Discovery of Insulin: Special Centenary Edition

The discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto in 1921-2 was a major medical breakthrough that saved countless lives and earned the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1923. This engaging book by historian Michael Bliss recounts the story behind the discovery, including the intense competition and personal conflicts among the researchers.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2021
\n Publisher: University of Toronto Press
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The discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto in 1921-2 was a momentous event in the history of disease treatment. Insulin, discovered by a Canadian research team led by Frederick Banting, Charles Best, James Collip, and John Macleod, was a remarkable drug that had the power to save the lives of diabetics. It was not surprising that the Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to the team in 1923 for their groundbreaking discovery.

In his captivating and award-winning book, historian Michael Bliss delves into the fascinating story behind the discovery of insulin. Drawing on archival records and personal experiences, Bliss weaves a narrative that is as much about fierce competition and intense confrontations as it is about medical dedication and scientific brilliance. The special centenary edition of The Discovery of Insulin, with a new preface by Bliss and a foreword by Alison Li, commemorates the one hundredth anniversary of insulin's discovery and its enduring significance a century later.

Insulin's discovery was a result of a long and arduous journey that began with the observation that diabetics experienced a loss of glucose in their urine. Banting and his team conducted experiments on animals to test the hypothesis that insulin could restore glucose levels and prevent diabetes. After years of research, they successfully isolated and purified insulin from the pancreas of cows, making it available for human use.

The impact of insulin on the lives of diabetics was profound. It allowed them to control their blood sugar levels, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced complications. Insulin also paved the way for the development of other diabetes treatments, such as insulin pumps and oral medications.

The discovery of insulin was not without its challenges. The team faced opposition from some in the medical community who questioned the effectiveness and safety of the new drug. They also had to navigate complex legal and financial issues to secure the rights to produce and distribute insulin.

Despite these obstacles, the team's dedication to their work paid off. Insulin became widely available, and its impact on the treatment of diabetes was recognized worldwide. The Nobel Prize for Medicine was a testament to the team's scientific achievements and their commitment to improving the lives of people with diabetes.

In conclusion, the discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto in 1921-2 was a landmark event in the history of medicine. Insulin's ability to save the lives of diabetics and transform the treatment of diabetes has had a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people around the world. The story of insulin's discovery is a testament to the power of scientific research, medical dedication, and human ingenuity.

\n Weight: 542g\n
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781487529130\n \n