Investigators at the Indiana University School of Medicine Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases celebrate 100 years since the discovery of insulin.

Celebrating 100 years of insulin

The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin from Frederick Banting and Charles Best. Before 1921, Type 1 diabetes was a fatal disease. The discovery of insulin's role in blood glucose regulation was a major medical breakthrough, and its rapid clinical implementation would go on to save millions of lives for a century to come.

This year, Indiana University School of Medicine and its diabetes research partners throughout the state of Indiana recognize the distinct contributions made by scientists in Indiana and around the world to advance global understanding of the development of diabetes, and to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for insulin dependent people and their caregivers.

2021 World Diabetes Day + 100 Years of Insulin

The CDMD celebrated a special world diabetes day on Nov. 15, 2021, with a keynote presentation examining Indiana's major role in the insulin therapy over the years. "The Eli Lilly Insulin Story" was presented by Ruth E. Gimeno, PhD, Vice President of Diabetes Research and Clinical Investigation at Eli Lilly and Company, and followed by a forum discussion with IU experts.

View the recorded event

100 years of insulin: Celebrating the past, present and future of insulin therapy

In a review article published in Nature Medicine, IU School of Medicine researchers partnered with colleagues at the University of Exeter to describe key accomplishments leading to and building on this momentous occasion in medical history, including advancements in scientific understanding and clinical practices related to insulin, patient experiences, and remaining challenges in global access to care.

Read the review published in Nature Medicine

#Insulin100 - A Medical Marvel

Hosted by the American Diabetes Association, IU School of Medicine Distinguished Professor Michael A. Weiss, MD, PhD, sat down with industry experts to reflect on the history and trajectory of insulin therapy at the ADA's 81st Scientific Sessions.

Watch the discussion
Weiss

Looking ahead: Synthetic hinge could hold key to revolutionary "smart" insulin therapy

In a breakthrough study led by Michael Weiss, MD, PhD, researchers describe the use of a synthetic “switch” that can be opened or closed using a simple sugar sensor. The novel design could pave way for a revolutionary glucose-responsive insulin therapy.

Read the news release

Novak named inaugural recipient of Peter J. Roach Diabetes and Metabolism Award

Alissa Novak, third-year PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is the inaugural recipient of the Peter J. Roach Diabetes and Metabolism Award. The award is jointly sponsored by the Diabetes and Obesity Training Program and the Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases.

Meet the inaugural recipient of the Peter J. Roach Award

Experts answer the internet's most-asked questions about Type 1 diabetes

Jamie Felton, MD; Heba Ismail, MD; and Jason Spaeth, PhD, all study and live with Type 1 diabetes. As experts on the topic, they’ve sat down to answer some of the internet’s most searched questions about Type 1 diabetes.