Book: CHEATING DESTINY

[StillMamamia]

Just in case some of you are ready...I don't have it yet.

[CDoyle1013]

It is a good book...had a chance to email the author..he sets out a good history of diabetes, mentions JDRF and Faustman...I sent copies to both sets of grandparents (Grandma had said, "I don't see what the problem is..just have Erin take her insulin" and "so and so isn't having trouble with her diabetes"...my mom drives me nuts...with this attitude, guess who doesn't get to see my daughter without me there????

[dqmomof3]

One of the things I found astounding in this book was the million-dollar displays at conferences. I understand the world of pharmaceuticals is a dog-eat-dog environment, but it's amazing that so much money is put into displays, of all things!

[OSUMom]

One of the things I found astounding in this book was the million-dollar displays at conferences. I understand the world of pharmaceuticals is a dog-eat-dog environment, but it's amazing that so much money is put into displays, of all things!

That just seems so wrong. :eek:

Okay, I'm going to get my book back out and find where I left off, use my highlighter, and will post things that interest me or post questions. Thanks everyone!!!! :)

[Ellen]

I just read a review of it here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/05/AR2007010500108.html

[OSUMom]

I just read a review of it here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/05/AR2007010500108.html

Thank you Ellen. :cwds:

[GaPeach]

The Prologue is captivating. The author, James Hirsch, is T1d as well as his brother (who is also a diabetologist). He is researching and writing a book on diabetes. In the midst of writing the book, he suddenly realizes (after self-denial) that his young son is T1 as well.

As Mr. Hirsch is seeking to write a book that captures the everyday struggle of a diabetic, he comes face to face with reality as son enters the same world he himself has lived in for many years.

[Adinsmom]

I recently dug this back out and am almost finished.

The research chapters have intrigued me. I have enjoyed reading his synopsis on the background of the researchers, organizations, etc. Anybody care to discuss those chapters with me?

[mom2one]

I am glad I read this thread because I am having a hard time getting past page 14, guess I will keep chugging away and hopefully not be depressed the whole time. I've had to put it down 2 times so far, am I the only one or have I just not gotten far enough into it.

[dqmomof3]

It is a rather depressing book, especially in some sections. Makes you wonder if "big pharma" is going to completely ruin any chance for a cure because they don't want us to have one! Making diabetes more manageable - now that's something they can agree on, because more management means more supplies and more supplies means more profit for those who sell them. It's a vicious cycle, and the author of the book knows it.

[danismom79]

I loved this book. It was a welcome change from all the text book/manual types.

I thought the parts about insurance spending were very interesting (and infuriating).

[Pam H]

I asked my endo for a book recommendation: this is the book he suggested. Does it tell anything about actually managing diabetes?

[hawkeyegirl]

I asked my endo for a book recommendation: this is the book he suggested. Does it tell anything about actually managing diabetes?

No. It's devoted to the history of diabetes and the current state of diabetes research, with some personal ancetotes mixed in. It's a really good book, but it doesn't tell you anything about actually managing the disease.

For that, I'd recommend "Think Like a Pancreas", "Type 1 Diabetes", or "Using Insulin."

[Pam H]

No. It's devoted to the history of diabetes and the current state of diabetes research, with some personal ancetotes mixed in. It's a really good book, but it doesn't tell you anything about actually managing the disease.

For that, I'd recommend "Think Like a Pancreas", "Type 1 Diabetes", or "Using Insulin."

I bought Type 1 Diabetes by Hanas. I feel like I need to spend my time right now learning about management.

[GaPeach]

In one chapter, a story is related about a young doctor in general practice that was seeing a lot of diabetic patients (T2 probably). He spent extra time with them and many of his patients had dramatic improvement in their health.

However, the doctor could not get reimbursed by insurance company for the volume of time he spent with each patient. The insurance companies want the doctors to see more patients for less $ per visit. Without volume - the doctor began losing money. Eventually, he could not afford helath insurance for his own family.

In the end, he closed his practice and went to work at a hospital making more money with less stress. Now he sees those former patients and deals with the complications that could have been avoided if they had more time with their doctor for prevention of complications.

Why can insurance companies not see that better early care saves them dollars that will be spent on future complications!

I know a lot of doctors that are in similar situations. The doctors want to give better care, but it economically not possible for them.