1900: You are always thirsty and hungry
Examination
- I see. You are losing weight, and yet you feel as though you are always eating and drinking. You also told me that you always feel tired, and sometimes you don't even have the energy to get out of bed. Go to the lavatory and leave a urine sample in the cup that's on the sink.
Diagnosis
- several minutes later...
I ran a test on your urine, which showed a high amount of grape-sugar. This, along with your other symtoms, leads me to conclude that you have diabetes, a disease related to a gland in your body called the pancreas.
Treatment
- You need to take a daily alkaline-sponge bath applied with vigorous friction. I'm prescribing sugar of lead to restrict the flow of urine. If that doesn't work, we'll try creosote, in two-drop doses, or clear opium. You should not eat any foods that contain sugar. Instead, your diet should consist almost entirely of tender, fresh meats. Also, you will continue to be thirsty, but you must suppress this urge and drink very little. This is very important.
Prognosis
- several days later...
I don't know if you can hear me, but you've lapsed into a coma. We did all we could, but I'm afraid that it's just a matter of time before you pass away.
Start Over | 1900 | 1950 | 1998