"We are a diabetic nation: one in three Americans born in this century will become diabetic. Journalist Hirsch's blend of history, reportage, advocacy, and memoir will speak for, and to, the 20 million Americans who live with this disease. This book offers revealing views of the diabetic subculture, the urge toward secrecy that many diabetics feel, the glycemic rollercoaster they ride constantly, and the remarkable perseverance--even heroism--required for survival. Hirsch is uniquely qualified to write this: he has lived with type 1 diabetes for 25 years. His brother, also a diabetic, is one of the country's leading diabetologists. And he knows firsthand the toll diabetes can take on parents: his three-year-old son was diagnosed while he was writing this book. Hirsch draws on all this expertise to craft a surprising portrayal of the science behind the disease and the skyrocketing impact of diabetes on our economy and society.--From publisher description."--From source other than the Library of Congress.

Diabetic utopia -- insulin's poster girl -- The burden of control -- The diabetes queen -- Rewarding failure, punishing excellence -- You have to be brave, or else it hurts -- New lows -- Dr. Bernstein's solution -- High-tech tradeoffs -- Pushing back the horizon -- The magical beta cell -- The trials of a maverick scientist -- -- The price of survival -- Survivor tales.