Diabetes in Fiction

Jake fills his days with hockey, school, hanging out with his friends… oh, and managing type 1 diabetes. But diabetes doesn’t always make sense, and during his trip to the diabetes clinic, Jake learns a new term that makes things even more confusing - DKA. Luckily, Jake doesn’t have to figure it all out on his own. With the help of a Health Fairy named Afreen, Jake goes on an adventure inside his body to understand what DKA really is. Through science, laughter and a whole lot of magic, Jake learns the importance of checking for ketones and gains the knowledge and power he needs to take action and keep himself safe! All About DKA is a collaborative project from the DHF community, written as the fourth book in the Nothing Can Stop Me series. Proceeds raised from the sale of All About DKA will be used to support DHF’s free programs and resources for Canadian youth living with type 1 diabetes. Learn more at www.diabeteshopefoundation.com.

Aastha is 10 years old, loves soccer, and never goes anywhere without her hoodie. Ever. She’s fast on the field and fearless with the ball, but there’s one thing she’s scared to share: Aastha has type 1 diabetes. What if her friends treat her differently if they find out? What if they don’t understand? As Aastha gets ready for her big game, she learns that being brave isn’t just about scoring goals – it’s about being honest and staying true to yourself. The Sideline Secret is a collaborative project from the DHF community, written as the third book in DHF’s Nothing Can Stop Me series. Aastha’s story highlights the day-to-day challenges that children living with diabetes face and their resilience to overcome them with type 1 diabetes.

When Abbi’s sugar goes low during dance class, she starts to wonder if she will ever be able to dance center stage without her diabetes getting in the way. When she meets David, a fellow dancer with type 1 diabetes, she experiences the power of community and realizes that nothing can stop her from dancing her dreams. Sweet Steps is a collaborative project of the DHF community. Written as the second book in DHF’s Nothing Can Stop Me series, Abbi’s story highlights the day-to-day challenges children living with diabetes face and their ability to overcome them.

After leading his team to victory in their first championship game, Matt notices that he isn’t feeling very well. After a visit to the doctor, Matt learns he has type 1 diabetes. During his stay at the hospital, Matt and his family learn how to manage diabetes, but Matt doesn’t know if he will be feeling better in time for the championship game...and wonders if he will still be good at hockey. Based on the story of the author, Bobby's, own diagnosis, Nothing Can Stop Me! is an inspirational story for children and their families that reassures and encourages them to follow their dreams and live their best lives. Proceeds from the sale of Nothing Can Stop Me! are used to fund free programs and resources for Canadian youth living with type 1 diabetes and their families.

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.