### Diabetes and Racial Bias: Insights from Arleen Marcia Tuchman's Book Arleen Marcia Tuchman's book, “Diabetes: A History of Race & Disease,” delves into the troubling history of how racial and ethnic biases have influenced diabetes care. Tuchman, a medical historian, reveals that since the early days of diabetes research, prejudiced assumptions about race and genetics have clouded the understanding and treatment of the disease. Tuchman highlights that early researchers often made incorrect conclusions about the prevalence of diabetes among different racial groups due to insufficient data and racial biases. For instance, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some researchers wrongly believed that Black Americans had genetic protection against diabetes. This misconception was based on racist ideas about genetic primitiveness. However, as more data became available, the narrative shifted, and Black Americans were then unfairly blamed for higher diabetes rates due to supposed behavioral and intelligence deficits. The book also discusses how these biases were not limited to Black Americans. Similar prejudiced assumptions were made about other ethnic groups, such as Jews and Native Americans. Researchers often failed to consider the lack of public health infrastructure and other social determinants of health that significantly impacted diabetes diagnosis and care. Tuchman argues that these historical biases have led to lasting institutional barriers in diabetes care, contributing to disparities in diagnosis and treatment. For example, type 1 diabetes was often seen as a disease of the upper middle class, predominantly affecting white individuals, while type 2 diabetes was more associated with poverty and minority groups. This division has created a gap in advocacy and resources for different types of diabetes. The book underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing these historical biases to improve diabetes care for all racial and ethnic groups. Tuchman calls for a greater focus on social determinants of health and structural racism rather than solely blaming biology or behavior for health disparities. Tuchman's work is particularly relevant today as the medical community continues to grapple with racial disparities in healthcare. Her research provides valuable insights into how historical prejudices have shaped current healthcare practices and highlights the need for more inclusive and equitable approaches to diabetes care.