Major Events:
1940- The American Diabetes Association is founded
1949-
Rachmiel Levine, discovers how insulin works within the body. Acting like a key, insulin transports glucose (Sugars) into cells.
1953-
Tablets which are used to test glucose in ones urine become openly available. This option was much easier and convenient than using Benedict's solution to determine glucose levels.
1955-
The oral medication Sulfonylureas becomes available.
1959-
Solomon Berson and Rosalyn Yalow develop a new method for measuring the amount of insulin in the blood stream. They also discover that some people with diabetes still produce their own insulin while others do not.
1961-
The Eli Lilly and Company introduces a hormone produced by the pancreas which raises glucose levels called Glucagon.
1966-
At the University of Minnesota Hospital the first successful pancreas transplant is preformed
1970-
The first glucose meter is introduced by the Ames Company.
1971-
On the surface of cell membranes insulin receptors are discovered. Discovering these receptors raises the awareness of the possibility that if a cell were missing or held defective receptors, glucose could be prevented from entering the cells. This leads to the new knowledge of what contributes to the insulin resistance of type two diabetes.
1976-
The very first insulin pumps are used by type one diabetic patients.
1977-
The A1C test is developed by Boston researchers. A1C is a test that measures the glycosylated hemoglobin, and becomes the standard test for determining ones long-term diabetes control.
1978
Research conducted at the City of Hope National Medical Center n Duarte, California, along with Genetech Inc., in San Francisco produce insulin identical to humans by inducing E. Coli bacteria.
1982-
Human insulin produced using genetically altered bacteria is approved by the FDA.
In association with type one diabetes a 64K auto antibody is revealed.
In association with type one diabetes a 64K auto antibody is revealed.
1983-
The drug Sulfonylureas renters the market in a smaller dose with fewer side effects. This second generation drug is better for the patient.
1989-
Glucose is distributed into muscle and fat cells with the help of a transporter known as GLUT-4. The understanding of how glucose enters the blood stream to be used by the body as fuel, allows for scientists to begin locating drugs to improve insulin cell sensitivity.
Sulfonylureas (Oral Medication)-
Sulfonylurea is a drug classified as an organic compound, used to help treat type two diabetes. This drug increases the release of insulin from the beta cells within the pancreas. The higher amount of insulin released allows for more more natural insulin to already be in the blood stream and ready to help the carbohydrates enter the cells.
Insulin Pumps:
1963-
The first insulin pump came out in the 60’s and resembled a jet pack. Not only did this first insulin pump deliver insulin to the user, but it also delivered glucagon. Glucagon is the hormone secreted by your liver to bring your blood sugar levels up. When the glucose level of a patients blood would fall to low glucagon would be administered and when a meal would me consumed insulin would be injected instead. Dr. Arnold Kadis made the first insulin pump in Los Angeles in 1963, but due to their inconvenient size, insulin pumps were not commonly used by diabetics.
1976-
Dean Kamen created the auto-syringe that was carried in a backpack and connected to the person with tubing and a needle.
1979-
It wasn’t until 1979, that a needle free insulin pump was created. This pump was smaller, but still weighed about 2 pounds. Both pumps methods at this point were inaccurate; causing fatalities and most diabetics were required to retreat back to daily injections.
1980-
The 1980’s were any better for the insulin pump. One would have to use a screwdriver to change an insulin dosage because the pump itself didn’t have any buttons. These were only used in diabetic cases that were difficult to manage for they often leaving patients unsatisfied.
1990-
Minimeds were introduced in the 1990's. They were smaller and more convenient to use. This was the first insulin pump to truly interact with the patients using them. They only delivered one set basal dose and unfortunately, which often left patients with frequent low blood sugars.