100 years of insulin

This year marks the 100th anniversary of insulin’s discovery by Sir Frederick Banting, Charles Best, John Macleod, and James Collip at the University of Toronto, Canada. Since then, insulin has saved millions of lives around the world. What’s more, 14 November marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting and is also World Diabetes Day. Globally, this day will celebrate the lifesaving discovery of insulin.

Diabetes NZ is honouring this history. Branches around the country will acknowledge the day in various forms by hosting functions or activities. Keep your eyes on our website for local information closer to the time.

We also encourage those who have managed their diabetes with insulin therapy consistently for 50 years or more to apply for the Sir Charles Burns Memorial Award. And for those whose diabetes has been managed on insulin for 25 years or more, we are offering a new Silver Medal. Sir Charles Burns (1898–1985) had a distinguished medical career and was knighted following a period as Vice President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians from 1956 to 1958. He grew up in Blenheim and trained at the University of Otago Medical School.

THE SIR CHARLES BURNS MEMORIAL AWARD

Have you been on insulin for 50 years or more? If so, you are eligible for the Sir Charles Burns Memorial Award. Diabetes NZ presents this award to anyone with diabetes who can demonstrate that they have managed their diabetes for a continuous period of at least 50 years through insulin therapy.

THE SILVER MEDAL AWARD

This new award is for anyone who can demonstrate that they have managed their diabetes for a continuous period of at least 25 years through insulin therapy.

Charles Best and Sir Frederick Banting, c. 1924.

Sir Charles Burns (1898–1985) had a distinguished medical career and was knighted following a period as Vice President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians from 1956 to 1958. He grew up in Blenheim and trained at the University of Otago Medical School.