Works in Progress Podcast 100 years of insulin in 15 minutes
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Sep 16, 2025 Discover the fascinating journey of insulin, from its crude beginnings with animal extracts to the cutting-edge genetic engineering that revolutionized diabetes treatment. Hear how bacteria became the powerhouse for insulin production, shaping the biotech industry. The episode dives into the evolution of insulin delivery methods, showcasing advancements from glass needles to high-tech solutions like insulin pens and glucose monitors. Get ready for a captivating tale of innovation that transformed millions of lives!
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First Human Insulin Success
- In 1922 researchers at the University of Toronto injected insulin from animal pancreases into a dying 14-year-old boy and his symptoms improved dramatically.
- That first human treatment marked the beginning of insulin therapy and transformed diabetes care.
Animal Extraction Was Shockingly Inefficient
- Early insulin production relied on extracting the hormone from pig and cow pancreases, which was extremely inefficient.
- By the 1970s it still took thousands of animal glands to produce small amounts of insulin, limiting supply.
Painful Home Injections Before Disposables
- Mid-century diabetes care forced patients to sharpen needles, boil glass syringes, and reuse them, making treatment painful and risky.
- Disposable needles only became common decades later, improving safety and convenience.
