Canadian Edition (Paperback)

The Book of Better

A More Excellent Life with Diabetes

  • Language:
    Publisher:
  • English (United States)
    Three Rivers Press/Crown
  • English (Canada)
    Collins/HarperCollins
About The Book of Better:

Over thirty years ago, Chuck Eichten was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. Now he’s created the book he wishes someone had given him, compiling the (sometimes unconventional) lessons he and his doctors have learned about what you should do to make life with diabetes better—and also what you shouldn’t (or, as Chuck advises his readers, “Save time, learn from the idiot”).

The Book of Better doesn’t look or sound like any other book on the diabetes shelf. Empowering and entertaining, it covers topics like “What is Diabetes, Exactly?”; “The Bottom Ten Worst Things about Diabetes” and “The Top Three Best Things about Diabetes”; and “How to Have Diabetes and Not Have a Food Obsession.”

Years of living with diabetes convinced Chuck that he and others like him don’t need to feel like patients when they are reading about their condition. Like anyone, they want to understand, but they also want to be inspired, amused and entertained. Diabetes may be a painful challenge, but it can also be funny, and preposterous, and an opportunity to learn. Ultimately, Chuck’s upbeat message is that diabetes is something we can make better. Infused with personality, humour and empathy, The Book of Better shows how people with diabetes and their families can make life excellent.

Critical Praise:

This is a special and unique book that you can't put down. It is informative, motivating, empowering, humorous, and fully enjoyable. The Book of Better will not only help make anyone living with diabetes improve their life, it will also make the world a better place to live.

Frank B. Hu, MD, PhD, Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard University


You want an excellent dose of reality, perspective, hope, and humor? Read this book.

Sysy Morales, thegirlsguidetodiabetes.com


The Book of Better is is a book you don’t want to put down. As a dietitian and diabetes educator, I have been bombarded by the variety of books on diabetes, diabetes’ diets, and living well with diabetes. Never have I come across such a powerful, humorous, yet credible source of information to help motivate people to live better with diabetes.

Lauren Davidson, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator


What is in fact out there for all of us to reach [with diabetes] is not perfection. It is better. The book you are holding is a highly accurate and accomplished map for this journey toward better. And it is the best I have read written by a fellow voyager.

Victor M. Montori, MD, MSc; Professor of Medicine and Consultant, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota


The Book of Better is ridiculously serious fun. You will find it refreshing, enlightening and reassuring. If you need a lift, I think you will find it here.

Andrew Ahmann, MD Professor of Medicine, Director, Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center, Oregon Health & Science University

About the Author(s):

Chuck Eichten is a design director of DNA – the Department of Nike Archives – at Nike Inc.’s world headquarters in Portland, Oregon, where he is responsible for developing and designing 3D exhibits that illustrate Nike’s history. His experience at Nike includes designing Olympic athlete uniforms, Nike retail environments, and the launch of The Nike Foundation. He has spoken to a range of audiences about diabetes, including at the Diabetes Association national conferences in the U.S. and Canada.

Other Editions:

  • English (United States)