Pregnancy-and-Diabetes Books

FOUND THE BOOK TO BE VERY INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE. AUTHOR PRESENTS BOTH THE PROS AND CONS OF AN INSULIN PUMP AND SHARES HER PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. A MUST FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING, OR NOT SURE OF, GETTING AN INSULIN PUMP.

The insulin pump demystified,I really enjoyed reading this book as it gave so much information in a very simple way. The tips offered were easy to follow and such common sense. I been on the pump for four months the this book has been a wonderful friend passing on all that I need to know. I have perused other books on pumping but I found the to be to technical and to difficult to read.

I have been type 1 for 20 years and on a pump for 36 days now! This book was very informative. I could relate to much of the material since I have been diabetic for so long. Since going on a pump, I could relate easily to her pump related advice.
A excellant read for anyone new to a pump or considering it. Just because I have been diabetic for 20 years insures me of nothing. Pump therapy is very different compared to anything else. Informative books such as this one are essential to improving and educating each one of us.
I strongly recommend this book.

this is a brilliant book that really opened my eyes to the insulin pump and the benefits it can bring. Before reading this book i was terrified about the pump and now i am nearly a year pumping. Well worth a read for any one with type 1 diabetes

I've been a Type 1 (IDDM) diabetic for over 15 years. I was lucky in the sense that I didn't get it until college, so I didn't have to deal with it as a child. However, diabetes at any age is tough. The insulin dependent kind in particular is tough because no amount of exercise or weight loss is going to reverse it. However, there is one thing that can come close, insulin pump therapy.

I'm now in my late 30s and my diabetes was getting much more difficult to control. I decided to seriously consider pump therapy. I knew a bit about it but not much. This book has made me an insulin pumping pro and helped me put any fears I had into perspective.

I bought this book because I wanted to hear about pumping from another diabetic who was using an insulin pump. Gabrielle Kaplan-Meyer does a great job of making pumping easy to understand and gives someone considering pumping clear facts. There are many issues to consider and having a clear guide helps tremendously.

Kaplan-Mayer gives you the facts in stories. The stories come from her own life or from interviews with other insulin pumping diabetics. Those help you relate and gives you what you need to make a good decision. At the end of each chapter she has a checklist highlighting important things to remember. That makes it easy to take in and easy to refer back to, if needed.

I even took the book to the hospital with me when checked in to get my new pump. It came in handy during my first few days and when I had some worries, I could quickly refer back to it for information. I've even loaned to a friend so he can learn more about what I have to deal with.

I would highly recommend this book to any diabetic considering pumping.

I just have to say that I am very impressed with this book! I wish it had been around for my first T1 pregnancy! Reading it really validated all of my frustrations about the sudden and drastic change in care once the baby was born. It also has realistic suggestions about how to deal with the frustrations of diabetes and explaining it to your kids. I can not begin to tell you how many times my child has snuck into my supply of juice boxes for low blood sugar! This book is wonderful and a must read for any mom with diabetes planning for a family. I can't stress how much I wish I had it the first time around! I'll be leaving it in my CDE for another 1st time mommy to read!

My husband is a type 1 diabetic. We are in the planning stages for thinking about possibly having children, and I obviously have my aprehensions for how his diabetes will affect him/us with very small children. A few (maybe 3) times during the time that I have known him, he has fallen into a severe low that he does not feel coming on, and it renders him basically comatose until someone else brings him out of it. I knew this book would deal with a woman with diabetes being pregnant and caring for a child, but other reviews I had heard also said it did a great job of detailing out the best way for the father with diabetes to respond as well, and I was hoping for a book to show me different things to do for my husband to make sure that he is okay when I leave him alone with the child.

I think the book probably does a great job of detailing how to deal with a pregnancy, but I have been terribly dissapointed with the amount of time spent on the fathers, and generally when she is speaking to the fathers, she is addressing them as to how to care for their diabetic pregnant wives. I really want to give it like half a star, but I guess the material is good, the title is just bad. It should not be "When you are a PARENT with Diabetes", it should be "When you are a MOTHER with Diabetes." If that was the title, I would not have wasted my money.

On a separate note, if anyone knows of a good book dealing mostly with a baby/child being raied by a diabetic father, I would love to know the title.

Kathryn Gregorio Palmer knows diabetes. She has lived with it since age 18. Her husband also has type 1 diabetes and they have two healthy young boys. So, when you read so much about the risks of parenting among diabetics, you can't help but think they may be on to something that all of us diabetics can learn from.

In writing "When You're a Parent With Diabetes: A Real Life Guide to Staying Healthy While Raising a Family" Palmer made her dream of helping other parents struggling with diabetes come true. Using a tone that never sounds condescending while still delivering very valuable pearls of wisdom from her own experience, Palmer takes the reader through the different stages of parenting in a very well structured and enjoyable way.

She doesn't stop at sharing her own experience. The book's 144 pages are also packed with anecdotes from female and male parents as they live through the struggles of parenting with diabetes.

Starting with the considerations leading up to parenthood, including thoughts about gestational diabetes, things to monitor throughout pregnancy and during labor and delivery, the book also even devotes space to adoption as an option for diabetics.

The first year of parenthood, the preschool years, while you still are your children's hero and the time when you can be a cause of serious embarrassment for them (think how teenage children may feel about having their diabetic parent shoot insulin or test blood glucose in public), all have a space in the book.

A whole chapter is devoted to some of the challenges diabetics want to forget about, such as how to talk with kids about diabetes complications, dealing with diabetes and depression, and a cause of much concern: the worries of one's own children developing diabetes.

The last pages are spent reminding us diabetics of the things we can and should do to stay healthy and avoid complications as much as possible, so we can live long to enjoy the lives of our children and grandchildren.

All in all, "When You're a Parent With Diabetes: A Real Life Guide to Staying Healthy While Raising a Family" is an excellent resource for diabetics, whether they are planning to raise a family or they already have kids and can use a little extra help. If you are diabetic or your partner is diabetic, whether you are male or female, you should definitely get yourself a copy.

This is an excellent book-- a must read for anyone with diabetes contemplating a family. It gives the kind of encouragement necessary for staying focused. Thanks for writing!

I have been a type 1 diabetic for the last twenty years. Now approaching my late twenties, I'm thinking about starting a family and preparing my body for that adventure. Doctors tell me about what my A1c should be and how my numbers should ring in, but no one could tell me about what it would be like once the kid actually arrived. How was I going to manage my diabetes daily duties and the daily doodies of a baby? Was it possible? I was unsure and overwhelmed and no one could give me an honest answer.

Finding Kassie Palmer's book, "When You're a Parent with Diabetes," was exactly what I needed. She didn't gloss over her answers and offer platitudes and cliches about dealing with parenting - she gave Real Life situations and actually eased some of my anxieties about parenting.

I feel that I'm at least semi-ready to think about a family now. And that's saying an awful lot.

I would urge any diabetics who are thinking about starting a family to pick up this book. It's a must-read for anyone who wants both insulin bottles and formula bottles in their homes. :)

I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE EXCELLENT FOR THE JUST INFORMED DIABETIC WOMAN. SO MANY DOCTORS JUST TELL YOU THE NEWS, HAND YOU A PRESCRIPTION AND YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. I HAVE RECOMMENDED THIS BOOK TO MY PHARMACY AND HEALTH FOOD STORE, BOTH WHO SAY NEWLY INFORMED DIABETICS COME IN AND SAY THEY HAVEN'T A CLUE OF WHAT TO DO NOW.

June Biermann and Barbara Toohey team up with Dr. Lois Jovanovic-Peterson to create the best question and answer book for the diabetic female. The book is divided into three stages of life. Each stage is categorized into developments common with the age group. There is even a special chapter about diabetes and pregnancy in the second life stage. Complications are discussed, but not emphasized. Living life to the fullest is the goal. Type 2 diabetes is also discussed briefly. The tone of the book is lighthearted and often funny. There are several antecdotes about life with diabetes and how to answer some of the questions a person is asked by well meaning friends or family. This book is a must for both the diabetic patient and her loved ones.

This book describes the transformation of diabetes from a rapidly-fatal illness to a chronic one with a host of new associated problems. Though written by a physician, the book focuses on this transformation from patients' perspectives. In addition, it emphasizes the impact of diabetes on not just the health of individuals but also on their day-to-day lives.

The highlight of this book is the collection of stories of individual patients and families. Drawing from letters and other patient records at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Feudtner vividly details the lives of diabetic patients in the 20th century. Of particular interest is a patient who corresponds with his physicians using self-drawn cartoons, a number of which are included in the book.

While this book will be of special interest to diabetic patients and physicians, I recommend it to any reader intersted in the interplay between modern medicine and the people it aims to serve.

DIABETES AMONG THE PIMA: STORIES OF SURVIVAL could've been featured in our Health Section, but is reviewed here for its narrowed focus on Native health and health care in this country. While the Pima community receives the primary focus, DIABETES AMONG THE PIMA offering the first in-depth ethnographic analysis of all causes of diabetes in this community, the book holds wider recommendation for examining Pima core values, health attitudes, and attitudes toward treatment, making it a 'must' for any college-level Native American collection.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I liked Meal Planning for Diabetes in Pregnancy : Practical Applications. It has good recipes. It is also good to help explain diabetes. Mrs. Burani has helped me a lot. She is my dietician and a good author.

This is the best book on Diabetes Type 2 I've read to date. It's well-written while remaining informative. Rosenthal succeeds in teaching us about anatomy, psychology, and medicine in easy-to-read and comprehensive, yet truly interesting text.

The historical background of Diabetes Type 2 is fascinating and answers many questions. She covers everything we *really* need to know and understand about the disease. This book is a must for all women who either have diabetes or suspect that something is wrong with their health. It's not just for diabetics, it's for women!! Bravo!

As a mother of a child with "special needs", I found this book to be quite inspiring. In the introduction, it is recommended you read a few essays at a time. While the information can be overwhelming at times, they are also joyous. I read the entire book in two sittings. It was so wonderful to see how these parents overcame their own fears and depression so they may enjoy their children.
You will truly realize "You are not alone" after reading these collective essays. There is also a wonderful place at the end of the book for parents to turn to for help and support.

I am a Genetic Counseling student and this book was a great read before I started my program. It really inspired me and reminded me of why I was going to go into this field.
I bought it to keep on my book shelf in my future office so that I may share some of these stories with patients if I feel they would benefit from them.
It is a book of hope, caring and emotion.

Perhaps I'm taking the title of the book "You Will Dream New Dreams" a bit too literally. This collection of stories written or dictated by parents of children with disabilities offers information, insights, anecdotes, and snippets from their lives and experiences.

Many of the chapters are indeed sobering and deliver a welcomed jolt of optimism and hope. Some recount the efforts required to get the medical professionals to get off their high horse and focus on the evidence they either cannot grasp or discount. Many recount the work, progress, and advocacy that are required as parents have to become social, educational, legal, and even medical icebreakers that plow through the morass of societal obstacles imposed on anyone outside the narrow confines of what is deemed "normal." Some of the best advice here is that parents let go of guilt and blame about unchangeable events---advice that mirrors some of the Buddhists texts I've read as well.

A few stories fail to convince me that those involved are not still legitimately in denial, particularly those that convey sentiments such as "we would not change anything," or "we would not be given anything we could not handle." I'm also bothered a bit by assertions of gratitude toward a disabled child for helping a parent gain insight, strength, or wisdom because all children potentially should provide these opportunities.

Overall, this is quite valuable book for families who are coming to terms with the death of their dreams while new dreams are being fomented. The sage advice to focus on abilities not disabilities rings true, again, as much for "normal" children as for those without a disability. In that regard, this book should probably be required reading for anyone who plans to have a family and who is naïve about the way the genetic lottery works

Moreover, without delving too deeply into this subject, the focus of this book, in my opinion, is not to diminish the lives, experiences, or contributions of anyone who has any sort of disability, but to convey the idea that matters beyond anyone's control do affect and transform others. No judgment should be implied or inferred by such recognition about the intrinsic value of any person.

So do I dream new dreams? Sometimes, at some levels, I do when I'm awake. But dreams during sleep have their own odd reality, and when my daughter appears in those dreams free from her disabilities, what am I to make of the incongruity of reality and hope?

My very pro-life girlfriend sent me this book as a gift the week I was due to go in for invasive testing to find out if I would be in these parents' shoes. She meant it well but it was poor and inappropriate timing. Once I had my test results, which said my baby was 'normal', I then read the book and learned a lot. I'll give you the perspective from a parent who has never had extra challenges to raising my children.

This book is geared to those who have just learned of a diagnosis. I would also recommend it to anyone who works in related fields. It doesn't address the long-term issues and doesn't hand out answers. The parents were mostly disarmingly honest in how they felt and how they coped. Some of the parents of children with Down Syndrome were a little rightious but most were refreshingly forthright.

While I feel grateful that I never had to face what these parents have, I didn't pity them. I also felt, and it is always the possiblity that I might still find myself in similar shoes, that the strength is there. I would learn and grow and cope with what we would face and it wouldn't diminish the love I have for my children, including the one en route. I could adjust my dreams.

The book is engaging and reads easily. I want to learn more on the subject. You also learn what to say and not say to other parents. We're all equals. It's a tough job and maybe some of us have a job a little more difficult but we'll all get it in the end, whatever the goals and aspirations are.

As a sibling of a child with special needs, You Will Dream New Dreams helped me evaluate the dreams I have had for my brother in the past, and how I should change them for the future. It also helped me better understand my parents, and how they have coped with having a child with a special need.

I would highly recommend this book to parents, and older siblings of children with special needs, and to professionals that are planning on working with children with special needs. I feel that this book would provide parents a feeling of support and hope for their child and their child's future. I think that this book would help older siblings understand their parents better, and why they have done things in life in a certain way. As for professionals, I feel it allows them an insight into the types of families they may be working with, which will allow them to empathize with the family rather than sympathize for the family.

I keep this book on my desk and show it to every pregnant woman that I counsel. It is full of practical information that is clear and easy to understand. My patients tell me that this book answers most of their questions. I highly recommend it.

Recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes, this book was extremely helpful and informative. It answered all of the questions I had about the condition and how it was affecting my pregnancy in an easy to understand format.

I showed this book to my dietician - she was so impressed, she is ordering several for her office.

I was very disappointed in this book. I bought 3 books when I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes & this one cost the most & it was the least helpful. I didn't like the questions & answer format of this book. I wanted facts & advice, not corny questions & answers. Alot of fluff. I recomend Managing your Gestational Diabetes by Lois Jovanovic-Peterson MD instead.

I am the editor and forum host of Diabetic Mommy Online Magazine - http://www.diabeticmommy.com

I just read this book. Those of you that know me from my site, know that I like straight forward and easy to understand books. I don't have a whole lot of time on my hands, and I love to have the answers served up to me that are direct, to the point, thoroughly explained - AND delivered in an entertaining tone.

This little book hit all those marks. I learned some new things too!

The format is totally question and answer. When I first heard that, I thought, Oh no, it's just going to be one question after another, totally unrelated, and I'm going to end up feeling like I'm having a bunch of facts thrown in my face!

It was far from that. It was an interesting read. The book is organized into categories that flow in a logical progression - for instance going from planning to after birth. The tone of the book is friendly and positive.

I found a lot of the same questions in the book that I find in my forum. So, it does a pretty good job predicting what issues a Diabetic Mommy might need more info on.

There are also plenty of charts and small lists for easy reference.

This system doesn't allow you to give 1/2 stars, and in the review on my site, I gave it 4-1/2 stars. I didn't feel marking 4 stars here would do the book justice so I marked 5.

The reason why I didn't give it all 5 stars is because I did not feel the glossary was complete. In a format like this, it's hard to go back and find information you want to re-read. It's hard to remember where it was when many of the questions deal with the same basic subjects. It's a small enough book and it's easy enough to find what you are looking for, but it would be a whole lot easier if there were more in the glossary.

I was debating on throwing this in, but decided to go ahead. This is a perfect "bathroom" book. You can reread it or flip through it to refresh your memory often. It's also light enough and entertaining enough for other members of the family to flip through when they encounter it. I would recommend this one being in a Diabetic Mommy's collection.

Bjay, Editor
Diabetic Mommy Online Magazine
http://www.DiabeticMommy.com

I found this book to be chock full of interesting and invaluable information. It explains so much about the ways this disease affects you and how important your eating habits are. It also explains in detail how the different types of medications work. I would recommend this book to any woman who has Type 2 diabetes.

I've been a nurse for 20 years and thought I knew enough about diabetes. Then I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and found myself asking alot of the same questions that I've heard other patients ask. This book was a big help to me and will be a big help for my family in understanding how to live with and control this condition.