Here are some of our “Must Read” diabetes books for people with diabetes and those who love them!
Diabetes Basics. Great for the newly diagnosed
Cheating Destiny : Living with Diabetes (Paperback)
by James S. Hirsch
Recommended by Sandra and Cathi;
Diabetes Advocacy: Bring your tissue for this book. It is moving and offers a wonderful perspective on life with diabetes as both a parent and a child. It further provides a very interesting historical perspective on the disease and how people have lived with it over the years
Diabetes for Canadians For Dummies (Paperback)
Ian Blumer , Alan L. Rubin
Comments: Diabetes for Dummies is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE book! It is written so that ANYONE can learn from it–covers all types in depth. I bought it shortly after my child’s diagnosis and still go back to it once in a while. Deb
Pumping Insulin
by John Walsh and Ruth Roberts.
It is a must for any pumper–new or old! We completely recommend this book for anyone who is thinking of pumping or is pumping. It will be one of your greatest resources even when you think you know it all!
The Book of Better
by Chuck Eichten
Mr. Eichten uses humour to get his point across in a wonderful way. He is matter fact about the reality that we are simply people trying to a job we were not taught to do…be a pancreas. We can only do our best and aim for “better”. Finish reading our review at The Book of Better
Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin
by Gary Scheiner
Recommended by Sandra and Carol
A Type 1 Diabetes Guide to the Universe
A Type1 Diabetes Guide to the Universe is…an experience to be had by the newly diagnosed, those sending their children to school for the first time, those sending their teens to parties, those sending young adults off to university. In other words, this is a book for every stage of your life as a family with Type 1 diabetes. To continue reading this review please see our blog post.
Using Insulin
by John Walsh and Ruth Roberts.
Another great book for those living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes!
Understanding Diabetes (Paperback)
by Dr. Peter Chase
Also referred to as the “Pink Panther Book” many consider this to be one of the best
Books for parents of children with diabetes
A Cure for Emma
by Julie Colvin
It took the diagnosis of an incurable disease for my seven-year-old daughter—our fourth catastrophe in one year—to grab me by the shoulders and stop me in my tracks. This turning point, this “cry Uncle” moment made me see the vibrational boomerangs I had been sending out into the universe.
Growing Up with Diabetes: What Children Want Their Parents to Know (Paperback)
by Alicia McAuliffe
A chance to step into your child’s shoes…
Comments: As an adult who grew up with D, and as a parent who has kids with D, this book was a great reminder for me…Jacky
Also recommended by Jim as a must read!
Kids First Diabetes Second
By Leighann Calentine
A must read for newly diagnosed as well as those who just need a good diabetes read!
You can read exactly why we think this here.
Life is short Laundry is Eternal
by Scott Benner
Fabulous book on love, life and parenting! To read my full review go to the blog post.
The New Glucose Revolution Pocket Guide to Childhood Diabetes
byJennie Brand-Miller
Raising Teens with Diabetes. A Survival Guide for Parents
by Moira McCarthy
If you have a teen with diabetes this book is for you. If you have a child who will grow up to be a teen with diabetes, keep this book around for later years. It will come in handy! To read the complete review, please go to our blog post
Great reads for children with diabetes
The Best Year of My Life: Book 1: Getting Diabetes
by Jed Block and Jeff Block
Even Superheros get Diabetes
Kelvin is a boy who loves all things “Superhero”. He spends his playtime fighting off villains and other imaginary threats–always saving the day, of course. One day his fantasy world is interrupted by the reality of getting diabetes…the incessant finger pricks, shots, and the constant doctor’s appointments. The comic book style illustrations by Micah Chambers-Goldberg beautifully connect children and parents to the world of diabetes. The book includes a kid-friendly diagram that explains type 1 diabetes and a glossary that discusses both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Getting a Grip on Diabetes (Paperback)
by Spike Nasmyth Loy and Virginia Nasmyth Loy
Comments: diagnosed as young kids if I remember right and avid sports guys. Surfers who were raising the white hogs and butchering them that scientists use to study islet transplants. Carol. Also recommended by Lisa
Sweetblood
Comments:
Sweetblood is the story of 16 year old diabetic Lucy. She has a fascination with vampires and has her own theory that vampires are (or were) among us dealing with diabetic people not getting their insulin. She is always on a Transylvanian (vampire) web sight and is constantly looking for a so-called `vampire’ by the name of Draco, and she believes (for good reasons) that he may be a vampire. One day she meets Draco face to face and… I wont tell you any more because it would ruin the story. Characters are well drawn and it has a great plot. Sweetblood also has some funny parts in it. I was very impressed. It was really good!…Lisa C
Books on mental health and diabetes
Dealing with Diabetes Burnout
by Ginger Vieira
A fabulous resource for people dealing with diabetes from a person with diabetes. This book doesn’t just give you a bunch of information and feel good stories. It is filled with exercises and activities that Ginger challenges you to do to help you deal with your own diabetes burnout. Read more of our thoughts on this must-have resource on our blog.
Balancing Diabetes
by Kerri Sparling
This book has balance. While there are many very serious conversations, humour creates a fabulous balance and brings a different kind of tears…the ones you get from laughing! Kerri’s wonderful sense of humour shines through in this book. To read our complete review of this amazing book, click here.
Other Great Resources
The Discovery of Insulin: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition
by Michael Bliss
Comments: This has touched me the most – and taught me the most. It really drives home the point that people DIED from this, and that insulin is a magical miracle drug – but not a cure. I cried and cried when I read that book. Catherine
Also recommended by Alex with a caution that some of the pictures may be too disturbing for children
50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes
by Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, and Steven V. Edelman, MD
Not Dead Yet
by Phil Sutherland
Part memoir, part sports adventure, Not Dead Yet tells the inspirational story of Phil Southerland’s battle with Type 1 diabetes and how from diagnosis to sheer determination, Phil Southerland beat all odds and turned his diagnosis and his passion for cycling into a platform. From leading a Race Across America to now managing a world-class cycling program, his journey on and off the bike is changing the way the world views diabetes.
Sue Lockwood: Accepting the Challenge
by Gordon Smith
This is the true story of blind hiker Sue Ellen Lockwood as told by her brother and (for twenty-five years) her caregiver. It combines inspiration and adventure as this former physical education teacher deals with the complications of diabetes: blindness, kidney failure and finally an above-knee amputation.
Too Sweet
by Laura Kronen
A funny look at life with diabetes. For a full review please to to blog review.
Until there is a Cure
The reader is taken on a journey through the glycemic index, graphs on glucometers, insulins, vitamins, exercise, Alzheimer disease, depression, Diabulimia CGM technology, how to fight complications and finally where to find support.
Despite the daunting content, the book was surprisingly light and easy to read. It is a great resource for the newly diagnosed Type 1 or Type 2 person living with diabetes. It also provides some great information for veterans and those who are diabetes information junkies.
Are we missing your favourite book? Please let us know and tell us why you loved it.
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