Today in History: The introduction of Insulin to the public
Insulin works by regulating glucose transport proteins in cells so they can take up the glucose and use it as an energy source or convert it to glycogen for storage.
Insulin was discovered in 1921 by Frederick G Banting, while Banting was working with JJR Macleod and Charles Best at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Both Banting and Macleod were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their outstanding work, while Best was excluded, a decision the Nobel Peace Prize committee subsequently regretted.
Insulin works by regulating glucose transport proteins in cells so they can take up the glucose and use it as an energy source or convert it to glycogen for storage.
Insulin was introduced to the public on 19 July 1923, after two years of trials before it was deemed safe enough for the public to use.
Insulin is still used all over the world today to effectively treat Type 1 diabetes. South Africa has over 6,5 million people living with the disease.
Information sourced from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
