What Did Diabetics Do Before Insulin?

Diabetes has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until 1922 that the first successful extraction of insulin was made, revolutionizing the treatment of the disease. Before that, managing diabetes was a difficult process that often had fatal consequences. So what did diabetics do before insulin?

Diabetes Treatment Before Insulin

Prior to the discovery of insulin, diabetics had very few treatment options and suffered from a poor quality of life. Traditional treatments for diabetes involved regulating the diet and exercising, but these treatments did not provide a long-term solution. Some patients tried to regulate their blood sugar levels by drinking herbal remedies, such as bitter melon juice and fenugreek. However, these remedies often had adverse side effects and were not very effective in treating diabetes.

Before the invention of insulin, doctors often prescribed a low-carb diet in order to control blood sugar levels. This diet consisted largely of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, as well as complex carbohydrates such as whole grains. Unfortunately, this diet was difficult to stick to and didn’t always provide enough energy for the patient.

The Dangers of Diabetes Before Insulin

Before the discovery of insulin, the dangers of diabetes were much greater. Without insulin, diabetics were unable to process sugar, and this caused their blood sugar levels to spike. If their blood sugar reached a dangerously high level, the patient could suffer from a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Many diabetics also suffered from other complications, such as kidney failure, heart disease, and even blindness.

The Discovery of Insulin

In 1922, two Canadian scientists, Frederick Banting and Charles Best, discovered that insulin could be extracted from the pancreas of a dog. This discovery was a breakthrough in diabetes treatment, as it allowed diabetics to control their blood sugar levels more effectively. Banting and Best were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 for their discovery.

How Insulin Changed Diabetes Treatment

Once insulin was discovered, it revolutionized the treatment of diabetes. Diabetics were now able to regulate their blood sugar levels more effectively, and the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis was significantly reduced. Insulin also allowed diabetics to lead a much healthier lifestyle, as they could now eat a more balanced diet without worrying about their blood sugar levels.

The Impact of Insulin on Diabetics

The discovery of insulin has had an enormous impact on the lives of diabetics. Prior to the discovery of insulin, diabetics were often unable to lead a normal life, as their disease was difficult to control. With the invention of insulin, diabetics are now able to lead healthy, happy lives and can even participate in activities that were once off-limits to them.

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Conclusion

Before the discovery of insulin in 1922, diabetics had few treatment options and were often unable to lead a normal life. Traditional treatments such as diet and herbal remedies had limited effectiveness and posed significant health risks. Insulin has revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, allowing diabetics to live healthy, happy lives. The discovery of insulin has saved millions of lives and changed the course of diabetes treatment forever.