History of diabetes

History of Diabetes

The History of Diabetes (pronunciation: /ˈdaɪəbiːtəs/ or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/) is a long and complex one, with the first known mention of the disease dating back to Ancient Egypt. The term "diabetes" itself comes from the Greek word diabainein, meaning "to pass through," referring to one of diabetes' most common symptoms, excessive urination.

Ancient Times

The earliest known reference to diabetes can be found in the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to 1552 B.C. The document describes a condition that shares symptoms with what we now know as diabetes, including frequent urination and unquenchable thirst.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, physicians like Avicenna described the condition in greater detail, including the sweet taste of a diabetic's urine. The term "diabetes mellitus," meaning "sweet urine," was coined during this time.

Modern Era

In the 19th and 20th centuries, significant advancements were made in understanding and treating diabetes. In 1869, Paul Langerhans discovered the Islets of Langerhans, which produce insulin in the pancreas. In 1921, Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin, leading to the development of insulin therapy, which has saved countless lives.

Related Terms

Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
Pancreas: An organ in the human body that produces insulin.
Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.