Insulin : the modern era

Abstract

Insulin – a naturally occurring hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas, has been successfully isolated and purified in the year 1921 by the scientists Banting and Best in Toronto. Since then, more than 100 years later, different formulations and delivery methods have been developed. Type 1 diabetes depends on insulin for survival and reduced morbidity. Therefore, it came naturally with time to research newer technologies that mimic as much as possible the job of the pancreatic beta cells to provide insulin. This led to the development of the first model of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in the 1970s. Several advantages have been linked to the insulin pump as opposed to multiple daily insulin injections. Literature mentions better glycaemic outcomes with increased time in range and reduced hypoglycaemic episodes with insulin pumps. Other benefits vary from practical and psychological benefits with regards to the changing mentality towards living with type 1 diabetes, to long-term benefits involving the reduction of micro- and macrovascular complications. Studies are still being conducted to determine whether type 2 diabetic patients could also benefit from such insulin pumps.