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Diabetes through
the decades |
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| Diseases with all the key
features of diabetes have been recognised since
ancient times. An Egyptian papyrus dating from
c.1550 BC mentions the symptom of polyuria (frequent
urination). In the 2nd century AD, Areteus of
Cappadocia first used the word “diabetes”
(Greek “syphon”) & described the
increased flow of urine, thirst, weight loss,
& short time of survival.
The experience of living a long life with diabetes
began in the last century…. |
Getting Started
To view & listen to the experiences
of individuals diagnosed across the twentieth century,
choose one of the decades listed below by either clicking
on the images or on the descriptions. |
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1920s/1930s |
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In
1921 Insulin is 'discovered'. Insulin is
used & a previously fatal disease can
be treated. In the 1930s long-acting is
developed. To hear interviews with people
diagnosed between 1927 & 1939, click
here.
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People with diabetes interviews: 5
Family member diagnosed: 2
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1940s |
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An
understanding emerges that diabetes needs
careful treatment to avoid complications,
such as eye & kidney disease. Oral treatments
for type 2 diabetes become available. To
hear people diagnosed during the war &
post-war, click here. |
People with diabetes interviews: 10
Family member diagnosed: 3
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1950s |
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More
oral medicines are developed to help control
glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Porcine
& bovine insulin supplies are still manufactured
from animal sources. To hear from this decade,
click here. |
People with diabetes interviews: 9
Family member diagnosed: 1
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1960s |
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Insulin
concentrations can be measured in the blood.
Home glucose testing is introduced & the
purity of insulin is improved. To hear from
people diagnosed during this decade, click
here. |
People with diabetes interviews: 9
Family member diagnosed: 7
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1970s |
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Laser
therapy is introduced to slow retinopathy
& prevent blindness in people with diabetes.
Blood glucose meters & insulin pumps are
developed. Type 2 diabetes is thought to
be a combinaton of beta-cell failure &
insulin resistance. Click here for interviews
with people diagnosed in this decade. |
People with diabetes interviews: 8
Family member diagnosed: 5
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1980s+ |
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The
Insulin pen is introduced in 1986 allowing
an easy & safe way to administer insulin.
In 1998 The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes
Study (UKPDS) is published demonstrating
the need for good glucose & good blood
pressure control to delay the complications
of Type 2 diabetes. To hear from these decades,
click here. |
People with diabetes interviews: 11
Family member diagnosed: 9
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