Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic health condition which affects the way the body produces or breaks down glucose. It is estimated that over 425 million people around the world suffer from diabetes, and this figure is likely to increase in the coming years. But has diabetes always existed?
History of Diabetes
The earliest known description of diabetes is attributed to the ancient Egyptians, who used the term ‘diabainein’ to refer to excessive urination. Ancient Chinese texts from the 4th century BC also describe symptoms of diabetes, such as thirst and frequent urination. However, it was not until 1600 that diabetes was properly identified as a distinct medical condition. The English physician Thomas Willis coined the term ‘diabetes mellitus’ in 1675, describing it as a “sweet urine disease” caused by excessive urination.
Diabetes Before the 20th Century
In the 18th and 19th centuries, medical experts began to understand the link between diabetes and diet. In the late 19th century, the first treatments for diabetes were developed, including dietary restrictions and the use of plant-based remedies. During this time, the first cases of insulin-dependent diabetes were recorded, and the first insulin injections were administered.
Diabetes in the 20th Century
In 1921, Canadian researchers Frederick Banting and Charles Best developed a method to extract and purify insulin from the pancreas of dogs. This marked the beginning of insulin therapy, which is still used to treat type 1 diabetes today. During the 1950s and 1960s, more advanced treatments for diabetes were developed, including oral medications and self-monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Conclusion
While diabetes is a relatively recent medical condition, there is evidence that various forms of the disease have existed since ancient times. The development of treatments such as insulin therapy and oral medications have made it possible to manage diabetes and improve the lives of those who suffer from it.