by Richard K. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.C.E., F.A.C.N., C.W.S.
August 1997
Diabetes SIG
With the techniques that we now have for treating diabetes, there’s no reason why irregular mealtimes or irregular work hours should make diabetes control difficult. When I was an intern, I might eat lunch at 3:00 a.m. or no meals at all for 1-2 days. The least of my problems was controlling my blood sugars. My major problem was sleep deprivation. I have a number of patients who have oddball working hours or rotating shifts. This is not a problem when it comes to treatment of their diabetes. If they are insulin dependent, they take fast-acting insulin before meals and skip it if they skip a meal. The doses of insulin that we use are very small. If you want full details on how to do it, refer to my current book, Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution.
