Cheating Destiny (James Hirsch)

Written by the Washington-Post journalist, James Hirsch, I appreciate the personal as much as I appreciate the in-depth research behind what Hirsch calls "America's biggest epidemic." Hirsch has diabetes himself, as does his famous brother, Irl Hirsch, who works at the University of Washington as researcher and clinician. And during the course of writing this book, Hirsch's (James) 3-year old son is diagnosed with diabetes as well.What amazes me is that a little over 50 years ago, there wasn't yet insulin. But what amazes me more (and with which I too can identify, living with a man who is diabetic) is how much responsibility, even blame, we place on those with diabetes. If they would only be more careful, monitor their diet more, exercise more or in moderation, then they would have such highs. They wouldn't have such lows. Hirsch argues that key figures in the history of diabetic care have created our current attitude, to place the "burden" on the diabetic. Instead of what may be not only more accurate, but more helpful: to shift some responsibility to the health care industry that abandons those who fight to remain in control because they are just plain too expensive. Preventative care is not profitable. Ironic indeed, since diabetic supplies are hugely profitable to pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, health care clinics, and manufacturers. And even bigger bucks are made when the diabetic is ill, has heart disease (as many will), loses a limb, goes on kidney dialysis. The list is long. And the bill statement even longer. Hirsch tells this story as his story, making those of us who know little of the disease cognizant of the daily struggle a person with diabetes lives with. . . that day-by-day recognition that what is done today prevents what might happen tomorrow, or in other words: how to cheat destiny.