DIABETES symptoms usually include making more trips to the toilet than normal, and feeling unusually thirsty. But there are a number of other key warning signs that you might not even be noticing. These are the "silent" symptoms of type 2 diabetes - are you at risk?
Diabetes is a very common condition that often goes under the radar. But it's absolutely essential that everyone with diabetes has their condition diagnosed as soon as possible. Could you have type 2 diabetes and not even know it?
Diabetes affects about five million people in the UK alone - although lots of people won't even know they're at risk. It's caused by the pancreas struggling to produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to it. Insulin is used by the body to convert sugar in the blood into energy.
Diabetes symptoms can be hard to come by, and they could easily be dismissed as something less serious.
When you know what to look for, diabetes has "plenty of early signs", according to Wayne UNC Health Care. But individually, the symptoms might seem "silent", it warned, because they're not necessarily obvious.
For example, you might develop persistent pins and needles - particularly in the morning. Taken by itself, pins and needles aren't necessarily anything to worry about. But when it's accompanied by other diabetes symptoms, it should be investigated by a doctor.
Diabetes symptoms: Speak to a doctor if you're worried about the signs of diabetes (Image: EXPRESS)
'Silent symptoms of diabetes'
Persistent urinary tract infections or yeast infections
Volatile moods
Slow-healing wounds
Itchy skin
Blurry vision
Pins and needles
Weakness or fatigue
Extreme hunger
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
"If you’re having some of these subtle symptoms, try a low-carb diet of protein and green leafy vegetables," it said.
"Avoid sugary drinks and drink at least 2 litres of water for a few days to see if these symptoms get better.
"Subtle symptoms could just be a result of eating too many carbs, which can be hard for your body to handle. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have diabetes, but it’s a wake-up call that maybe you’re headed that way.
"If you have any symptoms that are frightening such as sudden numbness, weakness or chest pains, call your doctor immediately."
Left untreated, it increases the risk of heart disease or strokes, as well as some cancers and kidney problems. But you could lower your risk of high blood sugar by making just a few lifestyle changes. It's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and to do regular exercise.
With the New Year right around the corner, we’re keeping up our tradition of reviewing what made this past year one to remember in the Diabetes World.
Of course, we’ve all endured the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, from overrun hospitals to economic fallout to cancelled in-person events, to delayed timelines on new diabetes devices and product shipping woes worldwide. It’s been a lot to navigate, in many ways a continuation of the troubled previous year.
Meanwhile, pretty much everything is still being seen through the lens of this pandemic and a tense political climate in the United States.
Yet there does seem to be hope on the horizon, with vaccine availability and a slowly improving economic situation. In the diabetes arena, we look forward to a resurgence of new product approvals in the near future as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulators get caught up.
The pandemic continued to be the biggest story of 2021, in general and for those with diabetes.
The start of the year brought many discussions about state-led vaccination priorities, and how soon people with diabetes would be able to get those shots while they were still in short supply. The new variants — with Greek-lettered names Delta and Omicron — have renewed concerns about just how quickly we all may find our way past this pandemic.
Dr. Drew Weissman
Remarkably, one of our own in the Diabetes Community was a pivotal part of developing the COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Drew Weissman at the University of Pennsylvania was one of the researchers who spent years digging into the science behind mRNA vaccines, and he’s also lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for more than 50 years. As it turns out, Weissman’s work has made him one of Times’ Heroes of the Year for 2021!
As we saw in 2020, the continuing COVID-19 crisis meant most of the planned diabetes events and conferences during 2021 remained virtual or at least in a hybrid format. That included the huge annualAmerican Diabetes Association’s 81st Scientific Sessions eventthat was again all online. One exception was theannual Friends For Life conferenceat DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida, which is held each year in July. This year, it happened to fall into a perfectly-timed bubble of summer weather and easing restrictions that allowed this event to be held in person this past summer.
However, most of the FDA filings are taking longer than expected, lingering in the review process due to pandemic-caused delays with the agency being short-staffed. Clinical trial research for new products was also slowed down and even halted in some cases. The result: many big expected diabetes product approvals did not happen this year.
Many people with diabetes (PWDs) also experienced shipping delays for their needed supplies and medications, tied once again to COVID-19 issues.
Many shared stories online of how their supplies and medications were delayed or not immediately accessible through mail-order and retail pharmacies, as well as third-party distribution companies. Most of this is tied to either supply stock or staffing shortages that have plagued many businesses globally.
In fact, in November 2021, Novo Nordisk actually experienced a brief manufacturing problem and subsequent shipping delays for its insulin brands, leaving many in the United States without immediate access to their life-sustaining insulin before everything was cleared up.
100 years of insulin
The year brought a milestone in diabetes history: a century since insulin was first discovered in 1921, by a team led by Toronto-based researchers Dr. Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best. They began testing insulin in their lab earlier that year and made the critical discovery of isolating insulin in July 1921. It was then first delivered orally into a patient on Dec. 21, 1921. The first-ever patient to receive an insulin injection came on Jan. 15, 1922, with 15-year-old Leonard Thompson. The rest is history, as they say.
For this century mark, many advocacy initiatives, awareness campaigns, and fundraising efforts have embraced the 100th insulin anniversary theme. One of those included the World Health Organization (WHO) that developed a Global Diabetes Compact to advocate on the need for affordable insulin.
Insulin prices remain at crisis level
Unfortunately, the current state of insulin affordability — or lack thereof — clouds this 100th anniversary. Many media outlets have published stories through this milestone year highlighting the insulin pricing crisis here in the United States.
Our Diabetes Community did see some changes materialize, but they only ever seem to be incremental improvements rather than full-scale price-lowering measures that help everyone.
In a big move, Walmart added a ReliOn version of the bolus (fast-acting, mealtime) insulin Novolog to its line-up of insulin products available for a lower cash price of only $35.
Yet, that pails in comparison to the 3-year drug pricing investigation report published in early December by the House Oversight Committee that touched on insulin pricing practices, confirming the current emphasis on aiming for profit over patient health.
Diabetes advocates met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at different points in the year, traveling to the White House to discuss insulin pricing. Some of that was tied to the push for the proposed Build Back Better Act, the massive Democrat-led infrastructure bill that included a potential federal insulin copay cap of $35 for both Medicare and commercial insurance plans. That bill passed the U.S. House but stalled just before the year’s end in the Senate.
Aside from those big themes of 2021, a number of other notable diabetes-related news stories captured headlines throughout the year:
New long-acting insulins
Several new formulations of basal (long-lasting, background) insulins made headlines throughout the year.
The Viatris-Biocon insulin Semglee — which was approved in 2020 as a knockoff of Sanofi’s Lantus — received the first-ever interchangeable designation, meaning it can be swapped out with other basal insulins. Semglee launched starting in November, in both a “branded” and “unbranded” form. The lower-priced unbranded Semglee had an initial list price of $147.98 per package of five 3mL pens and $98.65 per 10mL vial; the branded version of Semglee, subject to insurance coverage, was $404.04 per package of five pens, and $269.38 per glass vial.
In December, the FDA also approved another long-acting Lantus-knockoff made by Eli Lilly, a biosimilar insulin named Rezvoglar. That will be available in 3mL pens, and Lilly will likely launch that product and offer pricing details in 2022.
Digital diabetes data in the news
A number of news items touched on digital diabetes data. A big one came in July as the FDA cleared continuous glucose monitor (CGM) company Dexcom to release its real-time API, allowing other companies to directly tie Dexcom CGM data into their devices. Garmin was the first to do so, and the open-source Sugarmate platform (now owned by Tandem Diabetes Care) took a hiatus before finally returning later in the year.
The medical establishment made a landmark embrace of do-it-yourself (DIY) technology in the diabetes space, with an international consensus statement being published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. This is the first-of-its-kind guidance for healthcare providers on treating patients using DIY diabetes systems.
The authors noted that healthcare providers should facilitate and support people with diabetes who choose this DIY tech to automate their insulin delivery systems, and work with patients to set “realistic goals” and minimize any risk. They also called for local policies supporting open-source closed loop systems as “fostering ethical medical principles and evidence-based medical treatment.”
Diabetes in the spotlight
From beginning to end, diabetes was certainly on display this year for people around the world to get a glimpse of:
Nick Jonas in his CGM Super Bowl ad
Super Bowl ad. We started 2021 with celebrity singer and actor Nick Jonas appearing in a 30-second Super Bowl ad for Dexcom, with him wearing his G6 CGM in a push to raise awareness about the product as well as type 1 diabetes in general. Not all were pleased about that commercial, though, as DiabetesMine reported here.
Lila Moss on runway. At the end of September, the then 18-year-old daughter of supermodel Kate Moss walked the runway as part of the Fendi-Versace collaborative collections show in Italy and wore her tubeless Omnipod insulin pump on her thigh on full display of the audience and cameras.
Este Haim. As part of the sister trio rock band HAIM, bassist Este Haim often puts her diabetes gear on display in her Instagram photos, social media posts, and media interviews. This spring, the group also made rock n' roll history as the first all-female band nominated for the Grammy’s top prize.
Miss America. At year’s end, news hit that the Smithsonian was marking the 100th anniversary of the Miss America competition by bringing a new display to the museum. That includes memorabilia from Nicole Johnson, who many may recall was crowned Miss America in 1999 and notably was the first to wear her Minimed insulin pump on stage for the world to see. Johnson wrote on Facebook: “So delighted to be a part of the Smithsonian Institution. I was thrilled to donate my insulin pump, 2-piece swimsuit, several photos, and precious letters from children with diabetes sent to me during my time as Miss America 1999. I am so honoured to be included in this exhibit with an incredible group of trailblazing women!” More detail on the exhibit can be found via the Smithsonian.
Goodbye, diabetes advocates
Our Diabetes Community sadly said goodbye to some incredible people and advocates in 2021, who’ve made a mark on our community and world for the better:
Erin Gilmer – a diabetes and disability rights advocate, passed away at 38 years old in July. As the New York Times reports, Gilmer “fought for a more compassionate healthcare system, bringing an extensive knowledge of policy and even more extensive first-hand experience as a patient.”
Scott Strange – this long-time T1D advocate and blogger passed away in early November, at 58 years old. He volunteered at many advocacy conferences and meetings, and generously gave much of himself to people with diabetes over his impressive 50+ years of living with this condition. In particular, he wrote a lot about mental health with diabetes and gave many within the community a voice for sharing their own stories and struggles on the mental health front.
Thom Scher – the 33-years-young president and CEO of leading diabetes non-profit Beyond Type 1 surprisingly passed away in early December in New York City. Scher did not live with diabetes himself, but was a passionate advocate who had a bold vision to challenge the status quo in terms of what a non-profit organisation could do. He led Beyond Type 1 to serve people living with both T1D and type 2 diabetes, providing resources to this community in multiple languages all over the world.
Anne Rice – the famous Vampire novel author who was extremely public about her diabetes diagnosis and struggles, died in mid-December at 80 years old. She had struggled with complications of diabetes since her delayed diagnosis in 1998.
These beautiful souls and others lost this year will be sorely missed!
The past year has been tough on so many fronts. Here’s to looking forward to a brighter, less stressful 2022 ahead.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by the sum of several factors, particularly in western countries. These include, on the one hand, the progressive ageing of the population, poor eating habits and the consequent increase in the number of obese people; on the other hand, the increase in early diagnosis and, on the other hand, the decrease in the mortality rate of diabetic patients
Diabetes mellitus: what it is and what causes it
Diabetes is caused by hyperglycaemia, i.e. an increase in the level of glucose in the blood, due to a defect in the secretion or inadequate action of insulin, the hormone produced by the cells of the pancreas and responsible for controlling sugar levels.
There are two different types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 diabetes, which affects between 3% and 5% of diabetics, and the more common type 2 diabetes, which affects more than 90% of patients with diabetes.
These are two very different diseases, both in terms of their onset and treatment and their impact on patients’ lives.
Although it is sometimes a subtle disease, which can occur without any obvious symptoms and remain silent for some time, in acute cases the presenting symptoms include fatigue, polyuria (increased urinary volume) with subsequent polydipsia (increased thirst), weight loss and abdominal pain.
The long-term consequences of hyperglycaemia lead to the appearance of the dreaded complications of diabetes: retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease, stroke, arteriopathy of the lower limbs).
Diabetes mellitus can be diagnosed with a simple blood glucose test using a normal blood sample.
Type 1 diabetes: a severe autoimmune disease
Type 1 diabetes tends to occur particularly in childhood and adolescence (but more rarely also in adult patients) and is caused by a total lack of insulin, caused by the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas due to the appearance of autoantibodies.
We do not yet know the actual causes of this abnormal immune response, but it would appear to be associated with hereditary factors influenced by environmental determinants (e.g. certain viral infections).
Type 2 diabetes: a multifactorial disease
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, tends to occur after the age of 30-40.
Several mechanisms are involved in the genesis of this metabolic pathology, but classically the initial defect is insulin resistance, i.e. reduced insulin action in the target organs, which leads on the one hand to excess hepatic production of glucose and on the other to its reduced use by the muscles.
Among the most important risk factors for the onset of type 2 diabetes are family history, a sedentary lifestyle, a diet too rich in fats and sugars, and being overweight.
Hyperglycaemia in this disease can have a gradual onset, which is why type 2 diabetes can behave silently for several years, before leading to the development of symptoms and often at the onset may already be present complications typical of the disease.
Is it possible to prevent diabetes?
Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes, although studies are underway on the possibility of intervening in the earliest stages of the disease.
However, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes by adopting a healthy diet low in fat and calories, taking regular exercise and avoiding being overweight.
These measures are particularly effective in the case of type 2 diabetes: there are studies confirming that an appropriate lifestyle is more effective than pharmacological intervention in reducing blood sugar levels.
Insulin and hypoglycaemic drugs: treatment options
Type 1 diabetes can only be treated with insulin.
Insulin can be administered either with classic subcutaneous injections or with continuous infusion systems (the pump).
With this treatment, which must be continuous and last for life, patients can lead a normal daily life.
It is very important, however, that they refer to specialised and multidisciplinary centres, both for the treatment of diabetes itself and for the treatment of complications that may arise in association with this disease.
For the treatment of type 2, however, we have several therapeutic options available, and indeed in recent years we have seen the introduction of several new ‘innovative’ drugs that will significantly change clinical practice over the next few years, having also been shown to have a significant benefit on cardiovascular risk, which is the major cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes.
In particular, the reference is to analogues of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone whose task is to facilitate the secretion of insulin, produced by intestinal cells following the ingestion of food; and to glyflozines, or inhibitors of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), which promote the elimination of glucose through the urine, through the action on a renal receptor.
However, it must be stated that there is no single drug therapy that is valid for all patients with type 2 d.: therapies must be tailored to the needs of the individual patient, based on his or her characteristics and clinical history.
Nearly half of people with type 2 diabetes said it is more difficult to manage their condition during the holiday season than at other times, according to a survey from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association.
The survey conducted on behalf of the associations’ joint initiative, Know Diabetes by Heart, included more than 1,000 U.S. adults 45 and older. Around 28% of the participants said their main concern is staying on top of their health goals during the holiday season, while 15% were concerned about finances and 14% were concerned about safe gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding nutrition, only 52% of respondents reported they believed they had a lot or complete control over dietary choices during a holiday week like Christmas, whereas 73% reported having a lot or complete control during a normal week, according to the survey.
“The holidays provide challenges to staying heart healthy for many people, but especially for those managing conditions closely tied to daily nutrition, like type 2 diabetes,” Robert Eckel, MD, FAHA, immediate past president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association, past president of the American Heart Association, and an endocrinologist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said in a press release.
According to the survey, the ambassadors of Know Diabetes by Heart recommend that people with diabetes:
Take control of the kitchen and cook something that is healthy and diet friendly.
Prepare for holiday events by bringing a dish to a party or making the host aware of dietary restrictions and needs. Alternatively, eat before the party to lessen the chances of eating unhealthy things.
Pack healthy snacks and food to keep health goals in check while travelling.
Create healthy traditions and prep individual portions of dessert. Remain active by finding a way to exercise after dinner, like short walks.
Make home a safe zone by keeping unhealthy dishes and foods out of the house.
“Even if you don’t have diabetes yourself, it’s important to create healthy environments for our friends and family members who do,” Eckel said in the release.
THE BEACH BOYS once sang about how they were picking up good vibrations. However, according to experts, if you're experiencing any of the following sensations, you may have blood sugar damage
Neuropathy is a form of nerve disorder that can be caused by type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There are three types of neuropathy, according to Diabetes.co.uk; sensory, motor and autonomic. Sensory neuropathy is a type of neuropathy where the nerves that detect touch and temperature are damaged. This form of neuropathy will ordinarily affect the hands and feet.
Motor neuropathy happens as a result of damage to the nerves affecting muscle movement.
Autonomic neuropathy occurs if the nerves which control involuntary actions e.g., digestion or heart rate are affected.
According to Diabetes.co.uk, if people with diabetes do not control or treat their condition they “may develop damage to the nerves around the body”.
As a result, they may develop a fourth type of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy. This refers to the nerve damage affecting any nerve outside of the brain or spinal cord.
Pain in certain areas could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy. (Image: Getty Images)
But how common is neuropathy in diabetics and what causes it?
It’s relatively common in diabetics who are overweight, have high blood pressure, high blood fat and over 40. Overall, neuropathy could affect up to 50 percent of people with diabetes.
If you’re worried about whether or not you have neuropathy, there are three common symptoms:
• Numbness or pain in the hands, feet, arms or legs. • Tingling • Pain
However, whilst these symptoms are the most common, they may also easily be overlooked and it won’t be until other symptoms develop later on that you get a full diagnosis.
Other symptoms include: • Wasting of muscles in the hands or feet • Indigestion, nausea and vomiting. • Diarrhoea • Constipation • Problems when urinating • Impotence • Vaginal dryness • Dizziness • Weak limbs
The precise effect of glucose on the nervous system isn’t fully known. Whilst we don’t know the exact effect it has, we do know that sustained exposure to high glucose levels can damage the nerves and cause neuropathy.
Things that will increase your risk of developing neuropathy include high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol consumption, chronic liver or kidney disease and a vitamin B deficiency.
If you have any concerns here today, always consult your GP or contact the NHS.
The risks of type 2 diabetes and muscle wasting increase with age and decreased physical activity.
Researchers in Australia have isolated an enzyme associated with exercise that could be key to protecting against insulin resistance.
The same protective effect may be achievable through drugs that trigger the activation of this enzyme.
Our world’s population is getting older. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, 1 in 6 people will be over 65 years of age.
As we age, there is often a decrease in physical activity, which plays a role in the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes and muscle wasting in older age.
While the benefits of physical activityTrusted Source are widely known and accepted, exactly how exercise promotes our metabolic health and reduces insulin resistance with age is less clear.
A recent study in mice, which appears in Science Advances, points to an exercise-related enzyme that may help prevent the oxidative damage that occurs during the development of age-associated type 2 diabetes.
This enzyme is NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and the levels of it in our skeletal muscles increase after exercise.
Skeletal muscles are the muscles connected to bones. Exercise exposes these muscles to stress that increase the body's toleranceTrusted Source for future stressors.
As we exercise, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in muscles. As the authors of the new study explain, ROS “generated during exercise are considered integral for the health-promoting effects of exercise.”
Lead study author Prof. Tony Tiganis, of the Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute, in Clayton, Australia, told Medical News Today about earlier findings that a ROS called hydrogen peroxide enhanced insulin sensitivity in mice.
In the new study, a team set out to investigate the relationship between ROS, exercise, and insulin resistance in more detail.
“Our findings provide insight into why and how exercise promotes insulin sensitivity and is beneficial for metabolic health,” Prof. Tiganis said.
As the lead author explained, the new study shows that ROS generated by NOX4 after exercise activate an enzyme. This enzyme, which is called NFE2L2, produces “a robust antioxidant defence response.”
This response does not immediately affect insulin sensitivity, Prof. Tiganis said, but it reduces “mitochondrial oxidative stress and the oxidative damage of proteins and lipids that otherwise lead to the decline in insulin sensitivity and the development of insulin resistance over time.”
ROS can damage cellsTrusted Source through oxidative stress. Indeed, there is evidence that oxidative stress plays a roleTrusted Source in the development of insulin resistance. Therefore, the body needs to deal with ROS swiftly.
During exercise, ROS are produced in greater amounts, so the body must learn to clear them right away. Exercise trains the body to remove ROS more quickly, thereby reducing the risk of damage caused by oxidative stress.
The authors conclude:
“In this study, we demonstrate that the generation of ROS by skeletal muscle NOX4 […] induces adaptive responses that prevent oxidative damage, maintain muscle function and exercise capacity, and attenuate the age- and obesity-associated development of insulin resistance.”
Importantly, the researchers also showed that NOX4 levels naturally decline with the age. So, as levels of NOX4 reduce over time, so do levels of ROS. And as ROS production drops, the body does not benefit from the “adaptive responses” that help maintain insulin sensitivity.
“Whereas NOX4 expression in mice or humans is increased in skeletal muscles after exercise, its abundance declines with age, at least in mice, and this contributes to the development of insulin resistance,” Prof. Tiganis said.
MNT asked Dr. Swapnil Khare, assistant professor of clinical medicine and medical director of inpatient diabetes at Indiana University’s Adult Academic Health Centre, for her reaction to the Monash study.
“With aging and obesity, there are more problems with insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Khare. “This is a very relevant study. We know we need a balance between the oxidative species in our bodies. Exercise helps that. Now we have a better picture of how it helps.”
Dr. Khare also noted that while it is important to promote exercise and healthy lifestyles, some people are not able to exercise due to physical limitations and other factors. She hopes that future studies on this topic will focus on those individuals.
The authors stress the need for further research into the beneficial effects of NOX4 in humans.
“If our findings in mice translate to humans,” said Prof. Tiganis, “such compounds and approaches may be useful for combatting the development of insulin resistance, and thereby type 2 diabetes, in aging and increasingly sedentary people.”
“Our next goal is to determine if skeletal muscle NOX4 also declines in aging humans and whether this is accompanied by diminished antioxidant defense and insulin resistance,” Prof. Tiganis concluded.
If you have type 1 diabetes (T1D), you know how hard it is to manage. The constant highs and lows (literally), carb counting, injections, device alarms, and on and on… day in and day out.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the psychological burdens of diabetesTrusted Source, and experts now often cite the term "diabetes burnout" to explain the state of frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed by diabetes.
Chances are, if you’ve lived with T1D for more than a few years, you’ve experienced burnout at some point during your journey. I know that I, along with every person I know with T1D, have had my fair share of burnout episodes.
Yet although this issue is gaining increased recognition, there is a huge lack of practical resources to help us cope.
Luckily, there are a handful of books by people who are also “walking the walk” that can help you feel less alone, improve your mental health approach, and offer tips about approaching the daily burdens of T1D.
Here are seven books we love, and think you may, too.
About the author. Dr. Bill Polonsky is the president and founder of the San Diego-based Behavioral Diabetes Institute, the first organization dedicated to understanding the relationship between mental health and diabetes. Polonsky is an associate clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. Although he does not live with diabetes himself, he’s considered a pioneer in this area. His impressive resume includes earning his PhD in clinical psychology from Yale and serving as the senior psychologist at the legendary Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, and as the chairman of the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.
Book synopsis.This seminal book, originally published back in 1999, explores the idea of “diabetes burnout” and where it stems from. Throughout the book, Polonsky offers interactive questionnaires and self-evaluation tools to help you understand where you stand on the burnout spectrum and guide you towards overcoming burnout, to help you be more proactive and positive in your diabetes management. Additionally, the book features worksheets to help assess your motivational level and establish a plan of action.
Why people with diabetes (PWDs) love it.Polonsky offers clinical insight and tips that are informed by his own research and experiences as a diabetes educator. Plus, his writing is compassionate and humorous so it doesn’t feel like constant doom and gloom, but rather like getting advice from a trusted friend.
Where to get it. This book is 348 pages long and can be bought as an audiobook ($18.37 to purchase, or free with an Audible account), physical book ($14.79), or e-book ($14.05). All options are available for purchase on Amazon.
About the author. Kerri Sparling has had T1D for 34 years, and has dedicated her career to “amplifying the patient narrative.” She is a writer, poet, and speaker who has been an active leader in the patient advocacy space since 2005.
Book synopsis. “Balancing Diabetes” asks the question, “How do we figure out how to manage our diabetes along with all the aspects of life that are outside of diabetes care?” Sparling uses the book as a way to compile strategies used by PWDs and their caregivers to offer insight and to help with that delicate balancing act.
Why PWDs love it. Rather than focusing on diabetes, this book focuses on the person, the life of the person and their families, and looks at how diabetes fits in. The person-first narrative reminds us that we are not just our disease and looks at how we can be kinder to ourselves while managing our diabetes. Also, this book is not just catered to people with T1D. Sparling’s advice transcends age, gender, relationship to the person with diabetes, and whether you have type 1 or 2 diabetes. Anyone touched by diabetes in some way can relate and find help in this book.
Where to get it. This book is 204 pages long and can be purchased as a physical book ($24.76) or e-book ($9.39) on Amazon, or as a Kindle e-book ($12.99) from Barnes and Noble.
About the author. Ginger Vieira has had T1D and Celiac disease since 1999. She currently works at the non-profit org Beyond Type 1 and as a freelance writer, motivational speaker, and YouTube content creator, where she publishes vlogs about her life with diabetes. So far, she has published five books about diabetes, with topics ranging from pregnancy and T1D to children’s books explaining what low blood sugar means.
Book synopsis. This burnout book is meant to be used as a guide to help readers manage the daily work and pressure of diabetes management. Vieira discusses tools and encouragement to help you get back on track and take control of your diabetes management, and see it as a rewarding priority rather than an exhausting chore.
Why PWDs love it. Perhaps this comes from Vieira’s background as a motivational speaker, but “Dealing with Diabetes Burnout” does not feel like a lecture or a dry volume in any way. Instead, the author comes at you with a friendly and straightforward voice that tells you, “Diabetes can be tough, but you are tougher, and here’s how we can manage it.” She is able to use humour, compassion, and raw honesty to create a realistic look and plan of action when thinking about diabetes burnout.
Where to get it. This book is 256 pages long and can be bought as a physical book ($15.21) or e-book ($9.99) on Amazon.
About the author.Adam Brown has had T1D since 2001. He previously served as senior editor at diaTribe.org, and lead diabetes technology & digital health coverage at their sister consultancy, Close Concerns. He has an expansive resume, and writes and speaks extensively about diabetes and chronic disease, and is widely recognized as a leading expert in diabetes technology. In early 2020, he decided to pivot his career to become a mental health professional.
Book synopsis. “Bright Spots and Landmines” originally began as a column on the diaTribe website in 2013, and Brown later transformed it into this actionable guide in which he shares the aspects and strategies that have made the largest impact on his diabetes. The book contains countless tips, questions, and shortcuts to help you understand where you are in your diabetes management and where you would like to be. “Bright Spots” of course refers to things that are going well that you can build on, and “Landmines” are the tough areas you’ll need to learn to navigate carefully.
Why PWDs love it. In addition to the wealth of information you can find in this book, Brown argues that we should not just focus on the mistakes we make in diabetes management (the Landmines), but instead work to bolster our Bright Spots. He encourages readers to find what’s working and ways to do those more often so we can have more successful glucose management, and live happier and healthier lives overall. This book can be used by anyone, whether they are newly diagnosed or have managed diabetes for 50+ years, type 1 or type 2 — as the tips and tricks are universal.
Where to get it. This book is 250 pages long and can be bought as an audiobook ($14.95 to buy, or free with an Audible account), physical book ($6.42), or e-book ($1.99). All options are available for purchase on Amazon. You can also download a PDF copy of the book for free on the Bright Spots and Landmines website; if you choose this option, you are strongly encouraged to donate to diaTribe.org through their portal.
About the author. You might know Sierra Sandison as Miss Idaho 2014, who made headlines launching her #ShowMeYourPump campaign, a social media movement encouraging people with diabetes to be “out and proud” with their medical gear to raise awareness for the disease. Now, Sandison travels the country to speak at schools, and various health and educational conferences across the diabetes community.
Book synopsis. Her book “Sugar Linings” acts as both an inspirational treatise and as a memoir. Sandison shares her story and discusses the positives of living with T1D, such as finding a new community. She hopes to use the positives, or “sugar linings,” as reminders and beacons of hope so that readers can take them through their hard days.
Why PWDs love it. Readers love this fresh take of focusing not on the negatives, but the positive things one can gain from living with T1D. It’s an upbeat look at an often brutal disease that lets us be a little more hopeful and curious about what we may have been given with our diagnosis.
Where to get it. This book is 163 pages long and can be bought as a physical book ($14.99) or e-book ($9.99 to buy, or free with Kindle Unlimited). Both options are available for purchase on Amazon.
