This Moment in Science History for 01-11-2025

On January 11th in science history, one significant event occurred in 1922 when insulin was first used to treat diabetes in a human patient. The patient was a 14-year-old boy named Leonard Thompson, who was dying from type 1 diabetes at the Toronto General Hospital in Canada.

Before this groundbreaking treatment, diabetes was considered a death sentence. The only available management was a strict diet that could only prolong a patient's life by a few years. However, in 1921, Dr. Frederick Banting and his assistant Charles Best had discovered insulin and its potential to treat diabetes in dogs.

After experimenting and refining the insulin extraction process, they collaborated with biochemist James Collip to develop a purified form of insulin that could be safely administered to humans. Leonard Thompson became the first person to receive this treatment.

Initially, the results were disappointing, as the insulin was not pure enough and caused an allergic reaction. However, James Collip worked tirelessly to improve the purification process, and 12 days later, on January 23rd, Leonard received a second dose. This time, it was a success! His blood glucose levels dropped, and his symptoms began to improve. He went on to live for another 13 years before dying of pneumonia at age 27.

The news of insulin's success spread rapidly, and soon, insulin production increased to meet the growing demand. The discovery of insulin revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and has since saved countless lives worldwide. Today, insulin remains a crucial medication for managing diabetes, and ongoing research continues to improve its efficacy and delivery methods.

The development and first use of insulin in a human patient is a remarkable example of how scientific discovery and perseverance can lead to life-changing advancements in medicine.