In the book "When You're a Parent With Diabetes," Palmer has created a guide to navigating the special challenges of parenting when you have diabetes. It addresses questions such as:

• What are the risks of being pregnant with diabetes?

• Will I have the energy to handle a rambunctious child?

• Where can I hide my juice boxes so the kids don't accidentally drink them all?

Palmer offers a number of tips for managing issues such as food and exercise along with children. For instance, when it comes to fast food, she suggests getting a fast-food nutrition guide before you go through the drive-through, so you can combine healthy eating along with convenience.

She also suggests taking a cooking class with your children as a way to encourage them to have healthier eating habits.

In addition to offering the insights collected from other parents, the book offers tips on a wide range of topics, such as:

• What to do before the baby arrives and dealing with postpartum depression

• Teaching young children about diabetes and the complications that stem from the disease

• Diabetes and depression

• Genetic testing for diabetes

• Exercising with your children.

Palmer is the winner of the Bayer Dream Fund, which recognizes the achievements of people with diabetes.

The book is available at www.amazon.com and also at www.hatherleighpress.com. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.bayerdreamfund.com. Finding the time and energy to maintain a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge for any parent-but it can be a matter of life and death for parents with diabetes.