2 minute read
The story of Insulin
Insulin past and present
100 years ago, the discovery of insulin in history for people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The use of insulin to treat diabetes changed the prognosis of certain death to the opportunity of life. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which is needed to control blood sugar levels.
From 1889 to 1920, various researchers experimented with dogs induced with diabetes that they then injected with insulin. In 1920, Canadian Frederick Banting researched a paper on the function of the pancreas, and considered that it may be insulin that was the answer to treat diabetes if they were able to isolate it from the pancreas.
Banting approached John Macleod, a physiologist at the University of Toronto with his idea. He gave Banting the use of a laboratory, about a dozen dogs, and a laboratory assistant, undergraduate student Charles Best. Banting adapted his protocol to use the pancreases of cows instead of dogs and this proved more successful. He and Best collaborated with a chemist, James Collip, who invented a way of purifying the insulin.
In January 1922, a young Canadian patient named Leonard Thompson injections, and it was successful in treating his diabetes.
Since this time, much progress has administration of insulin, development of new insulins, and advanced insulin delivery systems, all which have had a huge impact on the quality of life for those living with diabetes. Although this was a life-saving discovery, much more remains to be done to ensure equal access to insulin and other diabetes medications for every person living with diabetes, regardless of where
The Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA) was formed in 1978, with a mission to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and our community. One of the BDA’s most important programmes is to assist people with diabetes who are either uninsured or underinsured to pay for their insulin, diabetes medicines and supplies. If you know anyone who requires assistance, please have them contact the BDA. Email: exec@diabetes.bm, tel: 297-8427 or visit the Resource Centre located at 22 Princess Street, Hamilton.
Call us at
297-8427
