The discovery of insulin
To find out more about the discovery of insulin, you can download the book ‘One Hundred Years of Insulin‘, written by Angus M Brown (Nottingham University, UK and University of Washington, USA).
Read the bookThe discovery of insulin a century ago was a landmark in the history of medicine as it offered the chance of a normal life to diabetic patients who would otherwise certainly die.
It was the very embodiment of a miracle cure. The story of the discovery of insulin is inspirational on several levels. The main character, Frederick Banting, was the epitome of ordinary, which makes his achievements all the more remarkable.
Banting’s humble origins on a farm in rural Canada are evidence that one does not need illustrious ancestors or membership of the medical establishment to succeed in research. He was a decorated war hero who survived the hell of the First World War trenches to improve the lives of millions – indeed it is estimated that the discovery of insulin has saved more lives than the combined losses of the First and Second World Wars.
What Banting had was a burning ambition to tackle an intractable medical condition, diabetes, and the dogged determination to overcome the difficulties that beset and discouraged other researchers.
Banting suggested a plan of his experiments to John Macleod, Professor of Physiology at the University of Toronto, who was sufficiently intrigued to offer Banting access to his laboratory and provided experimental animals, resources and the help of lab assistant Charles Best. They were later joined by experienced biochemist James Collip, who succeeded in purifying insulin.
Banting was extremely lucky to collaborate with three equivalently passionate and committed researchers who laboured together towards a common goal. The manner in which Banting and his colleagues conducted their experiments can be viewed as a successful template for experimental research. Do not be dejected by failures, learn from your mistakes, have a flexible attitude to experiments, abandon dead ends and maintain momentum, all the while optimising your techniques.
Banting was awarded the Nobel Prize at age 32 and a century later remains the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.
Morality also plays a part in this story. Despite a precarious personal financial situation, Banting refused to benefit financially from his discovery, realising that this would impose hefty costs on patients, and sold the patent to the University of Toronto for a nominal sum.