I am currently reading all of the books about diabetes available through my local library.  I got Type 1 diabetes as an adult (LADA diabetes), and now I’m at the point where I need to give myself insulin with every meal.

The book I’m reviewing here is called “The Book of Better: Life with Diabetes can’t be Perfect: Make it Better” by Chuck Eichten.

This book is prefaced by Victor M. Montori, MD, MSc, from the very famous Mayo Clinic.  When my Mother wanted to learn about a medical condition, she would buy a book from the Mayo Clinic.  They are top notch.  Unlike Chuck, I didn’t know diabetes growing up — I got it in adulthood at the age of 30 — but I sure did know about the Mayo Clinic growing up.

Chuck’s book made me cry.  I think that’s because I could relate closely with his words.  In this diabetes journey, it is easy to feel alone.  Everyone else is talking about the delicious foods they’re going to eat this holiday season.  While food just makes me think about diabetes… And I’m nervous about insulin costs and having go to through airport security.

Chuck’s book is different.

Chuck tells the story about the miracle of insulin discovery.

He also spends a lot of time on mental health and family.

There are lots of books about what diabetes is and how to treat it.  There aren’t as many books out there about the FEELINGS of having diabetes.   It all starts with feelings.  Thank you, Chuck.

Here are some of my favorite pages.Chuck believes that an insulin pump is the best therapy available, and he explains why.  My doctors have recommended an insulin pump to me, and I will be switching to one soon.  I am scheduled for training next month.  I’m not sure yet how I will feel about having an insulin pump connected to me all of the time, but I am pretty sure I will be able to manage my diabetes better than what I am currently doing with the 3-7 shots a day that I now do!  Yeah, that’s too many shots.  I’m looking forward to more precision and more flexibility.  I think that the switch to a pump is a very individual decision, but I am happy that Chuck has the courage to explain his viewpoint.