Diabetes in Fiction

Eddie the kitten isn't feeling well. His mother takes him to see Dr. Whiskers, who diagnoses type 1 diabetes. Doc Whiskers explains to Eddie what is happening inside his body. He tells Eddie and his parents how to manage his diabetes. Eddie leaves Dr. Whiskers' office triumphantly, determined to do everything he can to stay healthy and happy.

Meet Emilia and Her Sugar Dragon, a magical, heartwarming story that helps children understand Type 1 Diabetes with kindness, honesty, and a touch of whimsy. When her Sugar Dragon is calm, Emilia runs, plays, and laughs with her friends. But sometimes the Dragon gets sleepy and low, or fiery and high, and that's when Emilia uses her snacks, water, insulin pump, glucose monitor, and even her school nurse to help.

When Jack receives the news from his doctor that he’s type 1 diabetic, he's filled with questions: “Can I still eat ice cream?” “What about playing football?” and “What does it all mean?” In this reassuring story, Jack finds answers to those questions and discovers that living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t stop him from enjoying a life filled with joy and adventure. Through heartwarming storytelling, this book offers a relatable exploration of new words like cannula, insulin, and blood sugar levels, ensuring every child feels informed and empowered.

My Body Beeps is a joyful and empowering picture book that opens the door for children to talk about balancing their medical needs with fun, everyday life. Written by award-winning author and disability advocate Katherine Lockwood, this book helps young readers explore the sounds and sensations of their medical devices—like insulin pumps and glucose monitors—while learning how to manage their health with confidence and ease. The story follows Katie, a girl with diabetes, as she navigates the daily balance between taking care of her body and enjoying the things she loves, like playing and having fun with friends.

Are you ready for a story filled with courage, friendship, and the magic of childhood? Hello Miss Lavender is about a delightful 10-year-old, Lavender Ann, named after her mother’s favorite color…purple! Lavender Ann loves to swim, ride bikes, and roller skate with her best friend Lilly, and nothing can stop them! Not even a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes at the tender age of seven. At first, Lavender Ann felt bewildered and out of place, wondering why she was different from her peers. This heartwarming book explains what it means to have Type 1 Diabetes, nurturing empathy and understanding among young readers. Lavender Ann's journey teaches kids that challenges may come their way, but with determination and the love of a true friend, they can conquer anything and pursue their dreams!

EVEN SUPERHEROES GET DIABETES focuses on the gift within the illness. It is the story of a boy named Kelvin who loves Superheroes. His childhood days are spent in imaginative play--saving the day. One day, his fantasies are marred by the reality of getting diabetes...the incessant finger pricks, shots, and the constant doctor's appointments. When a mysterious doctor uncovers that Kelvin has superpowers, the story reveals itself as the genesis of a new kind of superhero. Kelvin is monikered 'Super K' and uses his superpowers to help other kids with diabetes. The discovery of Super K's superpowers is akin to the discovery of one's inner strength in the face of adversity--in the face of illness. The comic book style illustrations by Micah Chambers-Goldberg beautifully connect children and parents to the world of diabetes. The book includes a kid friendly diagram that explains type 1 diabetes, and definitions that discuss both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

It is a story about Diabetes and taking insulin for young kids. Although parents are of course primarily responsible for the care of their child's diabetes, it is important that the children themselves are aware that they too must take some responsibility. This book encourages children to follow the instructions given to them by their doctors and parents, to eat healthily, and to see their insulin injections as something brave that they do, that other children cannot! Instead of viewing diabetes and their daily injections as something negative, the story encourages them to think of it as something that sets them apart from their peers in a positive way!

Where does insulin go? In the butter compartment of the fridge, of course. Mommy Beeps is a story for children who have a parent, sibling, teacher, or other loved one who has diabetes. Explore the day in the life of a type 1 diabetic and her child as they go on adventures - dealing with high and low sugars, waiting on hold for lab results, and visiting the endocrinologist. Check out the book "highly recommended" by DiabetesDaily.com - with detailed illustrations of diabetic supplies & machines that beep (whether a meter or pump), Mommy Beeps provides opportunities to discuss the varying ways diabetes can be managed and how it impacts those around them. This book is sure to be an essential for any child who is close with anyone who has type 1 diabetes (or type 2!) - but is not diabetic themselves.

This color illustrated book for elementary age children contains an instructive story of a grade-schooler with diabetes who tells his classmates about the disease and how he manages it. The story offers sensitive insight into the day-to-day "school life" of a child with a chronic illness. Includes "Ten Tips for Teachers" and "Kids Quiz".

After being sent to the hospital, Brian finds out has diabetes. Brian's mother decides to get a stuffed bear for Brian. She sews special patches on the same areas where Brian gets his insulin shots and puts hearts on the paws where Brian gets his fingers pricked for glucose testing. Brian now has his own "diabetic" bear with which to share his fears and experiences.

7-year old Max has type 1 diabetes. In fact, everyone in Beta Town has, but that’s what makes Beta Town so cool. One day, while guarding the insulin cube against the dastardly King Carb’s plans to steal it, Max gains superpowers from a top secret insulin pump and turns him into Beta Town’s very own superhero, Captain Lantus.

Ava Ann Rabbit has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She has to learn to navigate this new medical world she’s been thrown into, all while finding out where she fits in the world. When her teacher gives the class an assignment to make an art piece about their life, Ava Ann digs deep, and creates a unique project that combines aspects of her life from before and after her diabetes diagnosis.