Diabetes in Fiction
This site was created to compile a list of books containing diabetic representation. Each listing has a link to the book’s GoodReads profile, the book’s description, and how diabetes is represented.
60 books in this collection!
Good Like This
by Peter Arpesella

Life in New York City is fantastic for ambitious investment banker, Paul, his successful artist wife, Candice, and their beautiful and talented daughter, Sally. They are the model of an affluent, high-powered urban couple — until the day the carefully constructed wall of their secrets comes crashing down. Paul and Candice have been venturing into the gray areas of monogamy, and during a passionate escapade, Paul discovers that Candice has been a closet drug addict for the better part of their relationship. Resisting to face his own denial, having to deal with his suddenly weakening health, facing death and grasping at the threads of his failing relationship with his daughter, Paul needs a revelation. When he joins a cutting edge research project on the effects of stress, Paul discovers that there isn’t much of a difference between an addict, like his wife, and himself, who chooses to badly manage his type one diabetes. The New York City Marathon becomes the riveting and unexpected backdrop for the new bright life about to begin. GOOD LIKE THIS is a passionate story about family, commitment, self-discovery, the connection between body and mind, and the difference between "high and happy."
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Grilled Cheese at Four O'Clock
by Judy Miller

Children’s fears of living with diabetes will be eased when they read about a young boy who develops Type I diabetes.
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Halfway Girl
by Tessa Bailey

The team’s resident linebacker, Jerimiah, has gotten used to making people uncomfortable. He’s huge, intimidating and doesn’t have a lot to say. Until he meets Birdie. Now he can’t seem to stop talking, if only so she’ll say more. And stay a little bit longer. To be fair, she doesn’t really have a choice, since they just got locked in the basement together at a frat party…
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Hannah's Battle
by Blane J. Brummond

Hannah stands at the edge of the sheer bluff, facing a terrible and deadly creature that not only threatens to destroy all that she loves but, unless stopped now, will unleash upon the world an evil it has never known. She is not alone, though. At her side stands an army of fairies, pixies, gnomes, and the mystical, well-mannered wood sprite guardian of Ponca State Park. Hannah knows that even with these loyal allies, her chances of saving her father are slim, but with a nod of her head, she gives the signal and the battle begins. Join Hannah in this thrilling, inspirational, and thoughtful tale of a young girl’s struggle with juvenile-onset diabetes as she discovers that being different isn’t always bad and that wisdom is sometimes found in the most unlikely of places.
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I Know This Much Is True
by Wally Lamb

On the afternoon of October 12, 1990, my twin brother, Thomas, entered the Three Rivers, Connecticut, public library, retreated to one of the rear study carrels, and prayed to God the sacrifice he was about to commit would be deemed acceptable. . . . One of the most acclaimed novels of our time, Wally Lamb’s I Know This Much Is True is a story of alienation and connection, devastation and renewal, at once joyous, heartbreaking, poignant, mystical, and powerfully, profoundly human.
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Jade War (The Green Bone Saga #2)
by Fonda Lee

In Jade War, the sequel to the World Fantasy Award-winning novel Jade City, the Kaul siblings battle rival clans for honor and control over an Asia-inspired fantasy metropolis. On the island of Kekon, the Kaul family is locked in a violent feud for control of the capital city and the supply of magical jade that endows trained Green Bone warriors with supernatural powers they alone have possessed for hundreds of years. Beyond Kekon’s borders, war is brewing. Powerful foreign governments and mercenary criminal kingpins alike turn their eyes on the island nation. Jade, Kekon’s most prized resource, could make them rich – or give them the edge they’d need to topple their rivals. Faced with threats on all sides, the Kaul family is forced to form new and dangerous alliances, confront enemies in the darkest streets and the tallest office towers, and put honor aside in order to do whatever it takes to ensure their own survival – and that of all the Green Bones of Kekon. Jade War is the second book of the Green Bone Saga, an epic trilogy about family, honor, and those who live and die by the ancient laws of blood and jade.
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Last Dance
by Lurlene McDaniel

(Originally WHEN DREAMS SHATTER) Rachel Deering’s dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer has to be put on hold when she finds out that she has diabetes, but the lessons she learns in managing her disease help her take control of her life.
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Let Me List the Ways
by Sarah White

Mackenzie Clark has been best friends with Nolan Walker for as long as she can remember. She’s shared everything with him, from adventures with their families and days lounging at the beach, to long talks about their friends and her journey with type 1 diabetes. The only thing she hasn’t shared is the fact that she is in love with him. Now in their senior year of high school, Mackenzie and Nolan know that in a few short months everything will change as they head off to different colleges. Determined to make the most of the time they still have left, they come up with a list of things they want to do together before graduation. But as they make their way through everything from toilet papering the school bully’s house to having a backyard camp-out like the ones they had when they were kids, Mackenzie can’t help feeling that she’s left the most important thing off the list: telling Nolan how she feels. But when confessing her love could jeopardize the incredible relationship they already have, is honesty really the best policy?
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Little Lina's Brave New World: Beating Type 1 Diabetes with Special Tools
by Adeline Umubyeyi

The ‘Little Lina’s Brave New World’ series aims to bring understanding to one of the most misunderstood, stereotyped, ‘invisible illness’, Type 1 Diabetes. ‘Little Lina’s Brave New World: Beating Type 1 Diabetes with Special Tools!’ is book 1 within the Little Lina’s Brave New World series. ‘Beating Type 1 Diabetes with Special Tools!’ is an uplifting story that follows the journey of Lina, a young girl who receives a life-changing diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. Despite the initial challenges, Lina approaches her new reality with optimism. As Little Lina delves into the world of Diabetes, she discovers a wealth of tools and technologies that can help her effectively manage her condition. With the support of her family, doctors, nurses, and friends, Lina embraces the special tools available to her, such as a Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and diabetes pump. Through Little Lina’s journey, readers are invited to join her on a path of understanding and empowerment. The story highlights the importance of knowledge, self-care, and the significance of a strong support network. Lina’s optimism and determination serve as an inspiring example for young readers, showing them that a diabetes diagnosis does not limit their potential or happiness. With each page, ‘Little Lina’s Brave New World: Beating Type 1 Diabetes with Special Tools!’ aims to foster awareness and education about Type 1 Diabetes in a relatable and accessible way. It portrays the realities of living with Diabetes while emphasizing the advancements in medical technology and the positive impact they can have on managing the condition. Ultimately, this uplifting story celebrates resilience, love, and the spirit of a young girl who faces the challenges of Type 1 Diabetes head-on. Through Lina’s story, readers are encouraged to approach their own obstacles with hope and the knowledge that they, too, can overcome any challenge with the support of their loved ones, healthcare professionals, and the tools available to them.
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