One of my children was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was six. She’s now in her early twenties. When I saw the chance to review Cherie Burbach’s book 21 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Someone With Diabetes I signed up. Ms. Burbach has lived with diabetes for many years which gives valuable first hand perspective. In the introduction she states:
This book is:* a source of encouragement* a prompt for education* a starting guide to diabetic etiquetteThis book is not:* a medical reference book* a substitute for a nurse, doctor, or other medical professional
Three of the 21 topics addressed are:
* Learn about the disease
* Don’t view insulin as a cure
* Retire from the diabetic police force
The author points out if you take the time to learn basic facts about diabetes you’ll find that much of what you thought you understood to be true is simply not true. For instance, one gets Type 1 diabetes from eating too much sugar. Wrong! The fact is the pancreas ceases to function properly. When my daughter was diagnosed the medical professionals at our wonderful clinic (at a top tier children’s hospital) made the point of saying insulin is not a cure, it is life support. That drove home the point. It keeps one alive but it doesn’t cure the pancreas. The Diabetic Policing issue is ongoing for someone with diabetes. Ms. Burbach is right about that. In our extended family there was always someone who would look at my daughter’s plate and say “can you eat that?”. Probably asked with good intentions, but really quite rude and unsupportive.
In straight-forward terms Ms. Burbach explains how to be there for a friend, co-worker, or relative who has this chronic disease. My daughter also read the book and said it made some great points but also thinks it might be asking too much of some friends and co-workers. This reminds me that everyone has her own perspective. I wish 21 Simple Things had been around when she was newly diagnosed. I would have given it to relatives, teachers, coaches, etc. I think it would be an excellent resource for people who have someone in their life who is living with diabetes. I also think diabetes clinics should have it on hand for the newly-diagnosed and their families.
You can read Cherie Burbach’s guest post here.
You can buy the book here.
For more information, please visit Cherie’s website: www.cherieburbach.com
Review copy from the author
Bookfan 