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Understanding Diabetes

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This patient education book was first written in 1970 for families with type 1 diabetes. The current book, again updated, is in its 11th edition. It is commonly referred to as the "Pink Panther Book," and has been used throughout the United States by thousands of health practitioners and people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The material found in the 28 chapters covers all aspects of diabetes concerns. It is written at a level easily understandable to the young adolescent and his/her family.

328 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

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H. Peter Chase

11 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Stacy.
915 reviews17 followers
May 11, 2015
For years, I've heard about "the pink panther" book in the diabetes community but was never able to get my hands on a copy. It has the popularity and support of Think Like a Pancreas, which is my diabetes bible, so it had to be good, right?

Unfortunately, my DS was recently diagnosed with diabetes (joining his sister) and our hospital now gives out copies of this book with diagnosis.

This book lives up to the praise. I'm not a fan of the Pink Panther and have no idea why he associated but I'm not complaining. If I have to ignore panther images to get to advice and knowledge shared in these pages, I'm good. This is an excellent 'starter' book as it explains every facet of diabetes and it's care. We've been doing this for 6 1/2 years, I've read dozens of diabetes books, listen to diabetes podcasts and follow research...but I still learned new things. It isn't JUST a book for beginners - it can be useful to everyone. Definitely a 'must-own' book if you are pancreas.
Profile Image for Lauren Moz.
279 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2019
Written to be easily understood and easily referenced. I think it's a helpful guide for any person or family with Type I Diabetes.
19 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
Very clear and well written. Very informative for people who are either diagnosed with diabetes or are caretakers or closely related to those with diabetes
Profile Image for Chandra Boulden.
358 reviews
January 22, 2016
Super informative and very helpful. A bit repetitive however with much of this info it's very critical to know and understand correctly so helpful in hearing it multiple times. Will be a great reference book for many years to come!
9 reviews
August 16, 2016
The companion "First Book" really is the best first book about diabetes. This makes a great second book but is probably too much detail for reading in those first few days after diagnosis. This book can work wonders for understanding what's going on and why.
Profile Image for Valerie.
82 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2008
Given to us at the hospital when my son was diagnosed- this book os by far the best for newly diagnosed people with type 1 diabetes.
Profile Image for Lesley.
713 reviews8 followers
October 31, 2011
Just got the 12th edition of this book. We gave the earlier edition to Adam's mom shortly after Amalia's diagnosis. Best introduction to T1 especially for family.
Profile Image for Bridgett.
243 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2013
Great book for people confronted with life changes due to diabetes. Can't say I am glad I needed to read it, but I am glad it was there for me to read.
Profile Image for Lori Colwill.
52 reviews
June 20, 2016
A must for anyone whose child has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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