Hacking Diabetes

The conditions we know as 'diabetes' (and today, as 'Type 1 diabetes' and 'Type 2 diabetes') have existed at least since humans began recording -- and associating -- symptoms like sweet urine, abnormal frequency of urination (polyurea), and unquenchable thirst. These symptoms are caused by differences or changes to the human body's ability to produce and/or respond to the hormone insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to metabolise and use sugar for energy, and to store any extra sugar for the future. If the body lacks or loses the ability to process sugar and ensure that it is taken into its cells, it is life-threatening. But when did 'sweet urine + thirst + polyurea' become 'diabetes', the treatable condition we know today? And how and who should manage diabetes: medical professionals, pharmaceutical and medical device firms, families of affected individuals, or the individuals themselves? In this seminar we will explore tensions between 'self-control' and 'agency' in a condition that has played an evolving role in the relationship between doctors, patients and the state since the early twentieth century.

Seminar Questions:

What does 'diabetes' mean in social and cultural terms? Whose interests have helped to shape the meaning of this term and condition?
Does the meaning of 'diabetes' change after insulin?
Can people with diabetes be perfect? Why or why not?
Who should 'control the controllable' in relation to diabetes -- and why has this question become contentious?