Gary Scheiner’s Think Like a Pancreas is a standout resource for people with insulin-dependent diabetes, particularly Type 1. Drawing from both his professional background as a certified diabetes educator and his personal experience living with diabetes since 1985, Scheiner offers a rare blend of clinical expertise and lived empathy.
The book provides a comprehensive and practical look at how to manage blood sugar using insulin therapy. Topics include basal and bolus insulin dosing, carbohydrate counting, correction factors, insulin pump use, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and how to adjust for real-life factors like exercise, stress, illness, and varying food intake. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution, Scheiner emphasizes customization—encouraging readers to fine-tune their regimen according to their unique physiology and lifestyle.
What makes this book especially effective is its tone. Scheiner writes in an approachable, even humorous style that demystifies technical concepts without dumbing them down. He breaks down complicated processes like basal testing into clear, step-by-step instructions. His personal anecdotes help normalize the frustrations of diabetes management while offering hope that mastery is not only possible—it’s empowering.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its practicality. It doesn’t just explain what to do, but how to do it. Whether you’re adjusting for pizza night, correcting a stubborn high, or troubleshooting morning lows, Scheiner arms you with actionable tools, backed by real-world logic.
If there is a downside, it’s that some examples may be skewed toward the U.S. healthcare context. However, the core principles of insulin adjustment, tracking, and responsiveness apply universally, regardless of your geography.
What Readers Are Saying
Amazon reviewers overwhelmingly praise Think Like a Pancreas for its clarity and practicality. Many describe it as “life-changing” or “the single most helpful book” on diabetes they’ve ever read. Readers appreciate how Scheiner balances technical detail with real-world examples, making it easier to apply the concepts. Several reviewers said the book gave them the courage to make adjustments to their insulin regimen independently, while others noted that it helped them understand their diabetes in a way that doctors and educators had not fully explained. The tone, which mixes expertise with empathy, is often highlighted as one of the most comforting and motivating aspects of the book.
Bottom Line:
Think Like a Pancreas is an invaluable manual for anyone using insulin. It’s especially beneficial for newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetics, but even longtime patients and caregivers can gain fresh insight. Engaging, educational, and empowering, it truly lives up to its title—helping readers manage diabetes with the precision and intuition of a well-tuned pancreas.
