Joslin Honors the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin

In 1921 two researchers Dr. Frederick Banting and medical student Charles Best discovered insulin with the help of Professor John Macleod at the University of Toronto.

The following year, a 14-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes named Leonard Thompson became the first human to receive an insulin injection. This moment marked the beginning of the production of insulin, offering people with diabetes a chance to live a long, healthy life.

Our founder, Elliott P. Joslin, MD, immediately incorporated insulin into his diabetes management protocol of strict diet and exercise to achieve optimal glycemic control and prevent complications.

Since then, there have been many discoveries in the field of diabetes, and many of them have taken place at Joslin. In honor of these milestones, Joslin has launched a new web page that highlights the current and past discoveries and advances made here at Joslin.

Our stories include inspiring moments from our patients, our relentless and dedicated researchers, and clinicians and educators, who have worked to make Joslin the best diabetes research, care and teaching institution in the world.

Visit our insulin website to hear from leaders in the diabetes community, learn more about the history of insulin and view some of the groundbreaking work Joslin is doing now.

About Joslin Diabetes Center

Joslin Diabetes Center is world-renowned for its deep expertise in diabetes treatment and research. Part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, Joslin is dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes and ensuring that people with diabetes live long, healthy lives. We develop and disseminate innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries throughout the world. Joslin is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and one of only 18 NIH-designated Diabetes Research Centers in the United States.