The How to Reverse Diabetes Now! e-book by Matt Traverso has developed a bit of a cult following. If you have been searching the Internet, you probably have come across the book. As the title suggests, the author claims to be able to reverse the effects of diabetes naturally.
Seems incredible doesn’t it? Is it a scam? True? I decided to review the book in an attempt find out if the claims are hype or have promise.
For disclosure purposes, I paid the $47 for the book. Moreover, I do not know the author of the book or anyone connected with it. If you decide to purchase the book through one of the links on this page, I am paid a small referral fee.
As you will read below, I am not entirely convinced of the claims made, but I did find the book worth reading and highly thought provoking. Nonetheless, there are some problems presented in the book which we will discuss.
what the book claims to offer
The book really identifies the frustrations of being diabetic. Here are some of the touch points from the author.
Are you sick and tired of:
- worrying about all the long-term diabetes complications…
- being held prisoner by your diabetes…
- being fed up with daily insulin injections and finger pricks…
- facing an 80% risk of dying from heart disease or stroke…
- being afraid or guilty to have a wholesome dinner with your family…
- being concerned with not being able to lose weight, which the medicine seems to put on and keep on…
- being overwhelmed by the daily care and vigilance the disease requires…
- dealing with the “side-effects” of your medications…
To solve these frustrations, the book claims to teach you how to reverse diabetes naturally. There are three main components:
- Proper Exercise
- Proper Hydration
- Proper Nutrition
Sounds somewhat familiar right? The author postulates that all major diseases are caused by improper diet and lack of exercise. This claim is backed up by an American Medical Association study finding that 85% of all major disease was dietary related.
While I am not convinced this is the root cause of diabetes in all cases, eating a proper diet is certainly well established for helping to prevent and control diabetes.
The Reverse Diabetes e-book has a significant number of testimonials from doctors and individuals who have practiced this diet and found it beneficial.
interesting aspects
If you read the company website and purchase the book, you will be treated to an extensive discussion on several issues somewhat unrelated to the actual steps you will need to take to reverse your diabetes.
Debunking the Modern Diet
For example, a lot of the book deals with debunking the modern diet. Obviously, the book asks you to significantly change your eating habits. As such, the book takes the time to explain why this is beneficial to do so, including an explanation of why your current diet is terrible.
I find the discussion similar to the tone taken by Dr. Richard Bernstein and proponents of the Atkins diet and South Beach Diet. These diets are also “anti-establishment” and not supported by the ADA or other major medical establishments.
Debunking the Medical Establishment
Additionally, a tremendous amount of time is spent explaining the corruptness of modern medicine, including physicians, pharmaceutical companies, and the Food and Drug Administration. Some people may find this “A Bridge Too Far.” Meaning, some people are not open to a discussion of this nature.
Personally, I found the discussion very enlightening. Admittedly, my own bias is that I do find that many institutions have glaring and unresolved conflict of interest issues. Moreover, any industry that is as lucrative as the medical field lends itself to bias
CONSIDER THIS EXAMPLE:
Don’t just take my word for it. Boston Magazine (Feb. 2009) published an article on possible type 1 diabetes clusters in certain towns. As part of the article, the author interviewed Dr. Denise Faustman, Director of Immunology Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital. This is no quack doctor. Mass General is one of the most prestigious hospitals in the world and she is the director of one of its laboratories.
About a decade ago, Dr. Faustman was able to reverse Type 1 diabetes in mice with an existing generic drug that is currently used for other illnesses. The results were beyond extraordinary, they were earth shattering.
She was denied further research funding THREE times by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association. Moreover, not a single pharmaceutical company (a significant source of research funding) would fund her research, as the generic drug she was testing could not be patent protected.
Finally, Lee Iacocca (remember him) stepped up and is funding the research. Initial human results (Phase 1) were successful. She is currently looking for additional funding to begin Phase II testing. Phase II is a broader study involving more people and dosage levels, etc., are studied.
CONSIDER ANOTHER EXAMPLE:
The American Diabetes Association is significantly funded by pharmaceutical companies and food companies that produce a higher degree of carbohydrate rich food products.
Is it any wonder that with the growing evidence of low carb diets and natural remedies, the ADA still sticks with a higher carbohydrate diet and pharmaceutical drugs as its primary treatment plan?
PROBLEMS WITH THE BOOK
I have a number of criticisms of the book.
-
Expensive.
The book is a bit expensive. Forty seven dollars is a pricey. Although, I suppose if it works for you it is priceless.
-
Medical Testimony.
Some of the medical testimony cited is from arguably less than credible sources. This could partially be explained that those medical professionals on the fringe sometimes have less than stellar reputations. There are also credible medical sources cited as well. Personally, I think the author could have made his points without the sketchy citations.
-
Lack of Meal Plans and Recipes.
I would have liked to see at least one daily meal plan and some recommended recipes. There are none. The e-book goes into extensive discussion on what not to eat and why. It also provides extensive food lists and rates each food based on its appropriateness for the recommended diet. They do provide sources for additional information, including recipes.
BOTTOM LINE
The diet advocated by the Reverse Diabetes book is not well known, but I have heard of it for at least 10 years. In fact, I bought a book about it probably 7-8 years ago. I have tried components of it and found that I felt better.
However, this diet, like all others, can only be good if you follow it. Funny how that works! Wouldn’t it be great if we could just read about a diet and get its advantages?
Regarding the discussion on debunking the medical establishment, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it is very valuable to question what information is being provided to you and whether there is bias or a conflict of interest. If you are not open to looking at other viewpoints, then this book may not be right for you.
Remember though, just because your doctor is advocating that you take medication to treat your diabetes does not make him, or her, a bad person or part of an overall diabetes conspiracy.
It simply may mean that they are not specialists in diabetes and/or the prevailing information that they receive is tainted. Everyone is busy, including your doctor. No one, not even your doctor, is immune from being influenced a certain way or from taking the easy way out.
PERSONAL EXAMPLE:
My father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes two years ago. His doctor’s advice? Don’t worry about testing your blood sugar. Instead, simply take this medication.
His advice on eating and exercise? Try to eat less and get “more” exercise. No resources, no other counseling.
I would like to think this is an isolated incident, but I do not think this is the case. My dad’s doctor simply went with the easiest option FOR THE DOCTOR. Prescribe a medication and move on to the next patient.
Is the Reverse Diabetes e-book perfect? No. Does it tend to sensationalize the subject? Yes.
The author definitely is good at promotion. Ultimately, however, my view on the How to Reverse Diabetes Now! e-book is that I found it thought provoking and valuable. If you want to read more about the book or to purchase it, Here’s the Truth About Curing Your Diabetes!