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World Diabetes Day: Celebrated on November 14 to honor the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin, marking a major breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes
History of Insulin Discovery and Its Impact on Diabetes Treatment
Pre-1920s: Diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination) were recognized but not understood.
1869: Paul Langerhans discovered the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, hinting at its role in blood sugar regulation.
1889: Oskar Minkowski and Joseph von Mering linked pancreas removal to diabetes symptoms.
1921: Frederick Banting and Charles Best, with help from James Collip, isolated insulin from the pancreas.
1922: Insulin was first successfully administered to a human (Leonard Thompson), leading to a significant breakthrough in treating diabetes.
1923: Banting and John Macleod won the Nobel Prize for the discovery of insulin.
Insulin revolutionized diabetes treatment, turning it from a fatal disease into a manageable condition.
Today, insulin helps millions manage their diabetes and lead near-normal lives.
Endocrine System and Insulin
Endocrine System: Glands that release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.
Pancreas is an endocrine organ that produces insulin in the islets of Langerhans.
Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Type 1 DM
Cause: Autoimmune disease where the body attacks its insulin-producing cells.
Age Group: Often diagnosed in children and young adults.
Management: Insulin injections required for life.
Type 2 DM
Cause: The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
Age Group: Mostly affects adults, but increasing among younger populations due to lifestyle factors.
Management: Often managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, insulin.
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