A 1969 classic, returning to print
An Instructional Aid on
Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus
A faithful reproduction of an illustrated guide that helped children and families understand diabetes. A chance to honor the people who taught us—and appreciate how far care has come.
Pre-sales coming soon
A life devoted to teaching and care
Luther B. Travis, MD devoted his career to children with diabetes and kidney disease. He joined the University of Texas Medical Branch faculty in 1962 and served as medical director of the Texas Lions Camps for Children with Diabetes from 1970 to 1994. His illustrated teaching guide reached readers through more than a dozen editions and translations into 12 languages. [8]
This reproduction honors that work. It also invites readers to recognize the persistence of earlier generations and consider what progress means in everyday life.
Read the ASPN remembrance →A quick perspective
These contrasts follow the opening 44 pages of Dr. Travis's book. Today's column describes available approaches; access, suitability and preferences differ from person to person.
| What changed | In the 1969 book | Today |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing glucose | The book teaches urine sugar testing with tablets and strips, and explains why a urine result can reflect an earlier glucose level.Original pages 24, 25, 26, 27. | Blood glucose meters give a reading at that moment. Continuous glucose monitors estimate glucose in fluid beneath the skin throughout the day and night, revealing trends; many provide alerts. [1] [2] |
| Delivering insulin | Vials, syringes and different insulin action curves are central to the explanation, including Regular, NPH and Lente.Original pages 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44. | Options include syringes, pens and pumps. Automated insulin delivery can connect a glucose sensor, pump and software to adjust insulin delivery for some people. [3] [4] |
| Understanding results | The book discusses control through urine sugar categories, from negative and trace to 4+.Original page 29. | Care teams can review glucose readings, A1C and, for CGM users, time in range—the percentage of time within a target glucose range. Goals are individualized. [1] |
| Food and daily routines | A meal-and-insulin illustration shows an example day with one NPH injection and an average diet.Original page 41. | Meal and activity plans can be tailored with the care team to a person's medicines, schedule, abilities and preferences. Carbohydrate counting and the plate method are among the available approaches. [5] |
| Learning and support | Pictures and plain explanations help readers learn self-care, with questions and guidance directed to their physician.Original page 2. | Diabetes self-management education and support offers personalized help with food, activity, medicines, monitoring, problem-solving, risk reduction and healthy coping. [6] |
| Living well | The book's opening promise is a long and fulfilling life, while acknowledging that much of daily care rests with the person living with diabetes.Original page 2. | Automated delivery may improve quality of life, but devices still require attention. Education and support can help, while cost, coverage and access continue to shape the choices available. [4] [6] [3] |
Read with historical perspective. The 1969 book is reproduced as a historical record. Its medicines, testing methods, terminology and treatment instructions reflect its era. Use current guidance from your diabetes care team for care today.
Free from MediSelf Press
Companion edition 1 · November 2026
A short, separate companion to the historical book: six comparisons, reflections on Dr. Travis’s legacy, and sources for further reading.
Future editions will add selected reader reflections and social media commentary, shared with permission. This first edition begins with the publisher’s editorial perspective.
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From the publisher
Three editorial reflections to begin the conversation.
A urine color chart and an insulin action curve ask a reader to notice, remember and interpret. Looking closely at these pages is one way to appreciate the skill and persistence of people who managed diabetes with the tools of an earlier era.
More information is valuable when it helps make room for school, work, sleep, family and the pleasures of an ordinary day. A useful measure of progress is how much attention a person can give back to life beyond diabetes.
This reproduction honors Dr. Travis's commitment to helping people understand their own care. Reading it alongside current knowledge invites gratitude for what has improved and honest discussion of what still needs to change.
A tool you once relied on. A lesson that stayed with you. Something that has become easier—or still takes work. Share your own reflection, or send a link to a public post you think belongs in the conversation.
The historical comparison refers to the 1969 book’s original numbered pages 2 and 24–44. Current-care sources were checked in November 2026; their original publication or review dates appear below.
Version 1.0 · November 2026. Written and curated by MediSelf Press. The free companion is separate from the historical reproduction.