Diabetes in Fiction

A YA reimagining of Jane Austen’s Emma: a teenage matchmaker, recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, creates a Bachelor-style fundraiser where the winner gets to date her school’s most stubbornly-single guy—only to fall in love with the leading man herself. COMING SUMMER 2027

A feel-good, coming-of-age rom-com from debut author Page Powars that follows a trans teen who joins a boyfriend borrowing service masquerading as an Italian Club to prove that he’s one of the guys, especially to its frustratingly handsome leader. Noah Byrd is the perfect boy. At least, that’s what he needs to convince his new classmates of to prove his gender. His plan? Join the school’s illustrious (and secret) Borrow a Boyfriend Club, whose members rent themselves out for dates. Once he’s accepted among the bros, the “slip-ups” end. But Noah’s interview is a flop. Desperate, he strikes a deal with the club’s prickly but attractive president, Asher. Noah will help them win an annual talent show—and in return, he’ll get a second shot to demonstrate his boyfriend skills in a series of tests that include romancing Asher himself. If Noah can’t bring home the win, his best chance to prove that he’s man enough is gone. Yet even if he succeeds, he still loses . . . because the most important rule of the Borrow a Boyfriend Club is simple: no real boyfriends (or girlfriends) allowed. And as long as the club remains standing as high as Asher’s man bun, Noah and Asher can never explore their growing feelings for one another.

Agnes Hunter, a woman with a Type I diabetes and Matthew Chandler, a handsome billionaire crossed paths through Agnes’ blog. On their first meeting, it’s all about business. Matt has only one thing in mind: get as much information from Agnes that he knew will help his niece who was recently diagnosed with diabetes as well. What they both didn’t expect was the spark between them that arise every time they were together despite the dark past that haunts both of them. Agnes is starting to fall for Matt but at the same time worried. Will it be another failed relationship just like what she had in the past? Or, it’s going to be a success for her heart this time? Is Matt the answer for the romance and sweetness that her heart desires?

In the battle to regulate his blood sugar, Jerry March joins a new gym, but while working out his insecurity, he overdoes it on the treadmill. His insulin drops and so does Jerry. Fellow gym member Gianni Lappatura rushes to his rescue with a glass of juice and a helping hand. A few days later, Jerry gets to return the favor. After watching Gianni’s opera-singing strip act, Jerry finds him stuck in the rain with a dead battery and saves the day. As thanks and because he thinks Jerry is cute, Gianni asks him on a date. It’s too good to be true, and Jerry soon learns his Mr. Perfect needs a bit of help of own. But Gianni’s imperfections open Jerry’s eyes to the beauty of limitations.

Are you looking for exciting and inspiring children’s books to capture your child’s imagination and teach them important values like courage, bravery, and determination? Look no further than Lainey’s Type 1 Adventures book series! Immerse yourself in Lainey’s Type 1 Diabetes Adventures: Mixing Up Magic in Paris, the first book in the series! Follow the courageous and determined ten-year-old Lainey, who loves to bake with her beloved Granny but faces a life-changing diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Despite her fears and doubts, Lainey embarks on an extraordinary adventure to Paris armed with Granny’s treasured wooden spoon, which holds a mysterious power. Through Lainey’s eyes, experience the challenges she overcomes and the magical encounters she has along the way. Discover the true meaning of courage, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself. Guided chapter discussion questions and coloring pages are included for each chapter. This additional resource will encourage readers to think beyond the pages and promote discussions. Perfect for kids’ book clubs, teachers, and parents.

Sixteen-year-old Kat and her mom haven’t seen much of each other since Kat’s father died last year. Her mom has taken over the family trucking business and has been away a lot. She promised that Kat could join her on her next run, a journey across the frozen Manitoba lake known as the “winter road.” But at the last minute she changes her mind. Kat, who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, stows away in the back of the semi instead. By the time her mother discovers her, it’s too late to turn back.

Zeus comes from a long line of heroic dogs, and he dreams of glory as a K9 commander. But he receives a much more dangerous assignment—middle school! And as all good service dogs know, the only way to get through hostile territory is by being invisible. Zeus’s new human, Madden, is diabetic, and he wants to be invisible, too. That’s hard to do with a huge German Shepherd at his side to alert him when his blood sugar drops. And it’s even harder because Madden makes this noise called music that draws attention. Zeus’s mission becomes clear: he must destroy music. While Zeus’s training prepared him for his most important job—keeping Madden safe—he discovers the human world is complicated. As Madden dreams of winning the state band competition and tries to reconnect with his mom, the lieutenant, Zeus must learn that, sometimes, you need to stand out to fulfill your duty.

Twelve-year-old Ruth must spend her summer at the University of Toronto, where her mother is hired to clean the Institute of Biological Research. There, the lonely girl is befriended by Dr. Banting and his assistant Mr. Best, who are in search of a cure for diabetes. But much to Ruth’s dismay, the research they are doing involves testing on animals. She’s not the only one concerned about the dogs: a group of animal rights protestors become a regular fixture outside the institute. When the group leader tries to enlist Ruth’s support, she is torn between her sympathy for animals and her loyalty to Dr. Banting and Mr. Best.

Managing a chronic illness like Type 1 Diabetes before the threat of an apocalypse sucked most of the time, but the rationing of food and medicine is quickly making it impossible. Fortunately, Lily’s favorite distraction, Ethan, has been hanging out with her brother more and more. Between visits, Lily finds security in being prepared for the virus and its continually reaching famine. She works in her garden, helps her chemist father create a machine to make insulin in their home and attempts to help her dad find a cure for the virus. But everything comes crashing down when her dad is deployed, and their rations are cut. When her carefully laid plans start unraveling, she’ll not only learn if she can survive, but discover if she has it in her to thrive.

At the steps of the Choosing Tower, Gordon tosses his name into the lottery like all boys his age. When his name is called out and he is proclaimed the new king, what should be a moment of celebration takes a dark turn. Soon, he is hunted by the ruthless Firstcouncillor Trunculin. Pursued by kingdom airships and the very soldiers sworn to protect him, the young king has to align with great warriors and unexpected allies. With the healer Loren and a fearless young warrior named Aline by his side, can Gordon find a way to save himself – and his kingdom?

He was finally about to graduate high school, escape the misery that was his home life, and take off to travel the world with his awesome girlfriend, Kamiko. Solar flares and turning into a mutant put an end to all that. Typical of his luck, he’d gotten a non-standard mutation, meaning he’d never be accepted into the Big Four clans – who were banding together to stave off impending doom. What’s more, he’s sole carer for his human mother, and she hates mutants. At least he still has the newly-mutated Kamiko by his side. But she wants to migrate north with other ‘reject’ mutants, and Dante can’t blame her. Every day they stay put is a day their lives are at risk- from gangs, normies, and even the government. Not mention the whole ‘dying from thirst and starvation thing’. And there’s Bev, his narcissistic, abusive mother. She’s an awful parent, but she’s also the only family he’s ever known. And despite everything she’s put him through, she’s never abandoned him. Could he really abandon her?

DON'T CALL ME SUGAR BABY! is based on the true-life story of a friend’s daughter who developed childhood onset diabetes. The book explores the life-altering changes for the girl and her family as she copes with a chronic condition.