I have to provide a brief disclosure before writing this book review: I am a huge fan of Gary Scheiner, especially after he managed to help me keep an A1c of 7.0% throughout my junior and senior years of college.
Yep, that’s right. Gary Scheiner was my CDE for several years in college, and he’s still a trusted adviser in all things D. Gary is also a prolific writer, having published two books on diabetes and dozens of articles on diabetes management. His seminal book Think Like a Pancreas has joined the ranks of must-reads for any newly diagnosed PWD. But with an ever-changing disease such as ours, there comes a time when every guidebook needs a little refresher. So last month, a “completely revised and updated” version of Think Like a Pancreas was released.
If you’re wondering what makes Gary so special compared with other CDEs, well, he’s also one of us. Yes, Gary has had type 1 diabetes for 26 years (ironically, he was diagnosed while living in Sugarland, TX!), and has worn every insulin pump and used nearly every available drug on the market. Gary’s professional practice, Integrated Diabetes Services, is located in the Philadelphia area. But don’t think that just because you live in another state, it would be impossible to work with Gary as your CDE: never fear! Gary runs a remote consulting program and works with patients all over the world. Gary is also the Dean of his very own Type 1 University, an online diabetes education webinar program that we reviewed here.
Think Like a Pancreas covers essentially anything and everything you’d need to know about living with diabetes — if you use insulin. So unlike other books, that are geared towards being a type 1 or type 2 PWD, this book is for you as long as you are taking insulin.
With Gary’s easy-to-read conversational tone, the book covers the essentials on understanding why blood sugar fluctuates, and then moves right into the foundation of any good insulin program: setting your basal rate and your bolus ratio.
Gary includes a solid chapter on how everyone can figure out what their bolus ratio and correction factor should be, and gives some great tips for fine-tuning the numbers for you personally. If you’re confused about what’s behind the science of why or how something happens, chances are Gary can explain it. Of course, like any general guide for a wide audience, some experimentation by you, the patient, will be required, but this can definitely set you off in the right direction.
In a chapter aptly titled “Welcome to the Real World,” Gary covers all the variables that make blood sugar management tricky, frustrating and sometimes darn-near impossible — including stress, exercise, menstruation, and even caffeine. At the end of the book is a list of diabetes resources (including blogs!), logsheets, and even a glycemic index (GI) list for popular foods. This book is thorough!
If you already own the first edition of Think Like a Pancreas, much of the book may feel repetitive. But the last book came out in 2004, so things have certainly changed a bit in the last eight years; look for the addition of information on new diabetes drugs (like Victoza) and updated information on continuous glucose monitors, which make this updated version an excellent refresher indeed.
Over the weekend, we met up with Gary at the JDRF Research Summit in Bethesda, MD. Were able to corner him to find out more about his tips for thinking like a pancreas, what’s really new in the new book, and how he deals with his own diabetes.
The new version of Think Like a Pancreas is available on Amazon for $11.44.
The DMBooks Giveaway
Once again we’re giving you the chance to win a free copy of our latest book reviewed. If you’d like to win an autographed copy of the updated guide Think Like a Pancreas, check out the instructions below!
Entering for your chance to win is as easy as leaving a comment.
Here’s what to do:
1. Post your comment below and include the codeword “DMBooks” somewhere in the comment (beginning, end, in parenthesis, in bold, whatever). That will let us know that you would like to be entered in the giveaway. You can still leave a comment without entering, but if you want to be considered to win the book, please remember to include “DMBooks.”
2. This week, you have until Friday, Feb. 24, at 5pm PST to enter. A valid email address is required to win.
3. The winner will be chosen using Random.org.
4. The winner will be announced on Facebook and Twitter on Monday, Feb. 27, so make sure you’re following us! We like to feature our winners in upcoming blog posts, too.
The contest is open to anyone, anywhere. Best of luck, Fellow Insulin Users!
Dancing around the idea of an OmniPod right now actually(after 29 years of t1D, all MDI) so this would be a fabulous resource – #DMBooks. Thanks!
I am writing this comment to be entered in the drawing for DMBOOKS. I have been a diabetic type 2 for almost a decade. I finally, after neuropathy, kidney malfunction the whole nine, started getting informed and doing something about my condition. It is not easy, but I must keep moving forward. Much success to all of us. Amen. Cainy
Hi Allison, it was great meeting you at the JDRF event this past weekend. I thought Gary had one of the best presentations of the day and really felt connected to him because he lives T1 every day just like me. After the event I snagged the Kindle version, which is only $8.99. I wanted to read his book for a while now and the latest version makes it so much easier to now put at the top of my list of D books to read.
The only thing I disagreed with that Gary said is that he still likes and believes that manual logging is the best method. Though I think it helps to put focus on each number by writing it down, I think it’s a waste of time given the tools we have today. Being able to link a meter or CGM to software and within seconds get the averages, std. deviations, graphs, trends, etc. is a much better use of time, in my opinion. Great questions and hope to see you again soon at the next meet up or event.
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I am asking to be considered for the giveaway.
Thanks,
Jim
#DMBooks Just began using a pump and cgm for our 8yo daughter, I can’t imagine how it would be to have Dr Gary be our endo!
DMBOOKS. Sounds like a fantastic book. I’m very glad to hear of his remote consultation program as well. I’m a type 1 and do not currently have a specialized team in place. Thanks tor the info!
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I loved the first one and would love to get another copy! I’m also reading Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution and highly recommend it as well!
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Thanks! Sounds like a great book.
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Type 1 for 42 years and am only now seriously considering a pump. Would love to have a copy of this book.
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I already have this on my Kindle, but I would LOVE to have an autographed copy!!!
Told my husband just last night that he needed to read this book as well. It puts things into plain English, not medical speak, so the average person can understand.
Sounds like this book would be an awesome resource and one I haven’t had the chance to read, yet! DMBooks
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This would be a great book for both myself and my Type 3.
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I would love to read a copy of this book and hopefully get some new insights.
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Type 1 for 23 years. Will be interesting to catch Gary Scheiner speak about insulin pump therapy and CGMs next Wednesday 29 February in Melbourne, Australia.
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This would be a great read for me. Thank You!
This is a great book and one of the books to turn to when I have questions. As someone with type 2 I feel like I am SUV with a PINTO engine and starting to think like a pancreas has helped my diabetes control.
Count me in! DM Books! I could use a new guide, and it’s been a long time since I bought a D related book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Or, DMBOOKS…
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I would love an autograph book. I saw him speak last year and have taken a few T1 classes.
Thanks for the opportunity.
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Would like to read this book even after being a diabetic after 28 years. You never stop learning!!
With 3 T1′s in our house, I think this book would be a wonderful addition to our family library! DMBooks
Hello! I would love to win this book. DMBOOKS
I have not read books on diabetes since I was first diagnosed, 36 years ago. This sounds like a great book! Thanks, DMbooks, for all you do.
Kayt
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I have lived with type 1 diabetes for 31 years and I am always wanting to learn new things! I would be honored if he was my CDE!
Thanks for a nice write up on Gary’s book. He is an inspiration as a person living with type 1 diabetes and as a fellow diabetes educator. Congratulations on the publication of this very useful book!
I would like to be considered for the book. DMBooks. I am very interested in his online service. My daughter was diagnosed in 2006 at age 4. We have to drive an hour and a half to see her docter, so any help from him is appreciated.
Thanks.
Jackie
I was looking at this book online last week….DMBooks. So glad that it is updated and revised.
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I’ve been wanting this book for awhile… will you only announce the winner on facebook or twitter? I’m not on either of those (two small kids, one with d… not enough time!).
I have his first version and would love the updated edition. Thanks! DMBooks
DMBooks – Looking forward to reading the latest version. This is a must have in the library of any Type 1.
DMBooks – Would love the updated version. It’s time to regain complete control of this disease!
DMBooks. We love Gary because he does not give off the shelf diabetes advise. His Advanced Carbohyrate Counting book is also excellent.
DMBooks.WeloveGarybecausehedoesnotgiveofftheshelf diabetes advise.HisAdvanced CarbohyrateCounting book isalso excellent.
DM Books. The book looks awesome. I want one! I always get inspired to take better care of myself when I’m my own advocate at better managing my Type I diabetes, which I’ve had to 32 years now.
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I would love to win this book to help me with my son’s diabetes care. Thanks!!
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Sounds like a great book! Thanks!
DMBooks. This is exactly the type of book I’ve been looking for, I will get a copy even if I don’t win it.
I read Gary’s first book in 2006, just after my daughter was diagnosed. That book helped me greatly in understanding how to get control of diabetes. I’d love to get the second edition for the update
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I’m reluctant to change, but what I’m doing isn’t working, so maybe this book is something I should read? Contest or not, this boat’s on fire; so I’m looking for ideas.
Catching title for a book on diabetes. Sure the contents too must be educative. (DMBooks)
DMBooks Would love to have the updated book! I’ve followed Gary’s advice to lower my A1c from a Troubling High of 10.4 to a Getting Closer 7.9 in two months. It’s a process.
DMBooks I should have read this when I started pumping. Thanks for the contest.
I liked the original, looking forward to reading the new version. DMBooks
My 18 month old grandson was diagnosed as Type 1 a month ago. As this is all very new to me, I appreciate any suggestions on books that I can read and any other resources. DMBooks
DMBooks! DMBooks! DMBooks!!
DM Books! We would love to read the new book. My husband has had T1 for 34 years and we are still learning!
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My 6 year old son is a recently diagnosed type 1 and I’m hungry for information.
I wish I had known of this book earlier. I am T-2 on insulin & pills having trouble getting A1c down. DMBooks
I will purchase book if I don’t win. Thanks