Just three years ago, the United Nations designated November 14 as World Diabetes Day. As that day approaches, let’s take a look at mankind’s arduous and dedicated struggle with the disease. In the centuries before Christ, the Egyptian and Greek physicians made rudimentary diabetes diagnoses, noting the passage of too much urine. Later, in the 18th century, an English doctor confirmed suspicions that diabetic urine contained sugar.
The history of diabetes is really the story of individuals overcoming steep challenges and physicians breaking new ground. Just before the turn of the 19th century, doctors recognized that diabetics’ bodies were more adept at handling certain diets. By 1921, the work of Fredrick Banting had led to the discovery of insulin and the best means of treating the condition to date.