Diabetes is a group of diseases that prevent the body from producing insulin or using insulin properly, both of which cause high blood glucose levels. A doctor might diagnose pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnancy. Diabetes can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions. People diagnosed with diabetes are often charged with managing their disease through healthy dietary choices, exercise and medication. Many health organizations offer free literature to help diabetics understand and manage their disease.
"Take Charge of Your Diabetes"
"Take Charge of Your Diabetes" is published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The book has 12 chapters and includes record forms for tracking glucose and other health information. The book also contains a glossary and a diabetes information resource list. According to the CDC, the book was written to help readers manage their disease well enough to prevent the problems diabetes can cause. The book focuses on helping you achieve balance in all areas of your life as you learn about diabetes. It is available on the CDC website for reading online or downloading and printing. You can also request that the CDC mail you a copy.
Diabetes (Starter Kit) Library Boxed Set
The National Institutes of Health offers this set of booklets in English and Spanish. You can order a single copy at no charge. The five-booklet set comes with a motivational refrigerator magnet. The set includes the diabetes dictionary; information on medicines, eating, physical activity; and guides to type 1 and 2 diabetes.
"Guide to Controlling Your Diabetes"
Johns Hopkins Medicine's "Guide to Controlling Your Diabetes" explains diabetes and what people with the disease can expect. Chapters focus on diabetes prevention and control, exercise and glucose control. Johns Hopkins Medicine sends the e-book through email.
"So Your Child Has Diabetes"
Russell Turner, a parent of a child with diabetes, wrote "So Your Child Has Diabetes" to help other parents cope with the diagnosis and treatment of their diabetic child. The book provides a step-by-step plan in 15 chapters, including chapters on low glucose readings, when to go to the emergency room and helping a child accept receiving insulin shots. You can read the book online or download it for saving or printing.
