Diabetes is a group of common endocrine diseases characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body becoming unresponsive to the hormone's effects. During 2014, On Cinema host Tim Heidecker began experiencing symptoms similar to diabetes, and sought various treatments to resolve these symptoms.

In January 2014, Tim began describing feeling a tingling numbness in his hands and feet, especially his right foot. Frequent guest Gregg Turkington suggested that Tim get checked for diabetes, recognizing Tim's symptoms as an early warning sign, though Tim denied the idea that it was diabetes, stating it was for old people.^[1] Over the next week, Tim's foot began to hurt more and more, becoming swollen and irritated, with both Tim and Gregg noting a distinct scent. Tim's nephew suggested that Tim look into an acupuncturist to look into both Tim's foot numbness and potential weight loss.^[2] Tim visited the acupuncturist, Dr. San, who stated that Tim needed 24-hour medical observation. He diagnosed Tim with an overactive liver, or “liver fire,” and attempted to calm Tim's liver with acupuncture.^[3]