The Historical Context of Insulin Discovery

Insulin was discovered in 1922 by Frederick Banting and Charles Best, marking a significant advancement in diabetes treatment. Their initial experiments involved injecting a pancreatic extract into a young patient, resulting in a notable reduction in blood glucose levels. This discovery was groundbreaking, as it significantly extended the life expectancy of diabetes patients at the time, who previously had very limited survival chances. The rapid pace at which the discovery progressed, culminating in a Nobel Prize within two years, underscores the impact of this life-saving hormone.