A Future With Hope: An Inspirational Guide to Overcoming Diabetes by Carl S. Armato

A Future With Hope – what an excellent title for this book, it sets the tone perfectly for the inspirational and educational content.

The author, Carl S. Armato was diagnosed in the mid 1960’s with type 1 diabetes at the very young age of 18 months. However, the knowledge that their son was the youngest child ever to be diagnosed with diabetes in St. Mary Parish, Patterson, on the Gulf Coast in rural Louisiana enthused his parents, Lucien and Leona Armato, with a determination, and that was to change the whole family’s diet and lifestyle to fit in with the diagnosis. Their positive attitude followed Carl through the years and gave him the faith that he was master of his own destiny, not diabetes!

Although a pediatrician, Dr. Carmen Posada had an interest in endocrinology for type 1 diabetes and with her support and tutelage his mother learnt how to check and control his sugars, something which he in turn would learn and have to do throughout his life.

However, he was determined not to be defined by his diagnosis, and with the support of his family, friends, and wife Christi he has enjoyed his life, and enriched the lives of those he has known over the past 52 years.

With a philosophy that knowledge is power, he has become an expert on diabetes, so much so that in 2012 he became CEO of Novant Health, a hospital which outperforms all hospitals in the same data platform in terms of diabetes care. Embracing changes in technology and always happy to offer advice and support, it wasn’t until a few years after becoming CEO that he opened up about having the disease himself.

In writing this book, the author has culminated a lifetimes experience with the disease at all ages, which in itself offers the reader a real insight into the dedication to diet and exercise that is critically important to manage the disease, and how dangerous not paying attention to it can be. Throughout he stresses the necessity of having a good support system. Indeed, his family, friends and wife have also contributed to the book which gives other perspectives, and the admiration and respect he has earnt over the years from the medical profession and his friends is to be admired.

My husband has type 2 diabetes, and did for a period of time have type 1, so I am very aware of how the disease can make you feel. This book is incredibly uplifting, it is very easy to become depressed about the need to take sugar readings regularly, and the lifelong diagnosis, the positive attitude the author has embraced is an example to us all.

Interesting, well written, and full of information and inspiration, this book is a must read for not only those who have diabetes, but also their families.

About the Author:

Carl S. Armato chooses to live his best life because of, and not in spite of, his diabetes. Diagnosed as a toddler, he thrived under his parents’ determined care and their conviction that the disease would not derail his future.

They were right. Carl is president and CEO of Novant Health, one of America’s largest and most respected healthcare organizations, and serves in myriad professional and civic roles, locally and nationally.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Carl lives on a ranch in Clemmons, North Carolina, with his wife, Christi, dog and horses, and enjoys frequent visits from his extended family and three children. He often speaks on topics related to leadership and diabetes, emphasizing a strong support system and active community involvement as keys to a healthy, fulfilling life.

Carl has authored two books: A Future With Hope about his journey with diabetes and It’s Never Just Another Monday, a compilation of inspiring posts from Carl’s Novant Health team member blog.

About the Book:

A diabetes diagnosis can hit hard but hope is here, woven throughout prominent executive Carl S. Armato’s inspiring narrative of 50+ years of living with the disease. With transparency his goal, Carl recounts pivotal moments that set him on course for a full, active life with diabetes. Diagnosed as a toddler, Carl credits his parents with a family life optimized for his health. Following their lead, he took increasing responsibility for his self-care while still young and now offers time-tested insight to others with diabetes. His experience and anecdotes teach that: Diabetes does not mean different; The first step toward a future of hope is to accept the diagnosis, ignoring it spells disaster; Support is crucial, no one should walk this path alone; People with diabetes have heard plenty about danger, they need to hear of success and possibility. A dynamic leader who gives no indication of slowing down, Carl reveals with candor and humor how valued allies, established habits and the occasional misstep have equipped him to respect the disease while living a vigorous, fulfilling life. His transparency and insights offer a welcome dose of encouragement that can augment the diabetes care delivered by health professionals. In A Future With Hope, Carl proves it’s possible for people with diabetes to embrace their diagnosis without forfeiting their dreams.

A Future With Hope is available from Amazon in Hardcover https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0692153144/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsc...