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History of Diabetes Testing

For persons with diabetes, testing has become the main way to maintain steady blood sugar levels and gauge the need for insulin. While the malady itself was recognized based on the symptoms of frequent urination and the patient's "sweet" urine, reliable testing, and treatment methods, didn't develop until centuries later.

  1. History

    • It wasn't until the 1800s that tests were developed that could reliably measure the amount of sugar in the urine, resulting in an accurate diagnosis of what became to be termed as Diabetes Mellitus. (Mellitus is the Latin term for "honey" referring to the "sweet" odor and taste of the urine, due to the high sugar levels.)

    Early Testing

    • Some of the earliest testing in the US was conducted in the early 1900s with screening of insurance applicants. Draftees and others entering the armed forces in World War I and World War II were also screened for diabetes.

    Discovery

    • Identification of the pancreas' role in producing insulin and the discovery of Insulin in 1921, resulted in life-changing treatment of the disease

    Prevention/Solution

    • By the 1940s, home testing allowed patients to measure levels of sugar in the blood. Testing still proved to be difficult and time-consuming. Patients had to draw blood using massive-sized needles, boil and sterilize glass syringes, and testing still had mixed results.

    Significance

    • In recent years, the electronic testing meter has given diabetes patients a more accurate reading of blood sugar levels and allows them to test virtually anywhere. Refinement of synthetic insulin resulted in better disease management. Devices like the insulin pump revolutionized treatment, providing near-constant delivery of insulin.

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