The history and legacy of insulin on World Diabetes Day

November 14 marks World Diabetes Day, commemorating the birth of Frederick Banting in 1891. Banting is credited with the discovery of insulin, a milestone that transformed Type 1 diabetes from a terminal condition into a manageable disease. Before this medical breakthrough, patients, including young children, had few treatment options beyond starvation diets and faced imminent death.

The first successful human treatment occurred in Toronto in January 1922. The patient, 13-year-old Leonard Thompson, was severely ill, weighing only 29 kilograms. Initial attempts using a pancreatic extract caused complications, but after biochemical refinement by James Collip, a second, successful injection was administered. This discovery saved countless lives and remains one of the most significant achievements in medical history. Notably, the scientists involved sold the patent rights for just one dollar each, ensuring the treatment would be widely accessible.

Today, the legacy of this discovery continues to guide modern diabetes care. The global medical community recognizes this date as a reminder of how scientific innovation and ethical decision-making can permanently change the human condition, providing hope and longevity to millions of patients living with the disease worldwide.