This year marks 100 years of insulin, a discovery that has save millions of lives by transforming diabetes from certain death to a chronic condition. The field has come so far since 1921 with knowledge of importance of glycemic control, advances in insulin delivery models, diabetes technology, and type 1 diabetes prevention research. I can only imagine what the next 100 years will bring.
Our members have greatly contributed to the advances we see today in diabetes prevention and treatment and are at the forefront of breaking research, including advances in CGM technology, research into beta cell transplants, and a diabetes medication derived from Gila monster venom. Over 26 million people benefit from these therapeutic advances today and many are enjoying lives free from diabetes’ most severe complications.
The field has come so far since 1921 with knowledge of importance of glycemic control, advances in insulin delivery models, diabetes technology, and type 1 diabetes prevention research. I can only imagine what the next 100 years will bring.
We’re commemorating the discovery with a year-long initiative highlighting insulin’s past, present, and future. Our virtual events this fall include a webinar on health disparities in diabetes, a patient roundtable, and a November event during Diabetes Awareness Month to discuss what the next 100 years of insulin will look like.
During our health disparities webinar, our experts will cover the historical and present-day racial and socio-economic barriers to diabetes care and where the gaps are for underrepresented minority communities. Attendees will learn about strategies to work towards equity in healthcare through interventions in education, practices, and policies. Our experts will discuss solutions, including access to affordable insulin and insurance and the need for more training among healthcare providers.
We are holding a patient roundtable moderated by Endocrine News to share insights into a day in the life of a person with diabetes. The discussion features a panel of patients — one who has been on insulin for many years and a young adult patient to discuss the transition from pediatric to adult care — along with clinicians who have developed strong patient-provider relationships to deliver the best care possible.
I am most excited about our November event on the future of insulin as diabetes technology is close to my heart. Top researchers and clinicians are coming together to discuss the technology and therapies that will transform the field over the next 100 years. Research into robots that would automate routine tasks and free up clinicians’ time, next-generation glucagon, and weekly insulin injections are just a few of the innovative topics being discussed. Our goal is to help both patients and clinicians see what the future of insulin and delivery technology will be to ensure they are as prepared as possible for this ever-changing landscape.
Our goal is to help both patients and clinicians see what the future of insulin and delivery technology will be to ensure they are as prepared as possible for this ever-changing landscape.
I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating this important milestone for our Society and the field of endocrinology. Let us know how you are celebrating and visit www.endocrine.org/insulin100 for more insulin-related resources for you and your patients. We look forward to seeing you all in the fall and are honored to be a part of this celebration!
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