Wednesday, April 21, 2010

21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone with Diabetes - Book Review

Welcome to my first blog book review.  For those of you who do not know me, I have a passion for all things diabetes.  My now 22 year old son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 21 years ago.  I am the Vice President of the Children with Diabetes Foundation - an organization that funds cure focused research to ultimately cure and prevent type 1 diabetes; have been an advocate for persons with diabetes for (gulp) 2 decades :-); volunteer on the PEP (Parents empowering Parents) Squad at the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation; work for Close Concerns - a company that reports on diabetes and obesity pharmaceuticals and devices; search the web numerous times per day to find and share news and research about diabetes on Facebook, Twitter, and the Children with Diabetes forums; and wear a few other hats. So that's a little about my interest/background re diabetes.  You can follow me on Twitter @CureT1Diabetes.

21 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP SOMEONE WITH DIABETES 
BY CHERIE BURBACH


21 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Someone With Diabetes


This book is:
* a source of encouragement
* a prompt for education
* a starting guide to diabetic etiquette

This book is not:
* a medical reference book
* a substitute for a nurse, doctor, or other medical professional



Cherie has written a little gem of a book.  This is a very fast MUST read for anyone who has a  loved one, friend, coworker, in-law, relative, student,  athlete, dancer, musician.....with type 1 diabetes. The book primarily focuses on supporting a person with type 1 diabetes although some of the information certainly applies to anyone with diabetes. The fact that this book is only 80 pages is a plus - because the very people who NEED to read this book the most, may have resisted learning what they need to know about being supportive and non-judgmental, and will easily be able to absorb the information therein. It is also good for those who have not known how to ask the best way to support someone.  Not everyone feels comfortable asking - and this book can put the reader at ease and open the door for some wonderful conversation. And if you are a person who has diabetes and has not known how to ask for help, reading this book may make it easier for you to take those first steps to reach out for the support you want/need/deserve.

Over the years I've run into countless people who think they understand/know "diabetes" from what they've read, heard on the news, what has happened to their grandparents or friend's grandparents, or what they've seen in the hospital.  I urge you to STOP and leave those experiences behind and open this book with a fresh and clear mind for a new perspective.  By reading this book, you will learn what NOT to say as well as what IS kind and supportive and correct to say to the person who lives with/has diabetes.

Cherie writes with heartfelt emotion about the impact of people's words.  It may be difficult to acknowledge some of the things the reader may have said in the past, however the purpose of this book is not to berate, but rather to empower and move forward.  Her points are well made.

From the introduction: "My hope with this book is to get you the information you need to be the very best friend to your diabetic pal."  Cherie Burbach did just that by opening the door, providing just the right amount of information without overwhelming the reader, and enhancing relationships as a result of her words.


You may purchase the book from Amazon.com here: 21 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Someone With Diabetes.  I'll be sharing my copy with some friends and relatives who even after 21 years, still have no clue but may finally be open to getting one. 


Learn more about Cherie here: http://cherieblogs.com/

(For her next edition, I would like to see Cherie distinguish between types of diabetes).


Ellen

p.s. For Diabetes Etiquette Cards for People who Don't Have Diabetes - click here: http://behavioraldiabetesinstitute.org/downloads/Etiquette-Card.pdf