History Of Diabetes (mostly the type 1 kind)

If you asked a doctor to pick one of the most horrible ways to die, then diabetes would undoubtedly be on the list.

Type 1 diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas and it can no longer produce insulin. Prior to the discovery of insulin in the 1920s, every person who developed the condition died from it. Quite often death occurred after enduring a very unpleasant condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

In this episode, we examine the history of diabetes from antiquity all the way to modern times. Prior to insulin, starvation diets could be used to prolong the lives of diabetics. But it wasn't pleasant. Doctors have been able to diagnose diabetes for well over three thousand years, but treatment has only been possible since the early 20th century.

We also tell the story of Elizabeth Hughes. She was 11 years old when she developed diabetes, and there was no treatment but the starvation diet. She barely survived long enough to start receiving insulin treatment.

Of course, we discuss some of the unpleasant complications that might arise from uncontrolled diabetes. It's not a disease one should neglect.

If you watch this episode and become concerned that you might be exhibiting some of the symptoms that are described, then please consult a doctor immediately.

If you enjoy this episode and would like to support our channel, then please like the video and subscribe. And leave a comment too! We would love to hear from you.

[BadThingsInHistory]

Do you have diabetes or know somebody who does? If so, please let us know about your experiences with this unfortunate disease.

[merczeph]

Very interesting, didn't know about the type 1 issues. Keep up with the great work!

[KARMASOUNDZ]

You should know that some of the information in this video is incorrect