Why (diabetes) Endocrinology is "like a chess game" with Dr. Irl Hirsch

Dr. Hirsch is a preeminent endocrinologist, diabetes researcher, author of numerous articles and books on diabetes, and a person with Type 1 diabetes himself for over 60 years. Currently he is a professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine and sees patients (the majority with Type 1 diabetes) at the University of Washington Endocrine and Diabetes Care Center.  I have known Irl for over 20 years, and during that time he has been a consistent source of mentorship in my career,  resource for information and perspective in all things diabetes, and inspiring advocate around the cost of managing diabetes. We had a wonderful conversation about his own history with diabetes, how it influenced his career choice and his view of the challenges facing our community as well as what he is hopeful for. 

I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Resources for this Episode:

• Wave of the Future: New Glucose Technology Could Revolutionize Care, by James S. Hirsch

• Crisis Point: Insulin Access in the United States,  a special episode focuses on the issue of insulin accessibility and affordability in the United States, with four experts in the diabetes arena weighing in on the topic
• High insulin prices betray spirit in which the lifesaver was created, by By Irl B. Hirsch, Michael W. Schwartz and James S. Hirsch (2022)