Researchers across the world are today marking 90 years of insulin being used to successfully treat people with diabetes.
Prior to 1921, a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes often led to death within weeks or even days. But the discovery of the hormone insulin by Dr Frederick Banting and his assistant Charles Best in Canada during the summer of that year marked a breakthrough approach to treating the disease.
Banting and Best were able to isolate material from pancreas extracts to prolong the lives of diabetic dogs by keeping blood glucose levels under control.
In 1922, the pair treated their first human patient, 14-year-old Leonard Thompson, who was dying of starvation with diabetes at Toronto General Hospital. Within days his dangerously high blood sugar levels had dropped to near normal levels, and his life was saved.
News of the miracle extract, insulin, spread and soon scientists had clear evidence that it was a life-saving drug.
Ninety years on and Banting's breakthrough is being hailed a one of the 20th century's most important medical advances.
Type 1 diabetes usually develops under the age of 40 and requires daily insulin injections to improve glycemic control .
90 Years Of Insulin Treatment For Diabetics
Mon, 23 Jan 2012
Recommended links
Diabetes in IndiaWhat is diabetes mellitus
Types and causes of diabetes mellitus
Symptoms of diabetes
Treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes food and diet tips
Diabetes self help measures
Novartis Brings Diabetes Drug To China
Coffee Drinkers At Lower Risk Of Diabetes
Scientists Show Benefits Of Flavonoid-Rich Diet For Type 2 Diabetics
Statins Linked To Diabetes Risk In Women
Study Raises Hope Of Cure For Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Risk Raised By Poor Maternal Diet
Diabetes management tools
Type 1 Diabetes Causes
