‘Doctor’s orders’ – type 1 diabetes and the consultative relationship 1970-present    

I will investigate the transition from physician-led to patient-led therapy in the care of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) since the 1970s. By taking a ‘bottom-up’ approach incorporating oral history testimony, I will unpack the technological, socio-cultural and political mechanisms that enabled this to occur while the treatment of other long-term conditions remained unchanged. 

I will describe the social history of T1DM, question the dynamics of the consultative relationship in chronic diseases and consider the ways modern medicine could adapt to meet the challenges of 21st century healthcare. I will also address the role of medical technology as a democratising force for people with chronic diseases. 

My thesis will be published as a monograph and I intend to disseminate my findings widely, especially to health policy makers.