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Something about Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by certain cells of the
pancreas (beta cells, among the islets of Langerhans)
of living organisms and is used as a hypodermic
injection for diabetic patients to help them burn
glucose (sugar) and carbohydrates taken with their
food.
Up to 1921, dieting was the main reliance in the
treatment of diabetes, and it was not very successful
in the long run. Especially was this the case with
children and adolescents. But since the discovery of
insulin (1921) by Dr.Fredrick Grant Banting of Canada
with other co-discoverers, the situation has changed
and diabetic children can thrive, grow up and be
active like all other children. Insulin has made it
possible for diabetics to live a long life. Insulin
must be taken by injection because it is destroyed and
becomes inert when it enters into the intestine.
Dr. Banting donated his discovery to Canada Government
for only one dollar, without taking out a patent so
that even the poor could buy it.
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