Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It: Your Guide to Managing the Emotional Challenges of T1D Paperback – April 18, 2022

Dr. Mark does an excellent job writing about the realistic challenges of T1D in a relatable, honest way. He is very supportive throughout the book. He is consistent in his message that living with T1D is not easy, but certain ways of thinking can make it harder. It was very encouraging to read that there are better mental approaches out there, and Dr. Mark provides them in takeaways and exercises. Maybe the strongest part of the book is how he shares personal stories and examples that can help those with T1D feel less alone, and more capable of handling it. Great book I would recommend to anyone impacted by T1D!

Having Type 1 for a few years, this book was very helpful in reflecting on the mental and emotional challenges that arise but are usually not discussed. The feelings that many of us face are normalized in this book and there are practical tools on how to address them, or sometimes accept. I've read a number of books on Type 1 and many have tools on how to manage the physical aspects of the disease (blood glucose, working out, etc.) but this book has a new perspective, and Dr. Mark Heyman is uniquely qualified to teach others. I'm asking my wife and parents to read this book to better understand the type of life someone with T1D may experience, and how they can support. If you've been newly diagnosed, have lived most of your life with diabetes, or have a someone you care about with Type 1, please read this book.

Friends living with T1D have always given their friends living with the condition, even total strangers, 'the nod.' The sight of a CGM can spark a long conversation that has nothing to do with T1D. Now I think I get why, thanks to this new book by Dr. Heyman who also lives with T1D. The read gave me, as an advocate, a look at the day-to-day experiences, along with some 'to-do's and 'not-to-do's' for allies.'Diabetes sucks and you can handle it' reads like Dr. Heyman speaks, with a matter-of-fact, illuminating, and comforting tone. Key insider terms are defined in a glossary at the back and big ideas underscored upfront, with a consistent format containing factoids, stories, and personal anecdotes. The structure makes all advice quick and easy to digest.Did you know behavior can trump emotions?

This book compassionately encourages people to keep up the good fight even though there are very strong emotions at play to ignore or defer healthcare tasks. It provides coaching in a very personal way as Mark has Type 1 himself and he has sprinkled real life examples throughout the book. There are also links to many other resources .Having a tool like this easily at hand as a pick-me-up is great. More important is that this book provides insight into the emotions at play - why we are inclined to ignore diabetes when actually facing it and taking care of it is ultimately less emotionally and physically taxing. He helps get us started on that path and gives realistic advice on how to stay on that path.Thank you, Mark, for all your efforts supporting the T1D community! This book will help many patients and their community.I received an advance copy of this book.

This book needs to be read by every Type 1 Diabetic, T1D caretaker, T1D parent, T1D friend, the list can go on and on. It’s even a good read for endo’s or Physician assistants. It is a very valuable resource for many and I wish it came out years ago when I was first diagnosed at 10 years old. I’m now 23 years old and went through my first diabetes “burnout” This past year. I didn’t think I would get through it, but when I saw this book from someone on Instagram, I knew it would help! I ordered it immediately and it gave me a lot of insight and a lot of valuable tips. Definitely makes you feel like you aren’t alone in this journey. A good read for all!

I have lived with insulin-dependent diabetes for 54 years. Dr. Mark had me in tears this morning. He reminded me that frustration with public policy is just an emotion. Get over it and make a plan!

Although I don't personally have T1D, I have a family member who does. Dr. Mark's book really helps me understand the issues that they face on a daily basis. It is easy to read, down to earth, and full of common sense and encouragement. The coping strategies laid out by Dr. Mark make sense and seem achievable. Additionally, I think that they are applicable even to those of who don't struggle with T1D but might have other ongoing issues that prevent us from being our happiest, most productive selves (for example, my tendency to procrastinate). The stories of real people who have T1D that we read about throughout the book help remind us that people who struggle with T1D are not alone and have a supportive, encouraging community out there to draw upon.

Living with Type 1D day in and day out takes its toll. There are many available books that discuss what to eat and how to manage your blood sugar, but this book stands out because it deals with the very really emotional struggles living with this chronic condition. The author Mark Heyman is a diabetes psychologist and is a T1D, himself, so he is uniquely qualified to identify the common challenges--and to offer solid steps you can take to become emotionally stronger and more able to live a hopeful, healing life. Reading this book helped me reorient my mindset and attitude about having adult onset T1, and I feel more empowered and positive about my ability to manage diabetes. It's a resource I'll return to often.