UA News

Tina Ranjit Vallabh, concerned that very young children have little access to books on diabetes, created one as part of her thesis project. Now, she plans to have the book published.

Tina Ranjit Vallabh, a University of Arizona senior who is graduating on Saturday, began doing neurophysiology research earlier this year in preparation for her thesis.

She decided to focus on diabetes. But during her research, Vallabh could not find many books for very young children dealing exclusively with the issue of diabetes. So, she set out to create one.

Initially, Vallabh was going to submit a picture book as part of her Honors College thesis. Then she learned of the Vishal Bhagat Foundation, which led to her making a decision to publish the book. And she eventually found a company that prints student work.

Thinking of the family members she knows who have been diagnosed with diabetes – her father being among them – Vallabh decided to push forward in having her 29-page alphabet book published. She expects it will take one year before the book, "The ABCs of Diabetes," hits the printers.

"My dad was the biggest inspiration for me to do this, and my mother supported me," said Vallabh, a graduating senior majoring in physiology. "At the same time, I thought about my 8-year-old sister, who I feel can learn a lot about diabetes and ways to reduce her risks."

Then she said it occurred to her: The book could not only help those nearest her, but could benefit children everywhere.

"This is really important to me," said Vallabh, who is applying to pharmacy schools and intends to become a clinical pharmacist specializing in oncology.

"My entire college education has been about understanding how education is the best way to advocate and make a difference," she said. "Starting at a young age is the best way of producing better outcomes."

Her book explains the functions of glucose, insulin, kidneys, lipids, metabolism, the pancreas and other organs while also detailing the different types of diabetes. She expects that her book will be placed in public schools and in libraries.

"I want children to understand that when you have a poor diet or choose not to exercise, there are consequences," she said. "I wanted to bring these things out in a way that they would understand."