Abstract

In 1920 Dr RD Lawrence was an aspiring surgeon when he developed diabetes, then tantamount to a death sentence. Three years later, having been saved by insulin, he wrote The Diabetic Life which extended to 14 editions and was published in many languages.

This book records what came before; his strong Aberdonian background and his glittering academic career. It outlines the crashing of his hopes and evokes the drama of his turning point, the discovery of insulin, so well described as 'one of those incredible moments in medical history where a new treatment literally raises people from the dead'.

It records the powerful lessons he learned from his own sometimes painful experiences of reclaiming his life — discoveries that will grip the imagination of the reader. We learn the many ways in which he sought to communicate his understanding and success to others confronted with a diagnosis of diabetes.