Atkins said desensitization makes money for doctors and delays relief for the patient. But he adds that neutralization carries a greater risk of experiencing side effects than desensitization. Acne and diabetes can be treated with diet, said Atkins, who has faced criticism for his low-carbohydrate diets. Some who practice traditional medicine say acne and diabetes treatments aren't as simple as controlling what you eat. Diet won't effect the cause of acne, said Janet Hickman, a dermatologist in Virginia.
Pimples result from pores getting clogged up with shedding skin and excess oil.
And hormones control both of those conditions, she said. As for diabetes, Atkins said he returned a teenager's blood sugar levels to normal and got him off insulin within five days. He gave the boy calcium injections and treated him with vitamins and nutrients. Some families incorporate herbal therapy into their daily routines. Children can be involved by picking herbs from the family garden Jay Cohen, a fellow of the American College of Endocrinology who practices in Memphis, Tennessee, said aggressive exercise programs and a strict diet regime can decrease the risk of developing diabetes.