Sugar the travelling bear book is based on one of fifty teddy bears that I have sent to travel around the world visiting children with Type one diabetes. Sugar is one of my oldest bears. Type one diabetes is often hard to adapt to for many children and families, and there is a lot to learn at diagnosis. My support group, The Insulin Gang provides a place for learning, help, friendship and advice. From that was borne the Travelling Bears, of which there are fifty travelling globally sharing adventures with children, before being sent on to visit a new family. From injections and blood tests to carb counting, type one diabetes can be hard work, so being part of a community of people is important and a great tonic. In this story, the delightful Sugar the bear is taken into Hospital by his owner, a Nurse, called Anna. Anna works with children who are diagnosed with type one diabetes. Sugar has a secret, that only Anna knows, he comes alive and gives the children even more reason to smile. As well as the magic of having a bear come to life, Sugar also helps the children accept their new health condition, and to feel less alone.
He is a important little bear, who takes his role very seriously.
With bears spread out all over the world, there are far more adventures to be had, and this really is just the beginning, the intention is to have follow on stories all relating to type one diabetes and how life fits around it!
