I recently started dating a new guy and I want to give him some resources to help understand type 1 diabetes and everything that goes with it. While he’s learned some from my blog and from watching me, I know there are probably books that can go into more detail and be something that he can read and reread without always having to ask me questions! You know, so we can actually move on to the fun stuff in our relationship…
Most of the books I have are about pumping with diabetes, which is very specialized. Has anyone ever read or shared a book that they think is good for someone new to diabetes from a friend/family/Type 3 standpoint?
When I was first diagnosed, my family and friends all found that the Pink Panther book about Type 1 is very informative but not too dense. Although kind of young (all the pink panther color-in pictures ), it’s very simple to read- I was 17 when I got the book so I was pretty skeptical. Anyways, my friends and past roommates have picked it up from my desk and have learned a lot in the few minutes they spend looking at it.
I’m not sure if it’s available for sale in a bookstore anywhere, but you could definitely request a copy from the hospital or your doctor’s office.
I agree with lindsay.
I was recently diagnosed just this past december, and the pink panther book was informative without being overly complicated. Plus, when you have that much information to comprehend in one sitting, it tends to get overwhelming. Also, there was another book called “Its time to Learn about Diabetes”. that was a helpful one too.
I found one recently that had a lot of good info: Type 1 Diabetes - A guide for children, adolescents, young adults and their caregivers - Ragnar Hanas, MD PhD
This book has a TON of information and covers just about everything from the basics to really in-depth stuff. I just got this recently (after almost 16 years I thought I knew it all) and was amazed by all the stuff I learned.
I also have to echo you all on the Pink Panther books. The author, Dr. Chase, was actually my first endocrinologist I will never forget how reassuring he was the day I was diagnosed - he came in to the office on a Sunday and went through just about that entire book with my mom. I definitely bought the latest edition of that one for my college roomie.
Hee. When I first started my husband he actually had a copy of Diabetes for Dummies…because his dad had recently been diagnosed with type two. But that book, and watching his dad helped him kiiiiiiind of get an understanding of what I was going through.
But I think what really helped him was me walking him through things…like…this is how I test and this is what this particular number means, etc. I guess it depends upon what type of learner he is. My husband is a very much a learn by doing kind of guy so watching me go through a daily routine with meter and insulin explanation helped him a lot. He mostly used the book for back up.
How about “Diabetes for Dummies.” Probably along with all the other “Dummies” books. I used to have it but don’t anymore. It probably would be basic and easy to understand.
Or, “The Diabetic Bible,” by Dana Armstrong, RD, CDE & Allen Bennet King, MD (etc.). It has an education section in the front but devotes much to food value and recipes.
You can google on the internet and see what some universities have published. I used to have one that was really great. Can’t remember the name, though.
It seems that all the others I have are dedicated to Type 2 and wouldn’t be too helpful. In fact, the ones that I DID read I threw out when I moved. The other ones, sadly, are probably out of date by a few years.
Sorry I couldn’t help more. Lois La Rose, Milwaukee, WI
“Think Like a Pancreas” by Gary Scheiner would be perfect and it is also a good read. I like the emphasis he places on diabetes and exercise, how to cover for exercise, which is a topic given short shrift in a lot of other books. I think “Think” covers the basics with an upbeat tone. “Type 1 Diabetes” by Ragnar Hanas is my all time favorite, but is a book written mainly for parents and caretakers of children with diabetes, stikes a more serious tone. “Pumping Insulin” and “Using Insulin” by John Walsh are mandatory on the bookshelf, but too technical for a novice. Gary has had Type 1 himself for many years. You can’t go wrong with this book.
), it’s very simple to read- I was 17 when I got the book so I was pretty skeptical. Anyways, my friends and past roommates have picked it up from my desk and have learned a lot in the few minutes they spend looking at it.