Revolutionizing Diabetes Care: The Journey to Insulin Discovery

Introduction:

Before the groundbreaking discovery of insulin, individuals with diabetes faced grim life expectancies due to limited medical interventions. The year 1921 marked a turning point when scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best successfully isolated insulin, paving the way for a revolutionary treatment for diabetes.

1. The Quest for Insulin:
   In 1920, scientists identified insulin deficiency as the root cause of diabetes. Previous attempts to extract insulin from pancreatic cells had failed. Frederick Banting proposed a new approach and collaborated with scientist John Macleod to devise a plan.
2. Experiments and Milestones:
   Banting and his research assistant, Charles Best, conducted experiments that led to the successful isolation of insulin from a dog’s pancreas in 1921. The subsequent challenge was to apply this extract for diabetes treatment. Despite initial setbacks, they persevered.
3. Triumphs and Challenges:
   By November 1921, they achieved a significant breakthrough, keeping a diabetic alive for 70 days with their insulin extract. The team expanded with the addition of biochemist James Collip in December, focusing on refining and concentrating the insulin extract.
4. First Insulin Injection:
   In January 1922, the first insulin injection was administered to fourteen-year-old Leonard Thompson. Although his blood sugar levels dropped, refinement efforts continued. Thompson’s second injection in January 1923 resulted in near-normal blood sugar levels.
5. Commitment to the Greater Good:
   Banting, Collip, and Best secured American patents for insulin and its production process in January 1923. Remarkably, they chose to sell these patents to the University of Toronto for one dollar, emphasizing their dedication to the well-being of humanity.
6. Mass Production and Distribution:
   Eli Lilly became the first manufacturer to mass produce insulin, with the first commercial supply distributed in late 1923. This marked a crucial step in making insulin widely accessible to those in need.

Conclusion:

The discovery of insulin by Banting, Best, and their collaborators revolutionized diabetes care, offering hope and extended life to millions. Their selfless commitment to humanity, exemplified by selling the patents for a symbolic amount, continues to inspire on #WorldDiabetesDay.