The Complete History of Insulin: From Discovery to Modern Crisis
How Did Insulin Evolve from a Laboratory Extract to Modern Life-Saving Therapy?
Insulin’s history spans over 130 years, beginning with the 1889 discovery that pancreatic removal caused diabetes and culminating in today’s sophisticated insulin analogs and delivery systems. This journey encompasses groundbreaking scientific discoveries, manufacturing innovations, regulatory developments, and unfortunately, a modern pricing crisis that has made this life-saving medication inaccessible to many who need it most.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
Insulin’s history represents both the best and worst of medical progress. The scientific journey from understanding diabetes to developing life-saving therapy showcases human ingenuity and collaboration at its finest. However, the transformation of insulin from an affordable medication into a luxury commodity represents a betrayal of the discoverers’ vision and a failure of our healthcare system. Understanding this complete history helps us appreciate both the remarkable scientific achievement and the urgent need to restore insulin’s accessibility.