First published 2007
More than twenty million Americans live with diabetes today. James S. Hirsch brings three decades of personal experience to this examination of America's diabetes crisis. The bestselling author has managed type 1 diabetes since adulthood. His brother Irl became one of the nation's top diabetologists. Most powerfully, Hirsch watched his three-year-old son Garrett receive the same diagnosis. Hirsch combines personal memoir with investigative reporting and medical history. He reveals the secrecy that surrounds many diabetics' daily lives. The book explores the psychological barriers patients face and the determination required to manage the condition. Hirsch examines the scientific research driving new treatments. He analyzes the disease's broader effects on American families, healthcare systems, and economic structures. The author advocates for better understanding while documenting both struggles and victories in diabetes care.
Genres: medical, non-fiction, biography-memoir, health
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-journey, social-commentary
336 pages · Paperback · Mariner Books