In 1921, a team of Canadian researchers discovered the molecule insulin and ignited a century of ground-breaking innovations in diabetes care that have since saved countless lives.

Today, we are fortunate to have better medicines than ever, yet the number of people living with diabetes continues to grow at an alarming rate, placing a substantial burden on individuals, families and societies.

Explore the journey

Insulin 100 years timeline

Insulin: A breakthrough innovation1

Frederick Banting and Charles Best at the University of Toronto.

Frederick Banting and Charles Best at the University of Toronto.2

A young surgeon named Frederick Banting and his assistant Charles Best figured out how to remove insulin from a dog’s pancreas.3

Insulin: A breakthrough innovation1

A young surgeon named Frederick Banting and his assistant Charles Best figured out how to remove insulin from a dog’s pancreas.3
Frederick Banting and Charles Best at the University of Toronto.

Frederick Banting and Charles Best at the University of Toronto.2

First life saved by insulin4

Before and after images of a child with type 1 diabetes.

Before and after images of a child with type 1 diabetes.

Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy who weighed just over 29 kilos, becomes the first person with diabetes to be treated with insulin.4 Within 24 hours, Leonard’s dangerously high blood glucose levels dropped to near-normal levels.3

First life saved by insulin4

Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy who weighed just over 29 kilos, becomes the first person with diabetes to be treated with insulin.4 Within 24 hours, Leonard’s dangerously high blood glucose levels dropped to near-normal levels.3
Before and after images of a child with type 1 diabetes.

Before and after images of a child with type 1 diabetes.

August and Marie Krogh

August and Marie Krogh

August Krogh brought insulin to Scandinavia1

1923
Hans Christian Hagedorn formed the Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium and insulin production began in Denmark and Austria.1 Insulin was commercially available in the United States by 1923.4
1923

August Krogh brought insulin to Scandinavia1

Hans Christian Hagedorn formed the Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium and insulin production began in Denmark and Austria.1 Insulin was commercially available in the United States by 1923.4
August and Marie Krogh

August and Marie Krogh

Novo Nordisk insulin production in the 1930s.

Hans Christian Hagedorn

Hans Christian Hagedorn

1946
The Nordisk Insulin Laboratory in Denmark released the second extended-action insulin, NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn).4
1946

The Nordisk Insulin Laboratory in Denmark released the second extended-action insulin, NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn).4
Hans Christian Hagedorn

Hans Christian Hagedorn

Novo Nordisk insulin production in the 1940s.

Ames Reflectance Meter

Ames Reflectance Meter

Portable glucose meter simplifies diabetes monitoring

1970s
In the 1970s and 1980s, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and A1C testing became available.5
1970s

Portable glucose meter simplifies diabetes monitoring

In the 1970s and 1980s, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and A1C testing became available.5
Ames Reflectance Meter

Ames Reflectance Meter

Laboratory in Bagsværd, Denmark.

Laboratory in Bagsværd, Denmark.

HbA1C in clinical practice

1970s
1970s

HbA1C in clinical practice

Laboratory in Bagsværd, Denmark.

Laboratory in Bagsværd, Denmark.

A new era in diabetes understanding

A researcher conducting an experiment in a lab.

It becomes clear to researchers that medical innovations and treatments should address the different types distinctively.6

A new era in diabetes understanding

It becomes clear to researchers that medical innovations and treatments should address the different types distinctively.6
A researcher conducting an experiment in a lab.

First commercially available human insulin

1982
Commercialization of the first insulins utilizing rDNA technology, Humulin® R (rapid) and N (NPH, intermediate-acting)1
1982

First commercially available human insulin

Commercialization of the first insulins utilizing rDNA technology, Humulin® R (rapid) and N (NPH, intermediate-acting)1
Patient with an insulin pump.

Patient with an insulin pump.

First Medtronic MiniMmed pump released.7

1990
The first insulin pump was introduced in the early 1960s by a Los Angeles doctor by the name of Arnold Kadish. The first model was so big that it had to be worn like a backpack. In the beginning of the 1990s more user-friendly models appeared with features like bolus calculators and compatibility with personal computers so that users could have greater control of their insulin intake and monitor their blood sugars more efficiently.8
1990

First Medtronic MiniMmed pump released.7

The first insulin pump was introduced in the early 1960s by a Los Angeles doctor by the name of Arnold Kadish. The first model was so big that it had to be worn like a backpack. In the beginning of the 1990s more user-friendly models appeared with features like bolus calculators and compatibility with personal computers so that users could have greater control of their insulin intake and monitor their blood sugars more efficiently.8
Patient with an insulin pump.

Patient with an insulin pump.

Easier and more accurate management – the first insulin pen9

The Novo Syringe from 1925 and the first NovoPen® device from 1985.

The Novo Syringe from 1925 and the first NovoPen® device from 1985.

NovoPen devices are considered likely to improve both patients’ quality of life and compliance with therapy.10

Easier and more accurate management – the first insulin pen9

NovoPen devices are considered likely to improve both patients’ quality of life and compliance with therapy.10
The Novo Syringe from 1925 and the first NovoPen® device from 1985.

The Novo Syringe from 1925 and the first NovoPen® device from 1985.

Introduction of first generation insulin analogues

1996
Eli Lilly introduced the first type of analog insulin lispro under the brand name of Humalog.1 This was followed in the past 15 years with a succession of additional insulin analogs, including the rapid-acting insulins aspart and glulisine and the long-acting basal analogs glargine and detemir.4
1996

Introduction of first generation insulin analogues

Eli Lilly introduced the first type of analog insulin lispro under the brand name of Humalog.1 This was followed in the past 15 years with a succession of additional insulin analogs, including the rapid-acting insulins aspart and glulisine and the long-acting basal analogs glargine and detemir.4
InDuo combination insulin delivery device and blood sugar monitor from 2001.

InDuo combination insulin delivery device and blood sugar monitor from 2001.

First CGM system approved

1999
The first continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device for reading blood glucose levels is approved by the FDA, bringing hope to people with diabetes who want to gain more control over their health.11
1999

First CGM system approved

The first continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device for reading blood glucose levels is approved by the FDA, bringing hope to people with diabetes who want to gain more control over their health.11
InDuo combination insulin delivery device and blood sugar monitor from 2001.

InDuo combination insulin delivery device and blood sugar monitor from 2001.

Beyond insulin: new treatment options for type 2 diabetes

2005
It became the first GLP-1 receptor against to receive approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.12
2005

Beyond insulin: new treatment options for type 2 diabetes

It became the first GLP-1 receptor against to receive approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.12

Novo Nordisk R&D liraglutide GLP-1, 2008.

Introduction of new generation insulin analogues

Ayşe Naz Baykal has type 1 diabetes and lives in Turkey.

Ayşe Naz Baykal has type 1 diabetes and lives in Turkey.

With their enhanced profiles, new generation insulin analogues offer greater flexibility and reduce the daily burden of diabetes care. Ultra-long action insulins reduce the number of injections and the risk of hypoglycaemia by releasing the medication very slowly,13 while ultra-fast action insulins offer convenience by reducing the need for planning around mealtimes.14

Introduction of new generation insulin analogues

With their enhanced profiles, new generation insulin analogues offer greater flexibility and reduce the daily burden of diabetes care. Ultra-long action insulins reduce the number of injections and the risk of hypoglycaemia by releasing the medication very slowly,13 while ultra-fast action insulins offer convenience by reducing the need for planning around mealtimes.14
Ayşe Naz Baykal has type 1 diabetes and lives in Turkey.

Ayşe Naz Baykal has type 1 diabetes and lives in Turkey.

Discovering and developing new protein and peptide-based therapies.

Discovering and developing new protein and peptide-based therapies.

First oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes

2019
A major breakthrough that further expands treatment options and reduces barriers, this innovative tablet eliminates the need for injections with GLP-1 – a welcome relief for many people living with type 2 diabetes.15
2019

First oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes

A major breakthrough that further expands treatment options and reduces barriers, this innovative tablet eliminates the need for injections with GLP-1 – a welcome relief for many people living with type 2 diabetes.15
Discovering and developing new protein and peptide-based therapies.

Discovering and developing new protein and peptide-based therapies.

Mandy Marquardt has type 1 diabetes, rides for Team Novo Nordisk and lives in the USA.

2021 and beyond

What’s next?3

As we look toward the future, we see new treatment and device innovations that will bring greater flexibility and a more holistic approach to diabetes care. Once-weekly basal insulins, glucose-sensitive and cardio-protective insulins, next generation oral treatments, new digital health solutions, transformational stem-cell therapies and even the hope for curative treatment someday are all part of our effort to defeat diabetes.

2021 and beyond

What’s next?3

As we look toward the future, we see new treatment and device innovations that will bring greater flexibility and a more holistic approach to diabetes care. Once-weekly basal insulins, glucose-sensitive and cardio-protective insulins, next generation oral treatments, new digital health solutions, transformational stem-cell therapies and even the hope for curative treatment someday are all part of our effort to defeat diabetes.

1- Vecchio I, Tornali C, Bragazzi NL, Martini M. The discovery of insulin: an important milestone in the history of medicine. Frontiers in endocrinology. 2018;9:613.

2- Marshall SM. Celebrating 100 years of insulin. Diabetologi. 2021;64:944 -946.

3- American Diabetes Association (ADA). The History of a Wonderful Thing We Call Insulin. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org/blog/history-wonderfulthing- we-call-insulin. Last accessed at: 6/7/2021.

4- White JR. A brief history of the development of diabetes medications. Diabetes Spectrum. 2014 May;27(2):82-6.

5- Boutati EI, Raptis SA. Self-monitoring of blood glucose as part of the integral care of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2009;32(suppl 2):S205-10.

6- 100 years of diabetes research. Understanding animal research. Available at: https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/news/100-years-of-diabetes-research/. Last accessed: 17.1.2021.

7- Insulin Pumps . Diabetes.UK available at : https://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/Insulin-pumps.html  Last accessed: 2/2022.

8-Kesavadev J, Das AK, Unnikrishnan R, Joshi SR, Ramachandran A, Shamsudeen J, Krishnan G, Jothydev S, Mohan V. Use of insulin pumps in India: suggested guidelines based on experience and cultural differences. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2010;12(10):823-31.

9-Selam JL. Evolution of diabetes insulin delivery devices. Journal of diabetes science and technology. 2010 May;4(3):505-13.

10- Rex J, Jensen KH, Lawton SA. A review of 20 years’ experience with the Novopen® Family of Insulin Injection Devices. Clinical drug investigation. 2006 Jul;26(7):367-401.

11- Hirsch IB. History of Glucose Monitoring. https://professional.diabetes.org/sites/professional.diabetes.org/files/media/db201811.pdf. Last accessed 12.12.2021.

12- Tran KL, Park YI, Pandya S, et al. Overview of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. American health & drug benefits. 2017;10(4):178.

13- Mathieu C, Martens PJ, Vangoitsenhoven R. One hundred years of insulin therapy. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2021 Dec;17(12):715-25.

14-Lane W, Faurby M, Husemoen LL, Markovich DL, Rathor N, De Block C. Glycaemic Control in People with Diabetes Starting Treatment with Fast-Acting Insulin Aspart: a US Database Study. Diabetes Therapy. 2021;12(12):3067-77.

15- FDA approves first oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes. FDA. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-glp-1-treatment-type-2-diabetes#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Food%20and%20Drug,along%20with%20diet%20and%20exercise. Last accessed: 20.2.2022.