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Smart Blood Sugar

Smart Blood Sugar

Overall Rating

3.1

40 Customer Reviews

Summary

Smart Blood Sugar is a dietary guide designed to allegedly help fix your blood sugar problems without a restrictive diet or crazy exercise program. Research indicates that it may not all be necessary.

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About Smart Blood Sugar

By Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S

Updated on: Apr 17, 2020

This article contains links that should you click and make a purchase, we may earn a commission from the sale. See our Advertiser Disclosure.

What Is Smart Blood Sugar?

Smart Blood Sugar allegedly helps reverse diabetes by offering a guide to help you make dietary lifestyle choices that avoid harmful blood sugar and insulin levels.

More than ⅓ of the US population has prediabetes, whereas 10.5% have been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes carries a physical, emotional, and economic burden that can negatively impact those suffering from the disease, as well as their support network.

Many management options, ranging from medical treatment to lifestyle changes, have been proven effective in the care of diabetes. Smart Blood Sugar represents the latter.

Marlene Merrit is a board-certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and the person behind Smart Blood Sugar. She claims that her system can help restore the health and vibrancy lost with diabetes.

In fact, according to her website, Smart Blood Sugar is intended to:

  • Help you switch your body’s energy sources to utilize “stored energy”
  • Minimize spikes in blood sugar and insulin
  • Prevent insulin resistance (a condition when your body become unresponsive to insulin)
  • Provide strategies to promote energy with healthy food choices

Can Dr. Merrit’s system help control your blood sugar? This review will assess how the product works, its science, safety, and whether it’s worth it for you.

How Does Smart Blood Sugar Work?

Smart Blood Sugar allegedly helps you reverse your diabetes by providing dietary guidelines that allow you to avoid drastic fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels. What exactly is the method behind these results? A high fat, low carbohydrate diet.

Also called a ketogenic diet, Smart Blood Sugar is not a new phenomenon. The principles of this high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet are rooted in basic physiological concepts.

Insulin allows your body to utilize the sugar obtained from the food you consume. What isn’t needed for immediate energy is stored, but space is limited. The excess is converted to fat in the liver.

Some can be stored here, but most are sent off to support the fat deposits located throughout your body. Despite being partially responsible for an expanding waistline, without insulin, glucose would remain in your blood, leading to diabetes, heart disease, or even stroke.

When you avoid carbohydrates, the opposite scenario occurs. Insulin is not needed, so energy stores, i.e. fats, are mobilized to be used as energy.

This is how Smart Blood Sugar is intended to control glucose and insulin levels. Rather than carbohydrates, Smart Blood Sugar provides guidelines for a diet in which healthy fats are the emphasis.

According to Dr. Merritt, the time it takes to reverse diabetes with Smart Blood Sugar varies greatly from person-to-person. Factors contributing to the length of time needed to deliver results may relate to how long you’ve had diabetes and whether or not insulin resistance is present.

Nonetheless, Dr. Merritt claims that, on average, those with diabetes that use her program are free of their medications after 12-18 months.

Is there any research backing her methods? We’ll review what we’ve found in the next section.

The Science Behind the Smart Blood Sugar Method

Again, high fat, low carbohydrate diets are not new. Adopting this meal plan is suspected of offering many benefits above and beyond just regulating blood sugar. Thus, it has been well studied.

In this section, we’ll discuss some of the studies that have investigated the ability of high fat, low carbohydrate diets to improve factors associated with diabetes.

In 2004, a ketogenic diet was compared to a low-fat, low-calorie diet in overweight subjects. Over 24-weeks, researchers found that those adopting the ketogenic diet were more likely to complete the study, lost more weight and fat mass, and also improved triglyceride levels. Keep in mind that subjects also received nutritional supplements and exercise guidance.

The following year, the ketogenic diet was studied in overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes. Over 16-weeks, there was a 16% drop in a lab test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. Also, seven subjects were able to discontinue diabetes medications, while 10 others reduced them. As in the previous study, weight loss and triglycerides were also improved.

A 2012 review of 11 clinical trials examined the use of a low carbohydrate diet in diabetics. Researchers concluded that adopting this dietary style led to better short and long-term glucose control, greater reductions in diabetes medications, and better triglyceride levels when compared to other diets. These results may be left open to interpretation as many studies were small and of short duration. Also, weight loss may have contributed to blood sugar control.

Most recently, the results of 12 studies were used to examine the safety and efficacy of the ketogenic diet in overweight and obese subjects.

They found that this diet was effective for reducing weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and blood pressure. Also, weight loss was sustained up to 2-years later, and the users discontinued the ketogenic diet at a similar rate to that of low-calorie diets.

Is Smart Blood Sugar Safe?

Smart Blood Sugar may provide lifestyle changes necessary for controlling blood sugar, though managing your diabetes without medical guidance can be risky.

Drastically changing your diet by avoiding carbohydrates can result in nutrient, mineral, and energy deficiencies. Adopting this diet while also using anti-diabetic supplements or drugs can be especially dangerous and result in harmful drops in your blood sugar levels.

Signs and symptoms that your blood sugar may be too low can include the following:

  • Pale skin
  • Sweating
  • Hunger and thirst
  • Shakes
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Dizziness and disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of consciousness

Experiencing these symptoms in the setting of diabetes, a low carbohydrate diet, and diabetic medications likely represent an emergency situation. Seek immediate medical attention.

For these reasons, avoid managing your blood sugar without medical guidance. If you think your levels are too high, speak with your doctor to determine the best plan of action.

The Cost

Smart Blood Sugar is available directly from Dr. Merrit’s website.

The guide usually retails for $67, but it currently costs $27. Additionally, your purchase includes 5 free gifts;

  1. 7 Day Meal Plan - diabetes reversal recipes from an expert chef
  2. 99 Foods for Diabetics - a list of foods that reduce insulin and lower blood sugar
  3. How to Read a Food label - a guide to spotting ingredients that spike blood sugar
  4. Carb Count Cheat Sheet - a guide to eating at restaurants
  5. Alcohol That Works - a guide to blood sugar - safe cocktails

Also, your purchase is backed by a 60-day guarantee. To process your return, call support during business hours at 888-509-0357, or email them at support@primalhealthlp.com.

After some digging around, we were able to locate Smart Blood Sugar for as low as $9.99 at sites like Nutriclub and Wake Nutra. Though you save money, keep in mind that you may miss out on Dr. Merrit’s guarantee when purchasing through other vendors.

What Are the Alternatives to Smart Blood Sugar?

As the methods used in Smart Blood Sugar are rooted in a ketogenic diet, you can find similar guides from a wide variety of vendors.

There are many ketogenic diet meal plan guides and recipe books on the market. Many of them can be obtained second-hand for just pennies on the dollar, or even for free. While this may allow you to save some money, remember that we do not recommend managing your blood sugar without first speaking with your doctor.

If you’re looking for more hands-on guidance, Jenny Craig and The South Beach Diet both offer meal plans, recipes, prepackaged foods, and expert counseling that can be tailored to those opting for ketogenic diets.

These services can range from $3-$15 per day, so you won’t save in money going for either of these options. However, both Jenny Craig and The South Beach Diet have scientific support for their specific products.

You should similarly speak with a doctor before adopting either plan, but the nutritional support they offer may be a better idea rather than taking on major lifestyle changes without supervision.

The Bottom Line

Smart Blood Sugar is a method of blood sugar control rooted in the principles of the ketogenic diet. The potential benefits that adopting this diet can have on diabetes are well documented.

At HighYa, Smart Blood Sugar garners just 3.1-stars on about 40 reviews. Negative ratings were related to users being unhappy with paying a premium for methods that are available elsewhere at no cost. Also, multiple customers reported being charged monthly fees that they did not initially agree to.

Though Smart Blood Sugar is relatively inexpensive at its current pricing, it seems to provide information that you can obtain for free. When you factor in the potential dangers of managing blood sugar levels without coordinating with your doctor and the reported hidden auto-charges, you may want to seek help elsewhere.

Managing your blood sugar should always begin with speaking to your doctor. While healthy lifestyle changes will inevitably be a large part of your management, it is best to ensure your doctor is aware of any major dietary changes.

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Customer Reviews

3.1 Stars out of 40 Reviews
5 Star:32% 4 Star:12% 3 Star:12% 2 Star:15% 1 Star:27%
55% Recommend This Company
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Posted on Jul 10, 2015

I don't like being nickeled and dimed and this is what is happening.

By Jacqueline Young-de Roover , Colorado Springs, Colorado

I would like to have my monies refunded but the company and Dr. Marlene Merritt is ignoring my request to refund it after repeated requests to do so. Because of this, I believe this company is only out to get your money and nothing else!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 91 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 11, 2015

Do not buy, scammers all the way

By TL , Carson, NV

Do not buy, they will take your money, never ship your order, lie and state they did, but when you report that the order did not arrive they will give bogus tracking numbers. Even had one guy tell me that he could see it shipped Monday and would arrive by Friday (this was on a Wednesday), yet the tracking number he sent me said that the package still had not been given to USPS yet. After fighting and not getting the shipment I asked for a refund and was told no. They would not issue a refund until I returned the product to them. After it arrived. They still had not shipped my stuff even though I had paid for it almost a month prior. When I asked for supervisor I was told 4 times they would call me back at a given time, that call still has not come. They claim they have sent 2 shipments, but first confirmation number, which I had to fight to get, was invalid and second still has not shipped. They claim that they are making an exception and issuing a refund but we shall see. I may have to report them to the bank. I also intend to find everywhere I can to write a review so they hopefully can reach even 1 less person in their scam.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 71 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 18, 2015

Dangerous scam - cannot be trusted

By Derek Jones , Queensland, Australia

The booklet Smart Blood Sugar is basically rubbish. The “I promise refund guarantee” is an absolute lie! Websites like this give American Trading a bad name. People like this should be hounded out of business, also the Primal Health association.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 72 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 23, 2015

Must be a scam

By Sharon Miros-Schafle , Eureka CA

Ordering this product was tricky and when I would try to check out, I'd find I had ordered or clicked the order for more then I intended to do, but could not undue the order. I called but no answer, so I left a message that I ordered too many by mistake and I sent an email about my mistake, too. Three days later I received 8 bottles when I intended to order only three. Now I can not contact them. What would happen if someone wanted to order more? These people should be sued for fraud and theft.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 81 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 2, 2015

Sneaky way of selling their meal plan

By Art Azurin, Phoenix, Arizona, Verified Reviewer

I ordered the regular Smart Blood Sugar plan from this company, in which they say cost $27.00. Did not mention the additional $9.99 shipping charge until I got to the pay order part. I paid with my credit card, the $9.99 anyway for a total of $36.99.

Their system tried to sell me their meal plan 3 different times and I rejected them 3 times. It was the same meal plan with the price lowered 3 times. I still rejected the plan. After closing sale, I checked the following day what they charged me total. The meal plan was charged to my credit card. This is the meal plan I rejected 3 times.

That was a sneaky way of getting their meal plan bought.

I am cancelling both orders Monday although they have 60 day money back guarantee on the plan. This company is not trustworthy and engages in fraudulent practice.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 118 People Have Voted

Posted on Oct 17, 2015

Just another scam

By Carolyn Hockett-Moll, Redmond, Oregon, Verified Reviewer

Scam all the way! They don't even tell you how to return the pamphlet (not book) for the full refund.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 124 People Have Voted

Posted on Nov 17, 2015

Run, don't walk.

By Janet Eck , Ashland, OR

I fell for the sales hype and purchased the book, pamphlets, meal plans and Primal Source dietary supplements. There were NO online receipts/statements nor statement in the supplement shipment. Today my credit card statement arrived and the charge for the dietary supplements was about 5 or 6 times what was advertised. I have tried every email I can find for Dr. Marlene, Smart Blood Sugar and Primal Source, all to no avail. Now I'm going to have to waste more of my time searching for a good phone number for these scammers. In the meantime, I'll be contacting my credit card issuer to try to have this charge removed. Stay away from these people. I really would like to give a less than 1 star but the system won't allow me to do that.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 252 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 12, 2016

Questionable

By Gary Martin, Safford, AZ, Verified Reviewer

Some good information but they will continue to try to sell you more books and pills and your first purchase will only buy you a couple of pamphlets. Don't waste your money.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 165 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 5, 2017

Please do not put your credit card info on their site

By Gary Lee, Willow Park, TX, Verified Reviewer

I watched the video for Smart Blood Sugar, then entered my credit card. I never ordered the book they kept trying to sell me, nor the other items I did not want. In disgust after watching their long sales pitch, I just left the website without ordering anything.

A few minutes later I received an email from my credit card company that my card had been charged $140.00 for items I never ordered.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 145 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 18, 2017

Scam

By Jane Bates, Edmond, Oklahoma, Verified Reviewer

I cannot contact them to cancel the order. Monthly charges are made to me. It is a real scam. I do NOT want to continue. ANYONE know how to get out of this mess? The product is worthless, and Dr. Merritt is also.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 144 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 4, 2018

Associated scam

By Dwight W., California, Verified Reviewer

I ended up with a bogus $0.99 monthly charge from somebody named "Specialty Circulation" when I ordered the book. Of course, they do not answer the phone that was on my credit card statement. Some of the book is legit but not the associated scam. Dr. Merritt should be embarrassed to be associated with them unless of course, it originated with her company.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 51 People Have Voted
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