Diabetes is an ailment with a history of medical interest since Roman times. In the last hundred years, advances in treatments, medication, and pharmaceutical processing have created life-saving medicines and technology that keep diabetic people healthy for years longer than in the past. While many types of the disorder exist, the two most common -and most discussed- forms are Type 1 and Type 2. Both require intense monitoring of blood sugar levels to keep the diabetic’s blood glucose at the correct levels.
Diabetes: A Heavy Cost examines some of the recent advances (and scandals) in the pharmaceutical industry. No longer are global stores of insulin based on abattoirs’ stock of pig organs, and some of the new treatments available seem miraculous. The miracles stop where the lies and price-gouging begin, however, as some of the claims made by global pharmaceutical giants aren’t backed up by science.
Diabetes: A Heavy Cost is a bit of a mixed bag. As a documentary about pharmaceutical price-gouging and shady business practices, it stands out, but as a documentary about diabetes, it seems inadequate. The focus of the documentary’s concern seems to be almost purely economic, and the understanding it shows of the condition, in general, seems very surface level. Some of its statements about how the disease occurs are outdated, at best, while it also shows a complete lack of understanding of basic statistical concepts: One of its false claims is that the recent ‘explosion’ in diabetes cases is entirely from diet and lack of exercise.
While it is true that these factors can be causes of type 2 diabetes, completely overlooks the medical revolutions that have turned diabetes from a death sentence into an easily maintainable condition (while talking about them at length). Some other similar misunderstandings of medical and statistical concepts lower the usefulness of this documentary in medical-centered coursework. Those interested in the pharmaceutical industry and economics, however, will find a lot of valuable information and interviews in Diabetes: A Heavy Cost. Strong Optional Purchase.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
While the title Diabetes: A Heavy Cost may lead you to put this documentary on health and wellness shelves, this documentary would fit best in economics and pharmaceutical industry collections.
What type of college professor could use this title?
Professors of economics may find this title useful when teaching about public health costs and pharmaceutical businesses.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
1-year streaming starts at $125; 3-year streaming starts at $175; Life of File streaming starts at $275