layperson do not have the knowledge or capability required to form an opinion and should just do as you are told. GPs are just that – general practitioners – and cannot be relied upon to keep up with the latest research. That’s why anyone with more than just a runny nose is referred to a specialist. Not that you can always rely on them, because the endocrinologist at South Tyneside Hospital misdiagnosed my type ll as type l diabetes and consequently I spent about a year ballooning due to unnecessary insulin injections and being told to eat carbs. Mind you, with the carbs raising the blood sugar I probably needed the insulin! Thankfully when I changed to the QEll at Gateshead they stopped the insulin and I managed to lose a bit of weight. Once you realise that doctor and particularly nurse do NOT necessarily know best, but that you are essentially on your own and start researching, new choices present themselves.

I’ve said before that my diabetic nurse is brilliant. She is wholly focussed on outcomes. We have set specific measurable goals (Weight, blood sugar, blood pressure etc.) and timelines and as long as I meet them we have agreed not to go down the medication route. She knows about BSD but has never had a patient try it, so I am a bit of a guinea pig for her, which is fine by me.

My GP on the other hand……

I saw my GP at the beginning of September, who informed me my HbA1c was 49,and should cut down on carbs, with no explanation! Did my own research, found the BSD and started my own regime. Repeat test after 6 weeks was 45. My GP was pleased, but had not heard of BSD or Roy Taylor. Have now reduced blood pressure pills. He did have the good grace to pat my back and call me a success story, ( no thanks to him)
Will stick with mediterranean diet forever, love it and weight reducing weekly

At least GP knew to advise carb reduction rather than the low fat mantra. And now they know from you about BSD as a structure to offer people as a way to do the carb reduction.

the research by Professor at Newcastle University into low carb diets and diabetes is still ongoing – even where diabetic practitioners and GPs are aware of it, it will not become standard practice until the research is completed and has been assessed – presumably by NICE.

BSD isn’t – but enough crackpot diets and eating regimes come out probably on a daily basis claiming to cure/alleviate different complaints and illnesses that you can’t expect medical staff to recommend everything they hear about, for good reason.
My GP was somewhat aware of the research, but not the woman running the diabetic cookery and nutrition course – but both have been respectful and interested, because they can see the good results that I have achieved.
The diabetic nurse at the GP practice is a bit more ‘traditional’ – frustrating, but I’m sure when new guidance comes out, she will engage with NHS guidelines.

I am newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I am going to do the 800 calorie diet to try to reverse this. My HbA1c was 62 when tested and I am on 2000Mg of Metformin daily. Could anyone advise whether I should stop taking or reduce my Metformin when on the 800 calorie diet please. Also as I can’t start properly for 2 weeks due to a Golf holiday and Xmas/New Year will be in the 8 weeks after that, could anyone advise on whether having a few days off (maybe 4 or 5) would affect the effectiveness of the diabetic reversal i.e reducing liver and pancreas fat. Thanks

Hi topcattone
I stopped taking metformin when my HbA1c results reduced to 62
– made a post on this earlier this morning
https://thebloodsugardiet.com/forums/topic/what-was-your-hba1c-after-8-weeks-or-so/#post-45361

I didn’t discuss with my GP first; I had been taking it for a few months, but not very consistently at first, because of side effects, took a while to find that the extended release version worked better – so I’d only been taking it consistently for about six weeks.
When I spoke to her recently, and said something like “I should probably checked with you first before stopping it” her response was that I could have done, but I had done absolutely the right thing in reducing/stopping it.

The normal range is 20-42, so your result is not super high – I think my blood glucose went a lot higher before I started metformin – and if you are newly diagnosed, you’ve not been taking metformin for long. It’s up to you, and standard medical advice would be to discuss with the prescribing GP first; but it does sound as if thy have resorted to medication pretty swiftly, rather than trying control by diet.

Do remember that when your GP suggests prescribing something, you can discuss it with them and ask about other options.

With regards to stopping for 4-5 days – it will slow down results, but I have fitted in numerous breaks and holidays while I have been doing this. Start logging food now (my fitness pal/fat secret) and you will start to learn about what is low carb – that will help you make good choices when you’re away – and restrict alcohol when you’re on holiday too!!

Good luck

Thank you for your advice Frog, very useful.

Also Frog, very encouraging that you have reversed your diabetes, a great spur to me that it works. Well done.

topcattone, I always said I would not advice anyone to stop their meds as it is dangerous ground. However, knowing what I know now this would be my plan. I would stick with the Metformin while I am in the changeover phase, especially as I will want treats on my trips away but I would start the diet, as Frog say, it will get you used to low carbing ready for the big push.

If you look at what your meds do they are to keep your BG low(ish), if you can do the same with your diet then you don’t need the meds and you could even be taking too much as your BG has gone down anyway. You do not want to go hypo so when you get on the diet proper check your BG regularly and if it is going down, reduce your meds ever so slightly for a few days. The worst thing that can happen is your BG will go up and you can put the dose back up if you want. If your BG continues to go down because you have been sticking to the diet then reduce your meds again. Just take it slow and don’t worry. Not taking your meds will not kill you (I hope) just listen to your own body.

I was looking back on a post from mid July (I started the diet on 21st June) and I was asking a similar question. I said then that being on 38 units of insulin I was going to reduce to 36 and see how it was. I was so scared, what was I doing to myself. Well, read the above, the only risk was for my BG to go back up. I am now on 24 units daily and have also reduced my Glycazide because I was having hypos of around 3.2 in the afternoons and I found out it was that drug that caused them. We are learning here all the time. Stay safe and keep on keeping on…..

Thank you sunshine-girl. As you say we are all learning.

Well been to see the doc all geared up for a pat on the back my HbA1c has dropped from 7.2 – 4.6, went in for the results and to be advised how I can safely reduce my meds looking to be med free in the near future. His response you have done well but not well enough come back in 3 months!

We don’t want another yoyo diabetic it’s not good for you or us. Thanks for all the help and support doc, so I am determined to drop again and get everything nearer the golden 4.2 any ideas? Present weight 11.12 for a 5.7 51 year old, body fat 20% cholesterol 3.5 – anybody think another 2 months of 800 cals will do the trick, I am also active in the gym 3 times a week using strength training and HITS. Any advice gladly received.

You cant blame the doctor for being cautious; we are a new breed of patient: I admire your determination to keep improving: I am in a similar position, reduced by HBA1c but only to 6.7 so determined to get it down to 6.0 for end of this month then down to 5.0 in Feb. Might be a long haul but well worth it: Keep on keeping on…

keep up the good work sunshine girl give yourself some Christmas wriggle room just don’t blow the advancements you have made.

I am very lucky we have excellent Dr’s. On Monday I had to go see my practise nurse because I had an infection, I rang at 8:30am and was given an appointment for 9:50. When I walked in to the examination room Teresa was ready for me, she greeted me with a smile and asked how I’d been doing. I can’t lie so straight up I told her I had not been sticking to my diet (again) I told her I did feel well and every night kicked myself and thought I’ll do better to morrow. Teresa said she was glad I’d owned up because my recent blood test had already told her that. Back in March my blood count was 8.5, my October one was 10.8. She then said I should be on insulin, she must have seen the look of horror on my face, because she then went on to say that she would give me until the first week in January (because of Christmas) to bring it down or I’d be on the insulin. She then told me about the Blood sugar diet gave me the name of the book and the Authors name. Today is only day 5 and Monday was a washout, but I’m feeling better already. Sleeping better and waking up ready to go normally very sluggish, on top of that I have lost 6lb. I don’t feel I’m missing out on anything so feeling very positive. As a perpetual dieter I know it can change quickly I love this forum, feel like I can tell it like it is and not feel the guilt that stops me coming back. I don’t know who does the ministrations etc. but well done you who ever you are.

sunshine-girl,

Although I have commented before on the reaction of my GP, your thread here has brought all of the information together very nicely.

When I started on my BSD journey back in March, I saw our GP. This came about because Michael Mosley had been interviewed on Radio New Zealand on the previous Saturday. As luck would have it, our GP had also heard the interview so he was away of the BSD.
Not only did he approve, he wanted to use me as a reference for his other patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
I emailed our Doc two links :to excellent, relevant programmes:

Interview with Dr Mosley on SBS Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDEw561NFto

TED talk by Dr Sarah Hallberg – an Obesity Dr in USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da1vvigy5tQ

Our GP watched the interviews and discussed LCHF eating with his dietician wife. Initially skeptical, she eventually put the whole family on that form of eating.

Over the past few months, I have achieved the following:
Lost 16 kg in weight
Had 5 cm removed from the waist band of my trousers.
Gone down two sizes in pullovers
Gone down to smaller shirt collar sizes
Reduced my HBA1C reading to 41
All other medical parameters are much improved.

Recently, I saw the Diabetes Nurse for my annual checkup. She was absolutely in full approval of everything that I have achieved.

I would add that (a) I have never been prescribed Metformin or (b) had insulin added.

The last time I had an appointment with our GP, I asked him about having another sleep test for Sleep Apnoea. Yesterday, I saw the specialist and she agrees that my improvements mean that I am unlikely to need to use a CPAP machine when sleeping. She too was most impressed with the change. Neck circumference is now 39 cm. She would like me to talk to other sufferers of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

This 76 year old is enjoying the journey and the new way of life. BSD isn’t a diet: it is a change of life style.

Keep up the good work all of you.

Jim

Well done Jimnz on your successful weight loss and your hb1ac now in the normal range.

Thank you for posting the links. I have been on the BSD since May and I have had a nagging fear lurking in the back of my mind that on the BSD I am depriving myself of essential starchy carbs. That is despite the diabetes going into remission, the retinopathy reversing, the feeling coming back into my right foot and all my muscles getting stronger and the Consultant who I saw in October (who had met Prof Taylor) telling me I could never go back on the starchy carbs.

I watched the talk by Dr Sarah Hallberg last night. It was brilliant and just what I needed to hear. Of course the current advice on diabetes is absolutely bonkers – apart from the BSD of course. It totally dispelled that fear that I was depriving my body of something essential.

I am bookmarking the talk so that next time the illogical fear resurfaces I will play it to remind myself that the BSD/Mediterranean diet is so healthy.

I am looking forward to seeing the interview with Michael Mosley on beating diabetes so thank you for providing that link. I had managed to completely miss Dr Mosley speaking on U.K. t.v. about reversing diabetes (which I am sure he must have done at sometime) so it is great that you posted the link.

Hi JimNZ. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have just watched the Ted talk with Dr Sarah Hallberg and I’m absolutely overwhelmed with emotion. I had to pause the video half way through because I just broke down and sobbed listening to her describe what can be achieved with low carb interventions. The story she tells of a patient with long term diabetes is a mirror of my own experience. When I started BSD I was taking nearly 200 units of insulin a day, my BS were out of control, I was gaining more and more weight and my doctor had asked me if I would consider an insulin pump. When she says in the video that with a low carb intervention they “can literally pull people off of hundreds of units of insulin in days to weeks” I can tell everyone it is TRUE! That is exactly what happened for me when I started BSD. My insulin requirement dropped dramatically and within 2 weeks I had reduced my requirement by over 80%. I’m now at 6 weeks and down to just 4 to 6 units overnight. I’ve lost nearly 20 years of my life to this disease. I am so deeply and profoundly grateful to the work that MM and others are doing in this space. It has saved my life and given me hope when I had none.

Krysia, how do you bookmark something. I would like to watch the MM video in full but don’t have time right now. I have seen the Ted Talks video but would also like to keep it for future reference.

Hi Sunshine-girl
On my PC – instead of clicking once at the video and watching it play in this thread, I clicked twice (double clicked I think it is called) and it came up as a separate page in my browser. You do get adverts first, but then you get the video. I then clicked the Bookmarks button at the top of the screen and clicked to bookmark the page. So now I have a page for each of the video’s and I can send people the links and also watch them again.

I have a kindle fire tablet and I can’t bookmark the videos on it – only on my PC. Hope this is helpful

Great videos jimnz