Diabetes Code - A quick summary/review!

 

Essentially book talks about diabetes as an epidemic. and how it has grown to it.

1. One central claim is most of Dr treat it in the wrong way.  Often patients find that over the period medicine dosage goes on increasing and often there is no respite from disease.

2. Book says it's not a body disease, but caused by diet n hence can be reversed or treated by only diet.

3. It explains the technical mechanism of how it occurs in the first place.  

4. Systematically it shows how it's not a sugar problem but is caused by insulin resistance.

5. Very persuasively and with a lot of research, it shows oral medication and insulin don't solve the problem. But in fact, enhances it. As it doesn't address the underlying cause. (I kind of agree as I see many folks around me). Insulin or medicine that secretes Insulin results in weight gain. The author argues that Insulin is a lifesaver in type 1 but not a very effective remedy for type 2. 

 

6. It advises an LCHF diet that's low carb n high fat. (I bit disagree here on high fat, though the book advises natural fats. But I feel it may be bad for cardiac issues). It shows the below analogy. So, stop/reduce the input of Sugar in all forms (even via carbohydrates), and existing/stored body sugar – shall be eliminated with Fasting.  

                                                   (Image - Taken from the book)

 

Lastly, it advises intermittent fasting. Almost alternate day. In severe cases, up to 48 to 72 hours. I am not sure here whether this is doable. It advises it under medical supervision, particularly if you are taking medication. See below the sample meal plan this is with 36 hour fasting. Book has multiple such meal plans. 

                                                  (Image: From the book)

 

One diagram in the book – compares how much sugar increases in various foods – it almost enlightens why Rice has got a bad name!  

                                                    (Image: From the book)

 

One interesting note in the book is that fructose is much worse than sucrose. Both are found in Sugar in equal amounts. Because Fructose goes directly to the liver like a guided missile.  

I personally have two issues with the argument. 

1. Just with the idea of fasting - I start craving for food and feel starved. 😢 

2. Book cites lot of research, This book itself is published in 2018. However Dr. Neal Bernard's book published in 2006 isn't referred or cited in the book nor the Dr. Dean Ornish research. Both is relevant to this subject. 

Finally a disclaimer note: 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical or healthcare professional, this post is a summary/review of Dr. Jason Fung's best-seller "Diabetes Code". So anyone who want to follow the book suggestions – please consult your doctor or healthcare advisor!