22 of the Best Books for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Books help people feel connected. There is power in storytelling! It inspires human connection. This is perhaps especially true for adults living with chronic illnesses like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which can feel isolating and disconnective at times. 

This guide covers some of the best books for adults with diabetes. 

Whether you’re looking for mental health, daily management, mindset, parenting, pregnancy, men’s or women’s health insights, there’s something on this list for every person with diabetes. Everyone experiences diabetes differently, yet some themes resonate across our journeys.   

These books are a testament to our shared experiences as a community!

1. “Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin” by Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES

“Think Like a Pancreas” is widely regarded as the diabetes management bible, written by Gary Scheiner, who has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since 1985, is the founder of Integrated Diabetes and is a master’s-level exercise physiologist. Gary is well-known in the community for offering a holistic perspective on life with diabetes. He does this in writing and in practice with his clients at Integrated Diabetes Services.

Within the book, Gary speaks eloquently to both the patient and clinician sides of the condition. Gary achieves precisely what his title sets out to do in this book, helping readers “think like a pancreas” throughout and feel more confident in a new mindset that helps them thrive as much as possible while living with diabetes. This book has the power to be a life-changing read when you’re feeling stuck in your thinking about diabetes.

If you want to unlock your ability to thrive with it, this book is for you! It’s now available in its fourth edition to align with modern standards in diabetes management and technology.

 2. “Every Day with Diabetes” by Ginger Vieira and Tara Mayo

Ginger Vieira, a person living with T1D for nearly 30 years, former powerlifter, certified Ashtanga Yoga instructor, cognitive coach, personal trainer, book author and Eversense CGM ambassador, joins forces with her best friend and business partner, Tara Mayo, author, fitness expert, nutrition coach and diabetes advocate, certified in training, yoga and nutrition, to deliver 365 tips for everyday life with diabetes. 

This book works for many reasons. Not only does it cover the experiences of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but it also delivers information in a highly digestible, actionable format that anyone can pick up and run with.

Treat it like your personal task list or calendar for the year, and you’re sure to see your diabetes management improve by the end of it. Tara is also a great diabestie! If any two people understand the relationships in life with diabetes and the relationship to life with diabetes, it’s these powerhouse women.

 3. “Sugar Surfing” by Stephen W. Ponder, MD, FAAP, CDE, + Kevin L. McMahon

With over 700 5-star ratings on Amazon, there’s a reason many PWD (and their doctors) read (and love) “Sugar Surfing” from Stephen W. Ponder and Kevin L. McMahon. 

The book debunks misconceptions about diabetes to help doctors treat patients more effectively. Meanwhile, it also allows PWD to become their own advocates. It is motivating to the reader and doesn’t fail to dive into the complexities of diabetes in compelling ways!

“Sugar Surfing” is an excellent diabetes resource for all ages. This book is a staple for boosting your diabetes education.

 4. “Type 1 for the Newly Diagnosed” by Ariel Warren, RDN, CDCES

Being diagnosed with T1D can be a whirlwind, especially if you were diagnosed as an adult and had grown accustomed to a life without the disease.

While “Type 1 Diabetes for the Newly Diagnosed: What to Expect, What to Do, How to Thrive” is especially beneficial for the newly diagnosed, most adults with diabetes (regardless of their diagnosis date) will appreciate this enlightening read.

The book offers:

• Practical guidance to navigate “the ups and downs of the honeymoon phase and everyday blood sugar management.”
• Real stories from people with diabetes who “present a realistic picture of living with type 1 diabetes.” Informative FAQ sections that close each chapter.
• Informative FAQ sections that close each chapter.

If you want to be inspired to live your best life with diabetes, this book is a worthwhile read.

5. “Pumping Insulin” by John Walsh

If you are considering insulin pump therapy as a person with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, “Pumping Insulin” is a beautiful guide.

This book isn’t just great for patients but for medical professionals who teach people with diabetes to use insulin pumps. It is full of passion for the subject matter and answers many common questions about insulin pump therapy! 

(Though it is still a great resource with relevant information to date, the diabetes community would welcome an updated edition, as the latest volume was released in 2016.)

6. “Thriving with Diabetes: Learn How to Take Charge of Your Body to Balance Your Sugars and Improve Your Lifelong Health” by Paul Rosman, DO, FACP, FACE + David Edelman

“Thriving With Diabetes” takes a different angle, looking beyond the physical solutions of diabetes and diving into the mental side. If you want more ideas for feeling empowered while living with diabetes, this is an insightful guide. 

In this book, the authors share a four-step process to help readers find lasting success in managing their diabetes, one that goes beyond “a set of notes from the doctor.”

If you want to get proactive with your diabetes management, this is a must-read!

7. “Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It” by Dr. Mark Heyman

In this book, Mark (known as The Diabetes Psychologist both online and offline) offers an “actionable toolkit” to help people with diabetes (PWD) navigate the emotional burdens of living with the disease. 

“Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It” speaks to the unpredictability of diabetes and explains how to manage everyday stresses better, reduce the number of challenges encountered while living with it, and ultimately—how to “master” the emotional side of diabetes.

This book is a worthwhile read when you want to add more flexibility and freedom to your life with diabetes.

 8. “Dealing with Diabetes Burnout: How to Recharge and Get Back on Track When You Feel Frustrated and Overwhelmed Living with Diabetes” by Ginger Vieira

“Dealing with Diabetes Burnout: How to Recharge and Get Back on Track When You Feel Frustrated and Overwhelmed Living with Diabetes” inspires and empowers PWD to develop more effective management strategies. 

In this book, Ginger teaches you how to:

• “Set yourself up for success with realistic expectations and goals.”
• “Implement tips and suggestions to help make living with diabetes easier.”
• “Learn how to back off on diabetes management without guilt or shame.”
• “Build confidence in your abilities to face diabetes every day.”

These are some of the same tips and tricks she shares on her personal social media channels. If you want even more bite-sized tips, follow her on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube where she posts under the alias @diabetes_nerd.

This read from Ginger is educational, realistic and compassionate, with professional advice from one person with T1D to PWD everywhere. If you’re struggling to connect with your doctor about how overwhelmed you feel, this book offers friendship and forward-thinking.

9. “Bright Spots and Landmines” by Adam Brown

Few books get referenced as often as ‘Bright Spots and Landmines’—over 100,000 copies have been sold since Adam published it in May 2017! The transformative tips he shares in this “highly actionable guide” help readers hone in on the strategies Adam discovered to live a more positive life with diabetes. 

He highlights a missed opportunity to focus on the positives of life with diabetes rather than on the mistakes we make as humans. Yes, it’s human nature—but this mindset doesn’t have to control your life or turn you into an anxious person.

The practical advice in this book is helpful for people with any form of diabetes who want to feel as positive as possible as often as possible. As Adam writes, we can be “healthier, happier and more hopeful” when we learn to do this.

10. “The Book of Better: Life With Diabetes Can’t Be Perfect. Make It Better.” by Chuck Eichten

If you’re stuck thinking you need to be perfect at managing your diabetes, this book helps you get off that thought train.

“The Book of Better” comes from the perspective of someone who’s lived with diabetes for many years. It offers a critical takeaway that should resonate with people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: “Any bit better is still better.” (Meaning any steps you take to improve your care are worth celebrating and acknowledging!)

When you think you need to take your diabetes from 0 to 100, Eichten reassures readers that 3% better is better than no percent. No one with diabetes is perfect (or can be), but we all have the power to make it better! Gradual changes can do wonders for PWD. 

If you need a reminder never to give up, a confidence boost or encouragement to practice patience or grace with yourself, this book is worth a read.

11. “Balancing Diabetes: Conversations About Finding Happiness and Living Well” by Kerri Sparling

“Balancing Diabetes” does what its title describes—it helps readers find happiness and ways to live well with diabetes. But it’s not as cheesy as it may sound, nor is it simple!

Kerri helps PWD adjust to their “new normal” of living with a chronic disease, teaches you how to balance diabetes with the rest of your life, and helps you find yourself in the “new world” you’ve entered.

Whether you have type 1 or type 2, however you identify, whether you are a person with diabetes, caregiver or spouse, this book is a considerate read from an author who truly understands the disease’s inner workings.

12. “Beyond Powerful: Your Chronic Illness Kryptonite” by Lala Jackson

“Beyond Powerful” is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt sidelined by their health while chasing big goals. If you’re tired of feeling like your chronic illness stands between you and the life you want to build, this book offers a refreshing perspective on turning that struggle into strength.

In this book, Beyond Type 1’s own Lala Jackson shares personal stories of living as an overachiever with an autoimmune disease, paired with inspiring accounts of other go-getters who’ve turned the skills built through chronic illness into fuel to reach massive goals.

If you live with chronic health issues and want permission to keep pursuing what you’re meant to bring to the world, this is an insightful and empowering read.

13 .“Rage Bolus & Other Poems” by Kerri Sparling

In “Rage Bolus & Other Poems,” readers are bound to laugh, cry and scream as they read through this uplifting, sarcastic sassy, and personal series of poems, from “Diabetes worrier” to “Where the islet cells end” to “Sweet Little Lancet” to the book’s namesake poem, “Rage Bolus.” Because if you’ve lived with diabetes for any amount of time and use insulin to manage, you’re probably lying if you say you haven’t rage-bolused before!

This read is uplifting when you’re in your feelings about living with diabetes. When you don’t think anyone understands what you’re going through daily, Kerri reassures readers that she gets it!

14. “Six Until Me: Essays from a life with diabetes” by Kerri Sparling

“Six Until Me” is an archive collection of essays drawn from Kerri’s popular blog, sixuntilme.com. From May 2005 to May 2019, Kerri wrote on this blog to share her diabetes story, connect with the diabetes community and put patient stories at the forefront of the diabetes space—where they should be.

Kerri encourages the idea that “our collective stories change the way people see diabetes” and that “there is life after diagnosis, and it is filled with hope and possibility.” For these reasons and more, “Six Until Me” is a relatable, uplifting read for anyone seeking to feel more connected while living with diabetes.

 15. “Sugar Linings: Finding the Bright Side of Diabetes” by Sierra Sandison

Sierra (the “3D Printcess”) is an enterprising, inspiring personality in the diabetes community.

She is the face behind the #showmeyourpump campaign. After wearing her insulin pump on stage during the Miss Idaho pageant series, Sierra skyrocketed to fame in the diabetes community. She was crowned Miss Idaho in 2014! 

Since then, Sierra has spoken across the country at various diabetes conferences and schools, often as a keynote. Today, she is also recognized for her entrepreneurial endeavors as a mechanical engineer and for her #SlugTok presence on TikTok.

Sierra has inspired children to overcome adversity in her speeches. This same encouragement is wrapped into her book, “Sugar Linings: Finding the Bright Side of Diabetes,” helping readers find strength, community and connection. So, if you’re feeling alone or exhausted from diabetes, this is a hopeful read.

 16. “Type One Determination” by Lauren Plunkett

This book focuses on “breaking through boundaries and self-limitations while feeling optimistic about living a healthy life” with T1D. “Type One Determination” is part memoir, part lesson in nutrition and exercise from Lauren Plunkett, owner of LP Nutrition Consulting and fellow type 1 diabetic (T1D). 

“Type One Determination” helps readers:

• Embrace the challenges of living with diabetes as individuals.
• Become their own “best and brightest” advocates.
• Find hope despite countless temptations to feel otherwise.

If you’re struggling to find your way with T1D, this book offers firsthand insights and reflections that will help you feel connected and reinvigorated in your life.

17. “Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories: What it really feels like to live with type 1 diabetes—true stories inside” by Neil Greathouse

While we share many similarities in our diabetes experiences, we all travel down the path differently. Neil’s book, “Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories,” emphasizes this. Neil is a talented speaker, author, advocate, podcaster and director living with T1D.

In his book, he shares stories from people who have:

• Lost dreams or careers to their diabetes diagnoses
• Delivered insulin by boat deep in the Amazon jungle
• Learned the hard way what happens when you don’t bring backup insulin
• Passed out in front of a Bob Evans host

Neil packs each chapter with short, practical takeaways you can apply to your everyday life. While we all walk different paths with diabetes, there are still key takeaways we return to.

18. “Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Dad” by Scott Benner

Scott is, quite literally, a well-known voice in the diabetes community.  Fans of The Juicebox Podcast will love Benner’s book, “Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Dad.” While the book doesn’t focus solely on T1D, it is a significant part of the story. 

At two, Scott’s daughter, Arden, was diagnosed with T1D—a heartwrenching and anxiety-inducing diagnosis for any parent. Still, Benner did not lose his positive outlook. (If you listen to the podcast, you know this to be true!) Today, Arden and Scott team up as Omnipod ambassadors, which highlights the specialness of their bond.

If you’re the parent of a newly-diagnosed child or teen with T1D, you’re bound to feel especially connected to Scott’s wit and wisdom in this story.

19. “Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management” by Ginger Vieira + Jennifer Smith, CDE

Few books on pregnancy with T1D integrate the patient and doctor’s perspectives. In fact, few exist! “Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management” by Ginger Vieira and Jennifer Smith, certified diabetes educator (CDE), is a happy marriage that women with T1D will appreciate. 

Managing pregnancy with T1D is rewarding and exhausting. It’s much more than carb-counting and getting exercise! No two pregnancies are alike, regardless of diabetes.

This book helps women with T1D prepare for pregnancy, “from conception to birth and the challenges of managing your blood sugars during postpartum.” If you are pregnant and living with T1D, are thinking about getting pregnant while living with T1D or just want to learn more about it, this book is an informative and insightful can’t-miss.

20. “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom: Real-Life Stories of Parenting a Child with Type 1 Diabetes” by Stacey Simms

“The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom: Real-Life Stories of Parenting a Child with Type 1 Diabetes” speaks directly to the messiness of raising a child with diabetes and has become one of the most-recommended reads in the community.

In this book, Stacey shares stories about diabetes and lessons she’s learned over the years. Most importantly, she reminds readers that perfection with diabetes is impossible—and that’s perfectly normal! If you are a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, you will appreciate Stacey’s fresh take on being flexible, planning and having a great sense of humor.

21. “Still the World’s Worst Diabetes Mom” by Stacey Simms

“Still the World’s Worst Diabetes Mom” is the sequel to Stacey Simms’s first book, “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom.” The second installment features more stories about raising a child with T1D and offers parent-to-parent advice.

In “Still the World’s Worst Diabetes Mom,” Stacey, creator of Diabetes Connections and host of Moms’ Night Out events, speaks to the challenge of “giving a child with diabetes more independence while keeping them safe and happy.” This certainly isn’t an easy task for parents of children with type 1 diabetes, but Simms helps readers feel more understood and much less alone.

In her work, Stacey has been named one of Diabetes Forecast Magazine‘s “People to Know,” and her podcast has earned her a spot on the WEGO Health “Top 10 Best in Show: Patient Podcast Leaders 2019” list, among other accolades.

If you are a caregiver to a child with T1D, this is another must-read from Stacey!

22. “A Woman’s Guide to Diabetes” by Brandy Barnes, MSW + Natalie Strand, MD

Being a woman with diabetes is not for the faint of heart—it’s not like we had an option—but you learn to live with it, lean in and thrive regardless. 

This book, from “two successful and down-to-earth women living with diabetes,” offers a fresh take on the unique issues and frank discussions faced by women with all types of diabetes. 

This book covers an array of topics, like:

• Hormones at different stages of life
• Physical and mental wellness
• Sexuality and relationships
• Exercise and athleticism
• Travel 
• Careers

Endorsed by the American Diabetes Association, “A Woman’s Guide to Diabetes” is an excellent read for women who value transparency and relatability in their diabetes care.

The more diabetes books, the better!

This list touches the surface of the many great books for adults with diabetes. These are some of the best from some of the greatest people working in and living with diabetes today. If you have a story to share, consider writing your own. You never know where it may lead!

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