Diabetes Prevention, Care and Research in the German Democratic Republic (GDR)
‘Conditionally Healthy and Able to Work’: Diabetes Prevention, Care and Research in the German Democratic Republic (GDR)
Room: CRV012
Dr Kate Hiepko, Research and Scholarly Communications Librarian, University of Chester
This talk will explore the development of a distinctive system for the prevention, care and research of diabetes mellitus in the former state socialist German Democratic Republic. Using diabetes (a complex disease of two broad ‘types’) as a case study, it will uncover how political ideology, economic constraints and medical innovation shaped patient outcomes.
East German healthcare placed a strong emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis. Central to this approach was the idea that people with diabetes were ‘conditionally healthy and able to work’. Drawing on archival records, medical journals and interviews with doctors and patients, the talk will discuss a range of specialist inpatient and outpatient facilities and the nationwide screening programmes undertaken. It will also highlight the challenges posed by political pressures (including interference from the notorious Staatssicherheitsdienst or ‘Stasi’) and economic shortages, such as limited medical supplies and poor-quality pharmaceutical products.
All are welcome to attend the in-person talks free of charge. Booking is encouraged for refreshment and seating purposes, and in case there are any last-minute changes (contact details below). Please check the event listings for updates to the programme (scroll down to see the individual events). Access to the Riverside Museum and event venues is via a flight of steps and lift/step access thereafter. For those with limited mobility, there is an accessible route, and please pre-book to arrange this access.fhsc.histsoc@chester.ac.uk or 01244 512961
See Museum dates and associated programme throughout 2026-27.
The Wheeler building is located in the centre of Chester on Castle Drive by the River Dee. It is accessible via the M53, A55, A483, A51 and A41, and public transport from the city centre.
Address
University of Chester, Castle Drive, Chester, CH1 1SLThere are cycle shelters at Queen’s Park which are marked with a yellow circle and the letter C on University location maps.
Chester railway station is a 20-minute walk from Wheeler and the Arriva 1 and 11 run frequent services that stop within a short walking distance. The Arrowebrook Coaches 26 also stops nearby. Parking is not available for students at Wheeler, however, all three Park and Ride routes, PR1, PR2 and PR3 have connections within walking distance to the site.
For alternative car parks, including the nearby Little Roodee, see the Cheshire West and Chester Council website.