Insulin
Laughter is the best medicine - unless you're diabetic, then insulin comes pretty high on the list - Jasper Carrott
image by: Ian Muttoo
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The History of Insulin
Since insulin was discovered in 1921, it has become one of the most thoroughly studied molecules in scientific history.
Diabetes has been recognized as a distinct medical condition for at least 3,500 years, but its cause was a mystery until early this century. In the early 1920s, researchers strongly suspected that diabetes was caused by a malfunction in the digestive system related to the pancreas gland, a small organ that sits on top of the liver.
At that time, the only way to "control" diabetes was through a diet low in carbohydrate and sugar, and high in fat and protein. Instead of dying shortly after diagnosis, this diet allowed diabetics to live - but only for about…
Resources
Frederick Banting’s discovery of insulin in the 1920s saved a child's life. It’s still saving lives.
The Canadian scientist led the charge that discovered insulin.
A Science Odyssey
In 1920, Canadian surgeon Frederick Banting visited the University of Toronto to speak to the newly appointed head of the department of physiology, John J.R. Macleod. Macleod had studied glucose metabolism and diabetes, and Banting had a new idea on how to find not only the cause but a treatment for the so-called "sugar disease."
How Does Insulin Work in Our Bodies?
The prevalence of diabetes, a condition related to the body’s inability to appropriately produce a hormone called insulin, has been steadily increasing worldwide over the last 30 years.
The Discovery and Early Development of Insulin
This site documents the initial period of the discovery and development of insulin, 1920-1925, here at the University of Toronto. It presents over seven thousand page images reproducing original documents ranging from laboratory notebooks and charts, correspondence, writings, and published papers to photographs, awards, clippings, scrapbooks, printed ephemera and artifacts.
Diabetes and the Miracle of Insulin
The research team sold their patent rights to the University of Toronto for $1, believing insulin was too vital to be exploited. Their idealism was betrayed: Today, manufacture of the drug is controlled by three companies, and according to a 2018 Yale study published in JAMA, its high cost is forcing 1 in 4 Americans to skimp on their medication. The next frontier for insulin is finding a way to make it affordable for all.
What Is Insulin?
Insulin was the first hormone identified (late 1920s), which won the doctor and medical student who discovered it the Nobel Prize (Banting and Best). They discovered insulin by tying a string around the pancreatic duct of several dogs.
When Old Drugs Are Made New Again
How can it be that a drug which has been on the market for more than 90 years – and is effective at slowing or even stopping the progression of a common, deadly disease – is still so costly that Americans can lose their eyesight, their kidneys, their limbs, and their independence because they are unable to afford it?
The History of Insulin
Since insulin was discovered in 1921, it has become one of the most thoroughly studied molecules in scientific history. Diabetes has been recognized as a distinct medical condition for at least 3,500 years, but its cause was a mystery until early this century.
Insulin for Life
Insulin for Life Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that collects and distributes insulin and other diabetes supplies that would otherwise be wasted.
Insulin Pumpers
Support and information for adults and children with diabetes.
Open Insulin Project
We're a team of Bay Area biohackers working on newer, simpler, less expensive ways to make insulin.
Stand Up for Affordable Insulin
Our goal is to ensure that insulin is affordable and accessible for all people who need this lifesaving medication.
Insulin Synthesis and Secretion
Insulin is synthesized in significant quantities only in beta cells in the pancreas. The insulin mRNA is translated as a single chain precursor called preproinsulin, and removal of its signal peptide during insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum generates proinsulin.
MedlinePlus
Store unopened vials of insulin, unopened disposable dosing devices and unopened insulin pens in the refrigerator. Do not freeze insulin and do not use insulin that has been frozen.
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