Diabetes Explained

In a world where chronic illnesses are often misunderstood, diabetes remains one of the most common—and most misrepresented—health conditions affecting millions globally. Diabetes Explained offers a clear, accessible, and deeply informative guide to understanding both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, cutting through the noise of myths, misconceptions, and media soundbites.

Written by Dr. Isla Merrins, a physician and medical educator with a compassionate yet no-nonsense approach, this book provides a comprehensive overview of diabetes that is rooted in science, shaped by clinical experience, and informed by the voices of those living with the condition every day. Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand this widespread disease better, this is the book that demystifies diabetes without dumbing it down.

Across ten deeply researched and empathetically written chapters, listeners will explore:

• What diabetes actually is—explained through vivid analogies, like locked doors and missing keys, to make complex biology intuitive.
• The critical differences between Type 1 and Type 2, and why understanding them matters for treatment and lifestyle decisions.
• The warning signs and diagnostic process, so that listeners can recognise the early symptoms and take action.
• The known causes and risk factors, separating genetic predisposition from lifestyle influences.
• Blood sugar control strategies, medications, insulin therapy, and how modern devices are transforming diabetes care.
• The central role of nutrition and how to eat for energy, balance, and blood sugar stability.
• Common complications and what can be done to prevent or delay them—from foot health to cardiovascular risk.
• Mental health, stigma, and the emotional toll of a lifelong condition—addressed with honesty and hope.