Who Invented Insulin?
Frederick Banting discovered
insulin
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced
in the pancreas. It was isolated in 1921-22 at the University of Toronto.
The scientists involved in the research were Dr. Fredrick Banting, Charles
Best (a medical student at the time of the discovery), Professor J. J. R.
Macleod and Dr. James Collip. On June 3, 1934, Dr Frederick Banting the
co-inventor of insulin was knighted for his medical discovery.
Poor wound healing: High blood sugar levels
prevent white blood cells, which are important in defending the body against
bacteria and also in cleaning up dead tissue and cells, from functioning
normally. When these cells do not function properly, wounds take much longer to
heal and become infected more frequently. Also, long-standing diabetes is
associated with thickening of blood vessels, which prevents good circulation and
our body tissues from getting enough oxygen and other nutrients.
Infections: Certain infection syndromes, such
as frequent yeast infections of the genitals, skin infections, and frequent
urinary tract infections, may result from suppression of the immune system by
diabetes and by the presence of glucose in the tissues, which allows bacteria to
grow well. They can also be an indicator of poor blood sugar control in a person
known to have diabetes.
Altered mental status: Agitation, unexplained
irritability, inattention, extreme lethargy, or confusion can all be signs of
very high blood sugar, ketoacidosis, or hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic
syndrome or hypoglycemia (low sugar). Thus, any of these merit the immediate
attention of a medical professional. Call your health care provider or 911.
Blurry vision: Blurry vision is not specific for diabetes but is frequently
present with high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Causes
Type 1 diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune disease. The body's immune
system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. A
predisposition to develop type 1 diabetes may run in families but much less
so than for type 2. Environmental factors, such as certain types of viral
infections, may also contribute. Type 1 diabetes is most common in people of
non-Hispanic white persons of Northern European descent, followed by African
Americans and Hispanic Americans. It is relatively rare in those of Asian
descent. Type 1 diabetes is slightly more common in men than in women.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is believed to have a strong
genetic link, meaning that it tends to run in families. Several genes are
being studied that may be related to the cause of type 2 diabetes. Risk
factors for developing type 2 diabetes include the following:
High blood pressure
High blood triglyceride (fat) levels
Gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
High-fat diet
High alcohol intake
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity or being overweight
Ethnicity: Certain groups, such as African Americans, Native Americans,
Hispanic Americans, and Japanese Americans, have a greater risk of
developing type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites
Aging: Increasing age is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Risk
begins to rise significantly at about age 45 years, and rises considerably
after age 65 years.
How is diabetes treated?
The major goal in treating diabetes is to minimize any elevation of blood
sugar (glucose) without
causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated
with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is treated
first with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these
measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are
used. If oral medications are still insufficient, treatment with insulin is
considered.
Adherence to a diabetic diet is an important aspect of controlling elevated
blood sugar in patients with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association
(ADA) has provided guidelines for a diabetic diet. The ADA diet is a
balanced, nutritious diet that is low in fat, cholesterol, and simple
sugars. The total daily calories are evenly divided into three meals. In the
past two years, the ADA has lifted the absolute ban on simple sugars. Small
amounts of simple sugars are allowed when consumed with a complex meal. For
more, please read the Diabetic Diet article.
Weight reduction and exercise are important treatments for diabetes. Weight
reduction and exercise increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, thus
helping to control blood sugar elevations. For more, please read the Weight
Loss and Fitness articles
