Pancreas Like a Thermostat The pancreas controls insulin production in response to blood glucose levels much as a thermostat controls the temperature in a home. The thermostat signals the furnace or air conditioner to turn on or off until the desired temperature is reached . The pancreas increases or reduces insulin production until the optimal level of blood glucose is reached. (Page 4)

Does It Really Matter?
I have the person test blood glucose. S/he then either ingests something very sweet or we go for a 15-minute walk. After that, blood glucose is retested. The resulting change helps the person to see that his/her choices really do make a difference! (Page 107)

The Importance of A1C I use a red pincushion to depict a hemoglobin molecule, and insert approximately 20 blue tipped pins to show the oxygen molecules attached to it. I then insert six white tipped pins to show the normal number of glucose molecules attached to the hemoglobin. Then I try to stick in another white tipped pin, but find that I have to remove a blue tipped pin first. If the A1C is 10%, I have to remove four blue tipped pins in order to insert 10 white ones. The more excess blood glucose there is, the less room there is for oxygen. (Page 28)

Peer Support
Another child can be a powerful ally. One of the highlights of my career has been to watch “Emma,” then five, on an insulin pump since age three, comfort and encourage “Annie,” age three, just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The presence and confidence of a youngster who knows exactly what a frightened child is going through can instill calm and hope in both parent and child. As well, an experienced parent can be a unique source of comfort and support to parents of a newly diagnosed child. (Page 225)

How Acarbose Works
I compare acarbose to a retarder brake (Jake brake) on a commercial vehicle. Just as the brake slows the truck down to help prevent accidents, acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrate after a meal to help prevent complications. Acarbose can also be compared to the turnstile in an arena. Just as the turnstile allows only one person to enter at a time, acarbose allows a limited amount of carbohydrate to be digested at a time. (Page 147)

Walk Away From Complications
(Page 37)

Toxic Ketones When there is no insulin in the body, it burns its own fat to produce energy. When fat burns it gives off ketones, similar to a truck giving off exhaust. This “exhaust” is toxic to brain tissue. Immediate intervention is required to prevent coma and death. (Page 50)