Diabetes
How to read the stories

Diabetes

Diabetes develops when there is not enough insulin around to keep the blood glucose level within normal limits, which is around 5mmol/l (90mg/dl). The extra glucose (sugar) that is not used spills over into the urine.

Diabetes happens when there is not enough insulin in the body, making the glucose (or sugar) level in the blood too high. Insulin is needed to bring the blood glucose level down.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults when the body stops making enough insulin. It is thought to occur because of a combination of someone’s genes (genes define the way that person is made up) and something unknown in the environment.

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in older people, and often in those who are overweight; insulin is usually still present but the body has become resistant to its actions.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
•   Who do you think that is?
•   What is happening?
•   How is he or she feeling?
•   Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.