Product Description

Fibi Ward, now 14, writes: 'At the time I was diagnosed [aged 13], I wanted to read something written by somebody of my own age, from their perspective, about how they dealt with being diagnosed, and to reassure myself that all the fears and worries that I had were normal. However, I have not seen any such book on the market and have decided to record my own experiences so that other children and teenagers who are newly diagnosed with type I diabetes can get some benefit and comfort by reading about and relating to them'. According to "Diabetes UK", 10,000 to 15,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with type I diabetes every year. The peak age of diagnosis is between 10 and 14 years. Coming so early in life, such a diagnosis can feel like a life sentence, both for the young person and for their family. 'I was scared about returning to school,' continues Fibi, 'and I didn't want anyone at all to know that I was diabetic. Also, I feared that I would never have a boyfriend because I would be different to all the other girls in my class. I was even frightened about going to bed in case I became hypoglycaemic in the night and never woke up. These are just a few of the anxieties I had, some of which may seem silly but which were a big deal at the time. I hope that by reading my book other people will be reassured that there is no need to worry about these things and that they will gain some comfort from knowing they are not the only ones who have been through it. 'I have also included some humorous anecdotes because it isn't all doom and gloom, and there are practical tips, for example on doing insulin injections, going to sleepovers and parties and doing P.E. and sports. I do not claim to be a medical expert, but my diabetic nurse has checked everything and added some practical points to support my own experience'.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46750 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-28
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 120 pages

About the Author
Fibi Ward was 13 when her diabetes was first diagnosed. Now 14, she is studying for her GCSEs and lives with her parents and brother near Birmingham. She will be available for interview around the time of publication only. Diane Cluley is a diabetic nurse with the Redditch and Bromsgrove Paediatric Diabetic Service

Customer Reviews

No Added Sugar
Having been a 14 year old diabetic (the same as Fibi Ward) for almost 4 years now, i thought i knew all the information that I needed for a reasonable lifestyle. This book has confirmed and improved my knowledge to a degree that i want to improve my control and it gave me confidence on the emotional factors - which Fibi points out, are never told when you are diagnosed. Such a personal book made it an easy and enjoyable read and even more when you know that the writer is as old as you. My friends also loved to read it to find out exactly how I might feel and are now nagging me to test my sugar! Equally perfect for a newly diagnosed diabetic,an old timer, friends and family or just to re-read again and again.

No Added Sugar
As a parent of a newly diagnosed 11 year old diabetic daughter, I found this book easy to understand and very informative. It as been written in a way that I feel offers a very important insite on how diabeties effects young children growing up, how it has been dealt with by others and what I can tell my own daughter to expect as she starts a new school, makes new friends and keeps up an active sporting and social life. Well worth reading.

Good read for newly diagnosed Teenagers
I purchased this book for my 8 year old daughter and found that it is just a bit above her at the moment - it would be a great read for newly diagnosed teenagers - it will show them their not alone.