Wednesday, December 12, 2012

#GiveAllTheThings: Books For Grown-ups.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to:

Krissy McMomma: The Great Katie Kate Discusses Diabetes - wonderful book for kids to bring to school to read to their class. 

Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com!

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One of the nice things about the weather turning cooler around here is that I'm more inclined to curl up with a good book. If you're also of that persuasion, you'll enjoy today's giveaway...


Products: Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin, and the Making of a Medical Miracle by Thea Cooper and Arthur Ainsberg, and The Book of Better by Chuck Eichten - both for one lucky winner!

Made possible by: Breakthrough was provided for this giveaway by Lilly Diabetes; The Book of Better is an extra (unused) copy I had been given earlier this year.

Why you want this: I've read both of these books, and I recommend them. Plus, you'll get both ends of the spectrum here - while one is more serious and educational, the other is humorous, and sometimes even inspiring. Break out the tissues and grins, folks. It's about to go down.

To enter today's contest: Leave a comment below with the name of a book (yes, an actual book - not a blog!) you think is a must-read for people living with diabetes! Even better if you can link us to where people can find it. Leave your comment before 9:00pm CST tonight, and I'll update this post shortly after that with the name of today's winner. Open to U.S residents only, and remember that Give All The Things! prizes are intended for people with diabetes and their caregivers. Good luck!

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post

38 comments:

  1. The book I used daily for years was the Calorie King "Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter" for carb counting. http://www.calorieking.com/store/
    Now I just have it memorized!
    One I haven't read but have heard good things about is Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner. http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147

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  2. Absolutely "The Discovery of Insulin," by Michael Bliss. I've shared it with friends who don't even know about diabetes and they found it to be a page turner too. I'm shocked I"ve never read either of the above. I have a long plane ride to Mexico in a little over a week (don't hate on me!) .... I want an Oompah Loompah and I want it NOW Daddy!

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  3. I read this book years ago after I had got the news that I am a diabetic. This book taught me a lot that the doctors never told me.
    Your First Year with Diabetes by Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE

    http://www.shopdiabetes.org/148-your-first-year.aspx

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  4. I was diagnosed with T1D one year ago today! And a few days later, I bought Sam Talbot's The Sweet Life: Diabetes without Boundaries. It's part memoir and part cookbook. The recipes are yum, and Sam's travel and activities are inspiring. It made me realize that I can do anything with T1D, including continuing to play roller derby :)

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Sweet-Life-Diabetes-Boundaries/dp/1605290955

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  5. Breakthrough is definitely a book you need to read if you haven't already, and I second Michael Bliss' Discovery of Insulin. Amazing book.

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  6. When I first got diagnosed, I got the "Pink Panther" book. It's actually called, "Understanding Diabetes," by Peter Chase. It's a great book for younger diabetics, and it's a wonderful way to help kids understand more about how to take care of themselves.

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  7. I read Think Like a Pancreas based on recommendations when I was first diagnosed two years ago. I started out with multiple daily injections, so I didn't read the whole book, but I read the rest on pumping when I started the OmniPod. Very helpful and very accessible! Fun to read the history of diabetes and how it used to be diagnosed and treated through the years!

    http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147

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  8. I third the Discovery of Insulin by Michael Bliss! Wonderful book

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  9. All I can say is wait till you get to the blue sweater in Breakthrough. I was bawling like a baby. Read that book a month ago and probably think about it every other day, still! Great prizes today!

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  10. "Pumping Insulin" a boring answer but full of useful stuff. It really helped me figure out what is happening with my body when I exercise.

    Jason

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  11. I haven't found a really good "read", but we found Pumping Insulin by John Walsh and Ruth Roberts is a great resource since we are just getting started with an insulin pump. The books talked about here are definitely being added to my "to read" list. Thank you everyone for the great ideas!

    http://www.diabetesnet.com/pumping-insulin

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  12. Think Like a Pancreas is a great read for all diabetics! It makes you feel empowered and know that we CAN beat this.

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  13. My former endocrinologist from Children's Hospital wrote both of these books (one for kids and one for teens). I would say they are both a must read for the younger crowd and maybe even the parents

    Workbook for kids:
    http://www.amazon.com/Its-Time-Learn-About-Diabetes/dp/0471347434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355326582&sr=8-1&keywords=it%27s+time+to+learn+about+diabetes

    Book for Teens:
    http://www.amazon.com/Control-Guide-Teens-Diabetes/dp/0471212601/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355326748&sr=1-3&keywords=diabetes+teens

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  14. I actually have never read any books on diabetes :(
    But I bought Needles: A Memoir Of Growing Up With Diabetes over a year ago and have been wanting to read it.

    http://www.amazon.com/Needles-Memoir-Growing-Up-Diabetes/dp/0684856549/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355327444&sr=1-1&keywords=needles

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  15. Think Like a Pancreas. Best book ever.

    I want these books. Gimme. GIMME.

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  16. My "must read" book would definitely be Getting a Grip on Diabetes by Spkie and Bo Loy http://books.google.com/books?id=xmD8jVVEeXkC&q=diabetes+Loy&dq=diabetes+Loy&hl=en&sa=X&ei=z6vIUKKtDsLqiQKbioCgBQ&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAg

    But my #2 book would definitely be No-Sugar Added Poetry ...although I don't think it is neccesary, it has helped me through some tough times. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8538370-no-sugar-added-poetry

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  17. Think Like A Pancreas. Loved it!

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  18. I'm in the middle of Breakthrough right now. What a great book! I've loved learning more about how diabetes was treated in the past. It really makes me appreciate all the technology we have now and has really made me think about how the definition of a cure changes over time.

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  19. I'm a school nurse and had at one time over 50 diabetic kids under my care. Since then I've developed a strong interest in learning as much about diabetes and motivating good behavior as I can. both of these books sound like a good read over the holidays and thanks for the giveaway.

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  20. Das Energi by Paul Williams. It is out of print and sorta "groovy" read, but it helps me come to grips with myself, what I can and can NOT do, why fear is not an option and the importance of personal responsibility. No one is gonna do this for me, so I might as well pull myself up and do it. http://www.amazon.com/Das-Energi-Paul-Williams/dp/0934558000

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  21. Think like a pancreas. great read!

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  22. I read "Sweet Invisible Body" by Lisa Roney (http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Invisible-Body-Reflections-Diabetes/dp/0805056459) was a great "real life" book. It is her story of life with T1D.

    I also read "Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified" By Dr. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer (http://www.amazon.com/Insulin-Pump-Therapy-Demystified-Essential/dp/1569245088) 4 years ago when I was contemplating the pump. (I hear that "Think like a Pancreas" is an incredible read!)

    I have heard that "Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-Existing Diabetes: Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby" by Cheryl Alkon (http://www.cherylalkon.com/book.php)is a must-read too!

    I LOVE books and the opportunity to know more (and apply it!) so I can live better!

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  23. I read and have a copy of Needles: A Memoir Of Growing Up With Diabetes. It's a pretty good book! http://www.amazon.com/Needles-Memoir-Growing-Up-Diabetes/dp/0684856549/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355327444&sr=1-1&keywords=needles

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  24. If you're a pumper, Pumping With Insulin by John Walsh and Ruth Roberts is a must-read.

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  25. I learned so much from Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner. It has practical advice and the author understands the day to day demands of living with diabetes.

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  26. I just read Cheryl Alkon's book "Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-Existing Diabetes" and future moms with diabetes should read it too. She pretty much covers everything.

    You can buy it on Amazon. I got mine at the library. Or you can ask for it here (http://www.cherylalkon.com/book.php) and she'll sign it!

    Jen

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  27. Yay, real books! When I was younger I really enjoyed Sugar Isn't Everything. However, more recently read, I suggest Phil Sutherland's Not Dead Yet. Even if you are not a bicycler ('cause biker sounds like a motorcycle), I think the book is encouraging without making you feel like Phil hasn't actually ever lived with diabetes. Also, even more excited to read Think Like a Pancreas (it's on my bookshelf).

    Sugar Isn't Everything: http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Everything-Willo-Davis-Roberts/dp/0689712251
    Not Dead Yet: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/not-dead-yet-phil-southerland/1100355619

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  28. I definitely recommend "Pumping Insulin" because it has so much good, useful information. I have also read "The Fight to Survive: A Young Girl, Diabetes, and the Discovery of Insulin" by Caroline Cox, which is also tells the story of Elizabeth Hughes and the discovery of insulin. You can find it on Amazon. I found it very compelling, and I'm interested to read "Breakthrough" to see how the stories compare.

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  29. The one book that I've read that has made the most sense to me was "Think Like a Pancreas" by Gary Scheiner. I'm not sure who it was that suggested it to me, but I do know that my copy is all dog eared and noted in. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read "Breakthrough". I'd even bump it in front of a couple other books stacked on my night stand. You can find reviews on "Think Like a Pancreas" along with links to purchase it, here http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13473.Think_Like_a_Pancreas

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  30. I actually want to make a plug for "Breakthrough," as I borrowed it from the library and it really put in perspective for me just how lucky we are to be living with T1 in the time that we are. Sometimes I need to remember this when I'm feeling sorry for myself about how hard it is (not that it's not still hard). But, it's a fascinating book every T1 should read.

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  31. The Great Katie Kate Discusses Diabetes - wonderful book for kids to bring to school to read to their class.

    http://www.amazon.com/Great-Katie-Kate-Discusses-Diabetes/dp/1608320391

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  32. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/think-like-a-pancreas-gary-scheiner/1100219430 Think Like a Pancreas is a great book to read! :)

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  33. Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars. Great book to learn how to go low carb.

    http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699

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  34. I love reading, especially when it comes to reading about diabetes! I haven't read these two and would love to. One that I would highly recommend for D-Peeps: Cheating Destiny: Living with Diabetes by James S. Hirsh. I really enjoyed his point of view on living with diabetes! :) Find it at http://www.amazon.com/Cheating-Destiny-Diabetes-James-Hirsch/dp/061891899X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355355820&sr=8-1&keywords=cheating+destiny

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  35. Definitely "Think Like a Pancreas" is a must-read. I still refer to it and I probably always will

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  36. "Think Like A Pancreas" definitely changed my perspective on living with diabetes!

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  37. OMG!! I've been trying to get my hands on BREAKTHROUGH. I REALLY want to read it. Only trouble is, I don't have a book that is a must-read for people living with diabetes. Most of the books that were "popular" when I was diagnosed were "cure" books. A well-meaning loved one bought me one of them a few months after diagnosis. I got about 30 pages in & knew it was BS. I still own that book & have never read one single page more of it. I kept it to remind me that I'd rather have the truth than the false hope of a fake cure. There will be a cure one day, but I'm pretty sure it won't involve any of the snake oil being sold as a cure these days.

    I also kept the book because I didn't like the idea of releasing it back into the wild so to speak. And I cannot bring myself to throw away a book. For what it's worth, here's the book that I recommend NO ONE reads. :)

    http://www.amazon.com/Reversing-Diabetes-Julian-Whitaker/dp/B001Q3M5CG

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  38. Your Diabetes Science Experiment
    http://www.amazon.com/Your-Diabetes-Science-Experiment-ebook/dp/B007NME2S4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355363808&sr=8-1&keywords=diabetes+science+experiment

    What on Earth Can I Eat?
    http://www.amazon.com/What-Earth-Can-Eat-Diabetes/dp/1453863214/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355363933&sr=1-1&keywords=shanley+diabetes+eat

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