Modern (1940’s-present)
142 The Discovery of Insulin
Livi Dodd
InTRODUCTION
“Insulin is an essential hormone. It helps your body turn food into energy and manages your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your body can’t make enough insulin or use it properly” (Cleveland Clinic) quotes to explain the critical role of insulin in the human body. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerous levels, leading to complications or death. In the early 20th century, individuals with diabetes faced this harsh reality, as there was no treatment. However, in 1921, Frederick Banting and Charles Best made a shocking discovery at the University of Toronto of extracting insulin from the pancreas. This breakthrough took diabetes from a terminal diagnosis to a manageable condition and marked the turning point in medical science.
CONNECTION TO STS
The discovery of insulin highlights the relationship between science, technology, and society. The work done by Frederick Banting and Charles Best started with the scientific understanding of the human body and the technological innovation allowed them to discover insulin as a treatment. This discovery had a major impact on society by taking a fatal disease and turning it into a controllable condition with easy access. “The insulin patent from the University of Toronto was sold for $1 with the understanding that cheap insulin would become available. Through the years, insulin remained affordable” (DiabetesSpectrum).
DEVELOPMENT OF INSULIN
In 1921, Frederick Banting became determined to find a cure for diabetes. He believed that the pancreas had a key role in the regulation of blood sugar, and that the hormone it produces may be the solution. Banting joined forces with Charles Best and began conducting experiments. “He decided to test this hypothesis with an aqueous extract of pancreas, which was administered to diabetic, pancreatectomized dogs” (National Library of Medicine). After many trials, the two researchers began to isolate the hormone that they named “insulin”, and was soon purified and perfected for human use.
MEDICINE AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH
The discovery of insulin had a major impact on both public health and the future of medicine. “Diabetes has devastating effects on individuals, societies and countries or territories and leads to over 4 million deaths a year” (Diabetes Atlas). It transformed diabetes from a deadly disease to a manageable condition that allowed millions of individuals to live longer lives. Not only did the number of deaths decrease, but the discovery also changed the way illnesses were assessed and treated. It sparked advancements in developments of medicine and put a major emphasis on the collaboration between medical workers. The quote, “On March 23, 2020 FDA began receiving applications for biosimilar products, including insulin, and on July 29, 2021 the agency approved the first interchangeable biosimilar insulin product, Semglee, indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus” further explains how advancements are constantly occurring (100 Years of Insulin).
SOCIETY AND THE ECONOMY
Not only did the discovery of insulin revolutionize medicine, it also had a lasting impact on society and the economy. As diabetes became a liveable diagnosis, people were given the chance to survive and continue to live long, productive lives and remain in the workforce to contribute to their families and society. “This is because keeping blood glucose levels in your target range gives you more energy to live your life as you want” (National Diabetes Services Scheme). This maintains and creates a positive effect on the overall productivity of the economy. In addition, the discovery of insulin changed the public’s attitude towards diabetes and created social inclusion which normalized and spread awareness of diabetes.
CONCLUSION
The discovery of insulin represents a transformative moment in the history of medicine, focusing on the connection between science, technology, and society. The work of Frederick Banting and Charles Best turned a fatal disease into a manageable illness, saving millions of people. The discovery led to many societal and economic impacts, allowing individuals with diabetes to live full lives. It also influenced advancements in the medical industry. This discovery highlights the evolution of medical processes through scientific exploration, technological advancements, and societal needs to emphasize the power these breakthroughs may have on humans.
REFERENCES
Benefits and Side Effects of Insulin. (2024, June 12). NDSS.
Commissioner, O. (n.d.). 100 Year Anniversary of Insulin. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-history-exhibits/100-years-insulin
Deaths Attribute to Diabetes. (n.d.). Diabetes Atlas.
https://diabetesatlas.org/data/en/indicators/7/
Hirsch, Irl B. (n.d.). Insulin in America: A right or a Priveledge? Diabetes Spectrum. American Diabetes Association.
Vecchio, I., Tornali, C., Bragazzi., N. L., & Martini, M. (2018, October 23). The Discovery of Insulin: An important milestone in the history of medicine. National Library of Medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6205949/
Insulin. (2024, November 4). Cleveland Clinic. What is insulin?
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22601-insulin
AI ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I used Microsoft Co-Pilot to help me find information about the discovery of insulin that fits the goals of this textbook chapter. It gave me sources to support the information I provided. I then used the other sources I had gathered to apply other elements to the chapter.
