The story starts here – 100 years of diabetes research and care

This month – Diabetes Awareness Month - Canada and the world is marking 100 years since the development of insulin, a discovery with deep connections to London. 

It was at 442 Adelaide St. North where Dr. Frederick Banting, a surgeon and professor at Western University, woke up at 2 am with the idea that led to the discovery. Since 1984, the house has been a museum dedicated to Banting's revelation. It is here that the Flame of Hope was ignited and continues to burn, only to be extinguished when a cure to diabetes is found. 

The anniversary of insulin is particularly momentous for St. Joseph’s Health Care London, the primary regional centre for diabetes care and education in Southwestern Ontario with an illustrious legacy of diabetes research and clinical trials. For thousands of St. Joseph’s patients, insulin has made a life-saving difference.

An elderly man in glasses and a dark suit with a blue dress shirt stands beside a sign that says, "Diabetes Education Centre".
Dr. Wilson Rodger was a driving force behind the creation of St. Joseph’s Diabetes Education Centre in 1973

On Oct. 31, St. Joseph’s, Western University, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Lawson Health Research Institute and London Health Sciences Centre launched a citywide initiative to celebrate the transformative discovery of insulin, which became a game-changer for patients with diabetes. Collectively, the institutions produced a special digital project that highlights – in photos, videos, infographics and stories – some of the groundbreaking diabetes work of London researchers and clinicians, along with compelling patient stories of perseverance and hope. 

A woman with auburn hair in a blue suit sits at a table with another woman with long brown hair in a dark sweater looking at items related to diabetes care that are laid out on the table. These items include a basket of fruit and other foods and some colour documents that are spread on the table
At St. Joseph’s Diabetes Education Centre, patients learn that good self-care is central to diabetes management. The centre provides comprehensive education on healthy food choices, physical activity, controlling blood sugars, medications, staying motivated, and more.

From St. Joseph’s, stories highlight: the history of the Diabetes Education Centre: the landmark work of endocrinologist Dr. Irene Hramiak, endocrinologist Dr. Kristin Clemens, and Dr. Stewart Harris, Diabetes Canada Chair in Diabetes Management and the Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Primary Care Diabetes Support Program; and the powerful words of several patients who have lived with diabetes for 50 years or more – all are past recipients of St. Joseph’s Diabetes Half Century Awards.  

A woman with black hair in a dark blazer with a white shirt looks at the camera
Dr. Kristin Clemens
A grey-haired woman wearing glasses and a blue shirt smiles at the camera
Dr. Irene Hramiak

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each researcher, clinician and patient profiled carries on the legacy of Sir Frederick Banting having participated in the evolution of diabetes management. And each continue to pave the way for innovation in diabetes research, education and care. 

Learn about London’s far-reaching role in diabetes advances and take pride in St. Joseph’s contributions. Visit The story starts here: 100 years of diabetes research and care.

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