Dubai: A Dubai-based British mum has written a children’s book to help others navigate what can be an overwhelming journey when a young family member is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Titled What is Diabetes Anyway, the book is based on her own son Rocco’s journey along with his poodle, Zizu.
Speaking to Gulf News ahead of the launch in Dubai tomorrow, on the eve of World Diabetes Day on November 14, Abby Lyons said five-year old Rocco, the youngest of her three sons, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of four.
“It can be a terrifying experience when you are suddenly told your child is diabetic. Many parents feel guilty about it as they grapple to get information about the disease, its causes and its management,” said Lyons.
As Rocco, who is the protagonist of the book, says, “Mummy and Daddy took me to the doctor and we all sat down. He said I had diabetes and Mum’s jaw hit the ground.”
Talking about the symptoms, he says, “It all started when I had just turned four. I went to the loo lots and my burn was red raw. I was tired all the time and nothing took away my thirst. My body felt strange… I felt sad and heavy and I just wanted to cry.”
He also talks about how he constantly felt hungry and all he wanted to do was to eat.
Lyons wrote the book to educate others about how to spot these signs, what the condition is about, how to manage high and low sugar and above all, fight the stigma associated with diabetes.
Rocco assures readers that it is not as scary as it seems. In rhythmic verses almost, he explains how sometimes, “the pancreas can stop doing its job; that can just happen, like a silly mistake, ‘sob’!; And without any insulin, your cells will stay closed; And your body struggles to stay healthy, I suppose.”
Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which is lifestyle-related, Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition, explains Lyons.
When managed well, patients can still do everything their friends do, “like eating and playing, and adventuring too”, she writes.
A tribute to all young warriors fighting the condition, the book is meant to be a story of hope.
“Life tends to be broken in two parts: Before diabetes, and after diabetes. In seconds, everything you took for granted no longer exists and its one heck of a journey to piece life back together and find a new normal for everyone in the family,” says Lyons.
As she has learnt, early diagnosis is crucial as the right management can protect the organs from the damaging effects of high blood glucose over long periods of time. She also cautions against dismissing symptoms as simple viruses or bugs and stresses on the importance of connecting with other families with young patients.
About the role of Zizu, the dog, Lyons says, “Rocco could well do with someone who would not talk about diabetes. Ziu, the poodle, was the perfect answer.”
Although the book is based on first-hand experience, it resonates with most families who have children with Type 1 diabetes, says Lyons.
“I have already received a lot of feedback from parents, teachers and nurses on how it can be applied to any child with the condition,” she claims.
The book, with illustrations by Siski Kalla, will be officially sold in Dubai from November 14, adds Lyons, who has been a resident of the city for the last 16 years.
