Top 10 Best Books About Type 1 Diabetes for Parents

Getting the news that your child has Type 1 diabetes can feel like getting hit by a freight train. There’s a whole new world of blood sugar numbers, insulin, carb counting, and constant decision-making. It’s overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

There are some truly incredible books out there written by people who have been in your shoes—parents, doctors, and even folks living with Type 1 themselves. These books will help you wrap your head around what’s happening, teach you how to navigate daily life, and most importantly, remind you that you (and your child) can absolutely handle this. Here are 10 of the best books to help you on this journey.

1. Understanding Type 1 Diabetes: A Guide for Parents – H. Peter Chase, MD

If you’re looking for a solid, no-nonsense guide that breaks down the basics of Type 1 diabetes, this is it. Dr. Chase, a pediatric endocrinologist, has been helping families manage Type 1 for decades, and this book reflects that experience. It covers everything from what’s happening inside your child’s body to how to handle school, sports, and sick days.

One of the best things about this book is how straightforward it is. It doesn’t assume you have any medical background, and it keeps things practical. It won’t overwhelm you with technical jargon, but it will give you all the important info you need to start feeling more in control.

2. The Type 1 Life: A Roadmap for Parents of Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes – Jessica Freeman

If you’re still in that “deer in the headlights” stage of diagnosis, this book will feel like a warm hug from someone who’s been there. Jessica Freeman is a parent of a child with Type 1, and she wrote The Type 1 Life specifically for families who are just starting out on this journey.

She breaks down the first year with Type 1 in a way that’s easy to digest, covering everything from insulin dosing to the emotional ups and downs. What makes this book special is the way it reassures parents that life doesn’t stop after diagnosis—your child can still have sleepovers, play sports, and enjoy all the things they love. It’s realistic, hopeful, and full of practical tips you’ll use every day.

3. Type 1 Diabetes Caregiver Confidence – Samantha Markovitz

This book takes a deep dive into what it’s like raising a child with Type 1 diabetes, covering everything from toddlerhood to the teenage years. It’s written in a way that feels like having a chat with a wise friend who’s been through it all.

What I love about this book is that it’s not just about the medical side of things—it also talks about the emotional impact on both parents and kids. It gives great advice on handling tough situations like school challenges, puberty, and even burnout (which is very real). If you want a guide that goes beyond the basics and gets into the nitty-gritty of parenting a child with diabetes, this is a great choice.

4. Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes – Gary Scheiner

Okay, if you’re ready to level up your understanding of diabetes and insulin management, Think Like a Pancreas is the book for you. Written by Gary Scheiner, a diabetes educator who actually has Type 1 himself, this book is all about learning how to fine-tune blood sugar control like a pro.

Gary explains how insulin works in a way that actually makes sense (which is no small feat), and he shares real-world strategies for keeping blood sugar steady. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the ups and downs of blood sugar numbers, this book will help you understand why they happen—and more importantly, what you can do about them.

5. Highs & Lows of Type 1 Diabetes: The Ultimate Guide for Teens and Young Adults – Patrick McAllister

If you’re raising a tween or teen with Type 1, this book is a must-read—not just for them, but for you too. Highs & Lows of Type 1 Diabetes is written specifically for young people navigating diabetes during some of the most challenging years of their lives. Patrick McAllister, who has Type 1 himself, breaks down everything from managing blood sugars at school to handling sports, social situations, and even dating.

What makes this book stand out is that it speaks directly to teens in a way that feels relatable and not preachy. It acknowledges how frustrating diabetes can be while also giving real, practical advice on how to stay on top of it.

6. Sugar Surfing: How to Manage Diabetes in a Modern World – Stephen Ponder

If you’ve heard about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and want to learn how to use them to improve blood sugar control, Sugar Surfing is a must-read. Dr. Stephen Ponder, a pediatric endocrinologist with Type 1 himself, explains a more flexible, real-time approach to managing diabetes.

The book introduces the idea that diabetes management isn’t just about following a rigid set of rules—it’s about adapting and making decisions based on what’s happening right now.

7. Bright Spots & Landmines: The Diabetes Guide I Wish Someone Had Handed Me – Adam Brown

This book is like a pep talk from a friend who’s been through it all. Adam Brown, who has Type 1 himself, shares the strategies that have actually worked for him. Instead of focusing on what not to do, he highlights the “bright spots”—the small, practical changes that make managing diabetes easier.

It’s an easy, uplifting read that’s packed with helpful tips. It won’t make you feel guilty about the things that aren’t going perfectly—it just gives you ideas for little tweaks that can make a big difference.

8. Kids First, Diabetes Second – Leighann Calentine

This book is written by a mom who’s been exactly where you are, and that makes all the difference. Leighann Calentine’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 as a toddler, and she shares all the things she’s learned along the way.

Her philosophy is that your child is a kid first—diabetes is just something they have to manage. This book is full of real-world advice on handling everything from school to birthday parties, and it’s a great reminder that diabetes doesn’t have to take over your child’s life.

9. When a Child Has Diabetes – Denis Daneman, Marcia Frank, & Kusiel Perlman

This book is a fantastic all-in-one guide for parents who want a thorough understanding of Type 1 diabetes. It’s practical, easy to follow, and covers everything you need to know, from insulin dosing to long-term care.

It’s especially useful for newly diagnosed families because it breaks things down step by step and answers a lot of the “what do we do now?” questions. If you’re looking for a solid reference book, this is a great one to have on hand.

10. Type 1, Year One – Michele Segura

The first year after a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis can feel like one long crash course in survival. Type 1, Year One is a heartfelt and incredibly relatable account of a mother navigating that first year after her teenager was diagnosed. Andrea H. L. Lane takes readers through the highs and lows of learning to manage diabetes while also dealing with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

What makes this book special is its honesty. It doesn’t sugarcoat how overwhelming the early days can be, but it also reassures parents that they will figure it out—one day, one dose, and one blood sugar reading at a time. It’s part memoir, part guide, and it’s packed with the kind of real-world wisdom that only comes from lived experience.

Final Thoughts

Managing Type 1 diabetes is a lot, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. These books are here to guide you, reassure you, and remind you that you’ve got this. Pick one (or a few!) that sound right for you, and know that you’re not in this alone.

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