Before the discovery of insulin in the early 1920s, diabetes was a death sentence. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Without insulin, the body is unable to use glucose, which builds up in the bloodstream and causes life-threatening complications, including organ failure, coma, and death.
Prior to the discovery of insulin, diabetes was treated with a combination of dietary changes, exercise, and medication. A strict diet of low-carbohydrate foods was prescribed, often leading to malnutrition and starvation. Exercise could help reduce the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, but it was not always enough. Medications such as opium and digitalis were used to help control blood sugar levels, but they were not always effective. As a result, many people with diabetes died prematurely due to complications of the disease.
The discovery of insulin in 1921 was a turning point for diabetes patients. Insulin allowed people with diabetes to maintain normal blood sugar levels and live relatively normal lives. It was a revolutionary medical breakthrough, and it saved countless lives. Today, insulin and other medications, along with diet and exercise, are used to treat diabetes and manage its complications. Thanks to these advances, diabetes is no longer a death sentence.