Being able to inject with insulin is essential for those with Type 1 diabetes and also those with the latter stages of Type 2. That such injections are possible is due to the isolation of insulin, on 27 July 1921 at the University of Toronto, by Canadian surgeon Frederick Banting assisted by medical student Charles Best, who isolated the hormone by extracting it from the pancreas of his dog (pictured). Leonard Thompson, 14 years old, was the person to receive purified insulin by injection as a treatment for his Type 1 diabetes. The role of the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, is to turn food into energy and manage the body’s blood sugar levels and is vital for good health.
World Diabetes Day, Saturday 14 November, commemorates the birthday of Dr Banting who went on to be knighted and receive the Nobel Prize for Medicine.
To commemorate this event, the CI Coop will be offering free tests for diabetes on Thursday 12 November at the Millennium Park Coop pharmacy in St Helier and on Friday 13 November at the St Peter’s Village Coop Pharmacy. The tests will be available as drop in between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
“As with any medical condition, early diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes means that the condition may be managed simply by diet or medication and only ultimately by insulin injections,” says Bill O’Brien, chairman of Diabetes Jersey. “We warmly welcome this initiative by the CI Coop since it is understood that there are probably at least three thousand people in Jersey who are either pre-diabetic or who even have the condition since may not manifest itself for some years. A simple blood test taking just a few seconds can determine whether or not a person is clear or at risk.”
Insulin is not a cure for diabetes but its use as a treatment for the disease has lengthened the lives of millions around the world.
