Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I was recommended to read this book after I was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2021. Gary Scheiner, a certified diabetic educator who himself has T1D, has written this book. It has been extremely beneficial for me.

It has helped me gain a better understanding of what is happening inside my body. I now have a clearer picture of different daily situations related to diabetes and how to handle them effectively, whether it's through injections or using a pump. I have tried both methods in my life so far.

If you or a loved one is looking for in-depth knowledge on how to live with, manage, and thrive with type one diabetes, I highly recommend "Think Like A Pancreas". This book provides valuable insights and practical advice that can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this condition.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to take control of their diabetes and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
July 15,2025
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This piece of information is truly very informative and practical.

It has become an essential resource for me as I am in the process of learning how to manage the condition in the best possible way.

I often find myself referring back to it time and again.

The detailed explanations and useful tips provided within it have been extremely helpful in guiding me through the various aspects of dealing with this condition.

It offers a wealth of knowledge that is not only easy to understand but also highly applicable in real life situations.

Thanks to this resource, I have been able to make significant progress in my understanding and management of the condition, and I look forward to continuing to refer to it as I further develop my skills and strategies.

Overall, I would highly recommend this article to anyone who is seeking practical and useful information on how to manage a particular condition.
July 15,2025
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The best diabetic book I've ever read!

I initially got it from the library, and as I delved into it, I quickly realized its value. Halfway through reading, I knew I had to have my own copy. So, I promptly ordered the new addition from Amazon.

This book is truly a gem. It provides comprehensive and detailed information about diabetes, covering everything from the basics of the disease to advanced management strategies. The author presents the content in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy for both beginners and those with more knowledge to understand.

One of the things I love about this book is that it offers practical advice and tips that I can immediately implement in my daily life. It also includes real-life examples and case studies, which helps to illustrate the concepts and make them more relatable.

Now that I have my own copy, I can mark it up, highlighting the important points and taking notes. This will allow me to refer back to it easily whenever I need to. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is living with diabetes or wants to learn more about this condition.
July 15,2025
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This is a highly organized book that focuses on the utilization of insulin in the management of diabetes.

It is extremely clear and comprehensively covers a wide range of factors that have an impact on blood glucose levels in diabetics. The content is presented in a highly readable and straightforward manner.

This book truly empowers diabetics to take charge of their disease and ultimately conquer it.

However, the one complaint that I do have pertains to the units.

When will the United States decide to join the rest of the world and adopt standardized units?

If this were to happen, it would undoubtedly make life so much simpler for diabetics and healthcare providers alike.

It is essential for the United States to recognize the importance of standardization and make the necessary changes to improve the overall management of diabetes.
July 15,2025
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I just completed reading Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin by Gary Scheiner. He is a certified Diabetes educator and the owner of Integrated Diabetes Services, a firm where all the Diabetes clinicians have Diabetes themselves and are dedicated to helping their clients enhance their ability to live with the disease.


I would classify this book as a MUST-HAVE for all Type-1 Diabetics and parents of young (under 12) Diabetic children. If you fall into one of these groups, not only should you possess this book, but you must also READ it.


Scheiner also touches on some aspects of Type-2 Diabetes in the book, although it is mostly relevant to Type-2 Diabetics who have advanced to being at least somewhat reliant on insulin.


The book is divided into ten chapters. The tenth chapter is essentially a large compilation of references to resources such as manufacturers, vendors, organizations, and websites. An appendix contains some useful log sheets for photocopying to assist you in starting to keep written records.


Scheiner's candor and humor make the book much less clinical and stuffy than it could have been. However, I would say that some of his humor may not be entirely appropriate for children. I think I only encountered a couple of such instances, and they weren't extremely bad to the point of throwing the book against the wall, but they just felt a bit off-color for a young (under 14) reader.


For many Diabetics, the physiology of Diabetes is perplexing. If someone asks them why they have Diabetes, they might simply say \\"My pancreas doesn't work... right\\" and leave it at that. This book will provide the reader with a very good understanding of the role the pancreas plays in a non-Diabetic body and how insulin therapy can be utilized to restore the balance that a healthy pancreas provides.


The book examines the pros and cons of using insulin pumps, multiple daily injections (MDI), continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and multiple types of insulins (normal, NPH, fast-acting like Humalog and Novolog, and long-acting like Lantus and Levemir).


It also covers many non-insulin medications that different types of Diabetics may wish to consider. Most non-insulin medications are primarily for Type-2 Diabetics, but research seems to indicate that Type-1 Diabetics can also benefit from them.


For example, my endocrinologist provided me with samples of Symlin, Byetta, and Victoza injectables to try. These are all targeted at Type-2 Diabetics but have shown some positive results for Type-1 Diabetics as well, especially for those attempting to lose weight. I didn't like Symlin, Byetta, or Victoza. I either experienced excessive nausea as a side effect or felt that my blood sugars were becoming too unpredictable.


After reading more about how these medications work and the typical experiences of people who use them, I am more inclined to give them another try.


Overall, I believe this book will save you a significant amount of time at the doctor's or endocrinologist's office because you will stop being the ignorant patient who simply wants a list of things to do and medications to take and, instead, will become an informed partner in your Diabetes treatment plan. You can ask educated questions and even present reasonable arguments when you question a doctor's recommendations.


I suggest reading the book one chapter at a time. There is a wealth of information in each chapter, so give it time to soak in before proceeding to the next section.


I consider myself a relatively well-informed Type-1 Diabetic, but I learned several crucial things from this book. I had never given much thought to how high my post-meal spikes reached as long as my average blood sugar was reasonably close to being on-target. Scheiner points out that, for adults, frequent post-meal spikes over 180 mg/dL can contribute to stress on your kidneys and accelerate complications in your eyes. This caught my attention, and I started adjusting my meal boluses so that my post-meal spikes don't rise so high. It's only been a few days, but I've already noticed a significant difference in my blood sugar readings from this simple change.

July 15,2025
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This is a truly great book.

I can't help but wish that I had discovered and read it three years ago.

The knowledge and insights it contains are so valuable that it will definitely remain on my shelf for future reference.

Every page seems to offer a new perspective or a useful tip that can be applied in various aspects of life.

Whether it's for personal growth, professional development, or simply to gain a better understanding of the world around us, this book has something to offer.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good read that can also make a positive impact on their lives.

I'm sure that once you start reading it, you'll be as impressed as I am.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this book and start your journey of discovery and learning.

You won't regret it!
July 15,2025
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If you are using insulin to treat diabetes and you are only going to read one book about how it works, then this is the one for you! Insulin has the potential to give a person freedom, independence, and a truly good life. However, there is more to living with insulin than simply knowing how to give an injection. Once you master how insulin functions, you can move forward and live your life to the fullest.


This is the only book for which I have purchased both editions. I already owned the original book and found it extremely helpful. When I saw the release of the revised version, I initially thought it wouldn't add much or be that beneficial. Nevertheless, I have such a great appreciation for what this author does with his work that I decided to buy it. Wow! Was I ever wrong about its worth!


He has clarified several areas where the writing in the first book was not clear. Of course, he has also updated the information on the latest available insulins and removed content related to products that are no longer on the market. What really makes this book stand out is its demonstration of how to use insulin in the natural way that your body does, allowing you to enjoy life rather than just existing from one dose of medication to the next. He teaches people to get to know their bodies, understand how insulin works within their unique systems, and conduct experiments to ensure they are using the optimal type and dose of insulin at the right time. In this era of 10-minute doctor appointments, these skills are not being taught by physicians. The dosage charts are truly invaluable. Don't worry if you are not good at math; you can still make use of them.
July 15,2025
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Should be mandatory reading for everyone on insulin


I was diagnosed with diabetes in late 2002, and started on insulin in early 2003. It's truly astonishing that it has taken me more than 20 years to finally sit down and read Gary's book (now in its third edition!).


No matter how long one has lived with diabetes, Gary's book offers valuable insights and knowledge that can be beneficial. It doesn't matter if you've just been diagnosed or have been managing the condition for decades, there is always something new to learn from Gary.


Trust me when I say that this book is a must-read for anyone on insulin. It provides practical advice, tips, and strategies for better managing diabetes and improving overall health. Gary's expertise and experience shine through in every page, making this book an essential resource for the diabetes community.


So, if you or someone you know is living with diabetes and using insulin, don't hesitate to pick up Gary's book. It could be the key to better managing your condition and living a healthier, happier life.

July 15,2025
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This book is specifically written for those individuals who are insulin dependant diabetics.

However, I, having Type 2 diabetes, am not in the category of being insulin dependant. Nevertheless, upon reading this book, I was able to glean a significant amount of knowledge.

I learned a great deal about the intricate workings of insulin within the body. It became clear to me how insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Moreover, I also discovered all the various factors that can have an impact on blood sugar. These factors include diet, exercise, stress levels, and even certain medications.

Understanding these factors is essential for anyone with diabetes, regardless of the type, as it can help in better managing blood sugar and overall health.

Although this book was targeted towards insulin dependant diabetics, it provided valuable insights that I could apply to my own situation as a Type 2 diabetic.

It served as a useful educational resource and has enhanced my understanding of diabetes and its management.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about diabetes and the role of insulin.

It is a comprehensive and informative read that can benefit both diabetics and those who want to gain a better understanding of this condition.

July 15,2025
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This is an excellent book that every diabetic on insulin should review from time to time.

You won't be able to fully understand everything in a single reading. For example, I had to reread the chapter on ketoacidosis several times before I truly grasped it.

The book contains a wealth of information and also includes links to additional resources.

Although it was published some time ago, it does not cover the most recent advancements such as auto pumps.

Nonetheless, it remains a valuable resource for diabetics as it provides a comprehensive understanding of various aspects related to diabetes management and insulin use.

It is highly recommended for those who want to enhance their knowledge and better manage their condition.

Regularly referring back to this book can help diabetics stay informed and make more informed decisions about their treatment and lifestyle.

Overall, it is a must-read for any diabetic on insulin.

July 15,2025
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A Good One to Carry Around if You are an IDDM or One of Your Loved Ones is.


How I wish someone had shown me a book like this fifteen years ago. How I wish one of my endocrinologists had shared this much knowledge with me. How I wish my dietician had done something better than just recommending fenugreek seeds water. How I wish someone had forced me to continue reading this book when I started six months ago. Fuck, how I wish I never had to worry about my blood sugar oscillations. Well, none of these happened, and there's no point in brooding over a dozen wishes. What you got is what you are left with :)


This book is simply one of the best instruction materials I have ever come across. It has answers to all the questions you might have regarding the handling of IDDM. It is also an engaging read. It provides comprehensive information and practical tips that can be extremely helpful for those dealing with IDDM. Whether you are a patient yourself or have a loved one with the condition, this book is a must-have. It can serve as a valuable resource to better understand and manage IDDM, potentially improving the quality of life for many.

July 15,2025
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Love this book!

It is an absolute gem that should be a must-read for all new diabetics and those who care for them.

The information provided within its pages is not only comprehensive but also presented in a clear and accessible manner.

New diabetics can find valuable insights into managing their condition, understanding the importance of diet, exercise, and medication.

For those who care for diabetics, it offers a better understanding of what the person is going through and how to provide the best support.

This book truly has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of many, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the challenges of diabetes.

It is highly recommended and should be on the bookshelf of every diabetic and their caregivers.
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