Richard Bernstein

This is the story of what I can only describe as Ayn Rand’s fantasy of the competent individual.

A man who suffered from the chronic illness, type 1 diabetes, during its dark ages. And used his intellect to discover the truth, amidst a bunch of idiots who had no idea what they were talking about. Not just intellect - but determination too. And dedicated his life to helping others.

One of my inspirations.

Articles.

• https://www.diabetes-book.com/bernstein-life-with-diabetes/
• https://www.army.mil/article/208922/critical_thinking_doctors_patience_yields_new_diabetes_treatment_and_approach

My short summary.

• born 1935
• diagnosed diabetic at 11yo
• when most people are living their best life in 20’s and 30’s, his body is breaking down due to diabetic complication
• stumbles upon blood glucose meters at hospitals before they were generally available. buys one for $1000 (they cost $20 now). becomes the first diabetic to test his sugar levels
• through what can only be described as pure scientific process, discovers through measurement that carbs raise the sugar levels, and massive insulin doses causes these swings which affect mood and ultimately leads to complications
• figures out over 3yrs that by adapting to a low-carb diet, he can control his sugars.
• as he does this, all his complications reverse. neuropathy, worsening vision, locked shoulder, everything reverses.
• mainstream medical establishment at this point is promoting eating carbs. they have no idea
• he seeks to publish his findings. talks to his doctor, they ignore him.
• perseveres. enlists the help of someone in the doctor’s office to help him write a paper in 1950’s. costs >$1000 because personal computers weren’t even a thing then
• even then, medical establishment still doesn’t take him seriously.
• retrains as a doctor, from being an engineer
• opens his own medical practice
• promotes his methods, helps other people
• hundreds of thousands of diabetics live healthy lives due to his him
• lives until a healthy age of 91; far exceeding the average for type 1 diabetics

All the way, this guy lived with skin in the game, and persisted in what can only be described as true scientific method

‘Well, you know, the literature on animals shows that you reverse the diabetic complications if you normalize their blood sugars.’ He says, ‘Yeah, but you’re not an animal.’ And I remember saying to him that Einstein said that the laws of nature remain throughout the universe."

“I would much rather be a physicist, and I’m 84 years old. I’d rather not be working so hard. I like sailing; I’d rather be sailing. But I’m stuck. I have to continue. I have an obligation to the patients who didn’t know what I know.”

on top of all this, he dedicated himself to helping others.

1000’s of type 1 diabetics pouring out dedications to him, after his passing.