Insulin Treatment and Research Advances

Before 1920, type 1 diabetes was a fatal diagnosis, with patients surviving only briefly on harsh diets. The discovery of insulin in 1921 by Frederick Banting and Charles Best, with the help of Dr. Kolip, revolutionized treatment. Initially, insulin was produced from cow pancreases, and its demand led to collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. Over time, insulin treatments evolved, but early methods were not ideal, leading to poor glucose control and complications. Modern advancements include genetic engineering and new insulin forms, with ongoing research aiming to improve diabetes treatment and find a cure.

Before the discovery of insulin, what was the primary method used to extend the lives of children with type 1 diabetes?

• Herbal treatments

• Regular exercise

• Harsh diets avoiding carbohydrates

• Insulin injections

Who was the orthopedic surgeon that played a key role in the discovery of insulin?

• Dr. Kolip

• Frederick Banting

• Charles Best

• Dr. Jocelyn

What was the main challenge faced by the University of Toronto after the discovery of insulin?

• Lack of laboratory space

• Inability to produce enough insulin

• Shortage of researchers

• High cost of insulin production

What was the first major alteration made to insulin to improve its treatment efficacy?

• Reducing its side effects

• Increasing its potency

• Making it longer-acting

• Changing its color

What was a significant problem with using only long-acting insulin for diabetes treatment?

• It caused severe side effects

• It was too expensive

• It did not mimic natural insulin release

• It required frequent injections

What were some of the long-term complications of poor glucose control in diabetes patients?

• Blindness and kidney failure

• Weight gain and fatigue

• Increased appetite and thirst

• Improved energy levels

What technological advancement aided the development of purer and less immunogenic insulin?

• Advanced laboratory equipment

• Improved dietary supplements

• New surgical techniques

• Genetic engineering of bacteria and yeast

What is one of the recent forms of insulin being researched?

• Inhalable insulin

• Oral insulin

• Intravenous insulin

• Topical insulin

What is the ultimate goal of current insulin research?

• To develop insulin with no side effects

• To create insulin that requires no refrigeration

• To find better treatments for type 2 diabetes and cure type 1 diabetes

• To make insulin more affordable

Which of the following is NOT a recent advancement in insulin research?

• Oral insulin

• Insulin that changes color

• Glucose sensitive acting insulins

• Liver preferred insulin