For many people, when you are diagnosed with diabetes your first instinct is to read everything. While that is all good in theory, the internet is full of things that are maybe not what we need or want to hear at any given time. Although there are lots of great forums and sources of information online you also need to be cautious about consulting Dr Google and all the weird and less than wonderful things you can find on there when you’re feeling a bit vulnerable.
I am usually all about fiction, but the last 5 years has seen me selecting non-fiction regularly. Knowledge is power and I am constantly trying to better myself and my diabetes control. I have found a number of type 1 diabetes books that either provide information, tips or tales from other people with diabetes of their diagnosis and life with type 1.
The Best Type 1 Diabetes Books
Diabetes Management
Think Like A Pancreas
Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin is the first diabetes book I read. It takes things right back to basics, covering what causes diabetes, complications of diabetes, what we can expect from diabetic blood sugar levels and, most importantly, what we can be doing to get the best results from our insulin regime.
When I first read it I was a multiple daily injection regime and I did find it extremely useful, however I did find it quite biased towards insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring. I now have access to both (thank you NHS!) and like to pick it up regularly to check in and remind myself of some best practices. Although I have adult onset diabetes I believe that many of the practices in Think Like A Pancreas can be applied to children also.
Pregnancy With Type 1 Diabetes
I have waded my way through 2 pregnancies with diabetes and it is no mean feat. Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management was a bit of a lifesaver. It explains what is happening in a logical way, linking the changes in blood glucose and insulin resistance to the developmental stages of the baby during pregnancy.
Written by a fellow type 1 diabetic who has had 2 babies of her own. There is always a comfort in knowing that someone actually REALLY gets it. Healthcare professionals can only do so much, but it is only those who have diabetes themselves that can relate on a particular level.
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I prefer not to use a low carb diet as part of my diabetes management, but amongst those that do Dr Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution is by far the leading book on the topic. Dr Bernstein is not only a doctor, but also has diabetes himself. He draws on his own experiences to give actionable advice for those living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The book covers use of a low carb diet and exercise to normalise blood sugars.
Sugar Surfing
Like many of my other favourite diabetes books, Sugar Surfing: How To Manage Type 1 Diabetes In A Modern World was written by a fellow type 1 diabetic. The book works on the basis that there is no one size fits all treatment for people with type 1 diabetes, and teaches you how to make use of your own diabetes technology to manage your diabetes. It primarily relies on the use of a continuous glucose monitor, which many of us in the UK don’t have access too. However with the Freestyle Libre becoming increasingly available on the NHS it is more likely that we can make use of the book. It is a an intensive form of type 1 diabetes treatment but can be very effective.
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The Ultimate Guide to Accurate Carb Counting
From the same author as Think Like A Pancreas, The Ultimate Guide to Accurate Carb Counting is designed for those who are following an insulin regime where they match their dose to the carbs that they have eaten. This is increasingly popular amongst diabetics, as is the regime I follow myself in order to live a more “normal” lifestyle.
This book gives you the background knowledge you need of carbohydrate counting. It is written with the real world in mind, and is a comprehensive resource that is great for anyone starting out – and for those that need a refresher.
Carbs And Cals
I love Carbs And Cals and used to use it regularly. These days it spends a lot of time on the shelf, but I still pull it out every now and again to sense check my estimations. It provides pictures of various portion sizes, and weights, so you can calculate the carbohydrates in your mail. This is great for when you are out and about and can’t weigh out your potions, as measuring food for diabetics is half of the battle.
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Balancing Diabetes
Written by type 1 diabetic Kerri Sparling, Balancing Diabetes: Conversations About Finding Happiness and Living Well is a compared to being the literary equivalent of being in a diabetes patient support group. Kerri give an honest take on life with type 1, both from herself and from others living with T1D. It is about finding the balance in life after diagnosis, and is written with such a personal touch that you will feel like you’re speaking to Kerri yourself.
Dealing with Diabetes Burnout
I have been extremely lucky that I have yet struggle with diabetes burn out, but I am realistic and I am more than aware that my time will likely come. Dealing with Diabetes Burnout: How to Recharge and Get Back on Track When You Feel Frustrated and Overwhelmed Living with Diabetes, does exactly what it says in the title. It gives you the tools and moral support you need to get head back in the game and work through your burnout.
What Next?
Why not join our Facebook Group which is hub for women with all different types of diabetes. It is a safe place to ask questions, share knowledge and be open about how you are coping.
These all sound like such useful books. I can imagine that it feels very overwhelming when you are first diagnosed!
It can be, but most people adapt very quickly…… they have to really!
I found this really useful, my Dad is Type 1 Diabetes and its good to know thre is so much literature out there available
There is loads! The difficult part is locating the ones that are credible!
Although I don’t have type 1 diabetes myself, both my father and a friend had it and my sister was recently diagnosed so it is something I am keen to learn more about as it is so important to be aware. These sound like a fantastic resource.
Oh wow! I hope your sister is coping ok with it!
It’s good to know there are so many books out there to help if you are diagnosed. Great informative post!
This is so useful, reading only the best and credited books instead of trying to read everything makes life so much easier when you already feel so overwhelmed with the diagnosis.
Thankfully I’m not affected by diabetes myself, but some of my family members are so I’ll be bookmarking this for them.
I’m always on the lookout for book recommendations. This sounds like an interesting premise. I’ll have to add it to my list!