Moyna Sen who interviewed Anjana Tripathi, the author of Count, Dose, Eat, Repeat; A Mom’s Playbook for Type 1 Diabetes, reviews the book and details why she thinks it is a useful resource for a person with Type 1 Diabetes and their family.
Anjana Tripathi’s book on Type 1 diabetes is one of the best guides for a person with the condition. It is written from a parent’s/caregiver’s point of view, about her daughter, but the information is etched out in such a clear manner, that it ends up being a guide for all who have to handle this condition.
Firstly, the book follows a very logical and chronological pattern, right from a surprise diagnosis and clueless parents, which helps a reader follow the progression of the condition and the associated complications with it, which along the way call for a requisite set of measures to tackle it.
Secondly, the book is very pragmatically divided into chapters, beginning with a crisp preface, which make reading that much easier. There are 9 chapters altogether, and there is not a single section which rambles. One very important chapter is ‘The Diet Dilemma’ which every person with this condition has to navigate to the best of his abilities. Not only does Anjana Tripathi provide vital information about sugar free labels, she talks about various food options, diets and meals, and advocates, ‘Test, eat, track, tweat’.
Thirdly, she uses heavy in-text citations and information boxes which go a long way in value additions, as well as diagrams and quotes. There are links to books and blogs which seem immensely helpful and thoughtful as well. And finally, there is a FAQ section which deals with all the questions that are bound to plague a lay person or a person newly exposed to the condition.
Anjana Tripathi’s book is a precious document with a large shelf life, and is an evidence of the hard work that a Type 1 diabetes caregiver put in to keep things going. It also reveals a clear and thinking mind, as well as a helpful soul who wants to help all the others out there grappling with the challenge. A must read.
Read PatientsEngage interview with Anjana here: Stay Positive, Supportive and Calm when parenting a child with Type 1 Diabetes
