How we learned to treat diabetes, from 'honey urine' to modern drugs
Insulin discovered in 1921 changed everything. Type 1 diabetes went from nearly always fatal to a condition people could survive.
Ancient doctors across the world spotted diabetes early. Chinese doctors called it "wasting-thirst".
Indian doctors called it "honey urine" because diabetic urine tastes sweet. Greek doctors noticed it caused too much urination.
But nobody knew why until 1889. That's when doctors found the pancreas was involved.
In 1921, Toronto researchers tried something new. They took insulin from a dog.
They gave pure insulin to a dying 14-year-old boy. His blood sugar fell.
He started eating normally. His strength came back.
This changed everything.
Why it mattersWithout insulin, Type 1 diabetes killed most people within five years. The 1921 discovery made it a condition people could live with.
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