Captain LantusCaptain Lantus: superhero books for children with Type 1 Diabetes
Max was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 18 months old. By the age of six he had decided something that changed our family: "My insulin pump keeps me alive, just like Iron Man's chest! That makes me an Avenger!" That was the day Captain Lantus was born.
Why we created a superhero for children with Type 1
When your child is diagnosed, the world suddenly fills up with finger pricks, carb counting, sensors, pumps and night-time checks. Most of the books we found were written for adults. Max needed something different: a hero who looked like him, wore an insulin pump like him, and showed that Type 1 doesn't stop you being brave, fast, funny or strong.
So we made one. Captain Lantus is Max in a cape. He lives in Beta Town, guards the magical Insulin Cube, and uses his insulin pump to transform when King Carb and the Carbanites come to cause trouble.
Meet the books
Book 1: The Food Festival
Where it all begins. Max discovers his incredible powers and learns why insulin matters. It's a gentle first introduction to what insulin does, perfect for newly diagnosed children and their brothers, sisters and classmates.
Book 2: Sports Day
Captain Lantus faces new challenges while helping his friends stay active and confident. A great one for children who worry that Type 1 will stop them joining in.
Book 3: Guardian of Beta Town
A school trip turns into an adventure as Captain Lantus protects the Insulin Cube. Brilliant for talking about trips, new places and being prepared.
Book 4: Rise of T1D
Our newest adventure. A new villain, T1D, rises from the Shadow Realm, and a new hero, Captain Nova, joins the fight. T1D's red and blue energy gives children a simple way to talk about high and low blood sugars.
How the books help
- They explain Type 1 in a child's language. Insulin becomes a superpower, and the pump becomes part of the hero's kit.
- They help children feel less alone. Seeing a hero who wears a pump, just like them, matters.
- They start conversations. The stories are a simple way to help siblings, grandparents and friends understand too.
- They work in classrooms. They're ideal for assemblies, awareness days and helping a class welcome a child with Type 1.
Free extras for families
Alongside the books we've made twelve free illustrated guides, starring the same characters, covering everything from newly diagnosed to school, sport, holidays and sick days. There's also a 40-page activity book, our free browser game Beta Town Rescue, and the Captain Lantus app on the App Store.
Where to buy
All four books are available in our shop, along with the Gift Set (Books 1 to 3) and the Complete Collection (all four books), our best value bundle. Every sale helps us donate books and resources to children who have just been diagnosed.
Get the Captain Lantus books
Four superhero adventures for children with Type 1 Diabetes, plus money-saving bundles.
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