Diabetes Over the Years

While diabetes has been around for thousands of years, it’s important to take a look back to see how it all began.

Which means that it’s time for a little history lesson.

The Early Years of Diabetes

“The first known mention of diabetes like symptoms dates back to 1552 BC when an Egyptian physician documented frequent urination as a symptom of a mysterious disease. Around this time, ancient healers noted that ants seemed to be attracted to the urine of people who had the disease. Centuries later, people known as ‘water tasters’ diagnosed diabetes by tasting the urine of people suspected to have the disease. If urine tasted sweet, diabetes was diagnosed. To acknowledge this feature, in 1675 the word mellitus, meaning honey, was added to the name diabetes meaning siphon. It wasn’t until the 1800s that scientists developed chemical tests to detect the presence of sugar in the urine.”1

Over the years, many types of treatments and “cures” for diabetes were tried. One treatment involved horse riding as a cure to help relieve excess urination. It was thought that ridding the body of urine would help to remove excess sugar from the urine.

Finally, in the early 1800s, doctors began to link changes in diet as a way to possibly control the disease. Due in part to war time rations, it was determined that changes in diet and the removal of certain fatty foods and food high in sugar actually had an effect on those patients diagnosed with the disease. Experimentation with food and various diets emerged as a way to manage diabetes.

Despite these discoveries with changes to diet, there were still many unnecessary deaths associated with the disease. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that a breakthrough was made linking insulin to the disease.

New Discoveries in Diabetes

“The first big breakthrough that eventually led to the use of insulin to treat diabetes was in 1889, when researchers in France discovered that the removal of a dog’s pancreas could induce diabetes. The idea to use insulin to treat diabetes did not occur until 1920, a mere 100 years ago. The first patient to receive insulin to successfully treat the disease occurred in 1922 and the team of researchers responsible for the discovery were awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine. Today, insulin is the primary therapy used to treat diabetes.”1

Since the 1920’s more breakthroughs in diabetes management technology have emerged. Blood Glucose Monitors (BGM) first arrived on the scene back in the 70’s. They have been used for years as a reliable method to check the blood glucose levels in patients living with diabetes.

A Blood Glucose Monitor or Meter tests the concentration of glucose in the blood through a fingerstick. Then uses a test strip that interacts with a digital meter to identify blood glucose levels. It is important to note that Blood Glucose Monitors measure glucose levels at a particular moment in time and focus on a single number.

 Modern Technology and the Continuous Glucose Monitor

Fast-forward about thirty years later and advances in technology gave us the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). Like everything else, technology just makes things better and Continuous Glucose Monitors have surpassed the ability of Blood Glucose Monitors. However, both continue to be used by patients and healthcare providers and it’s important to understand their differences.

A Continuous Glucose Monitor takes glucose readings continuously with a small electrode placed under the skin that is held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit or smart device and allows a patient to record and access valuable information and trends on a continual 24/7 basis. CGMs do not require fingersticks to measure glucose levels which makes monitoring easier and less painful. 

While Continuous Glucose Monitors exceed Blood Glucose Monitors in terms of technology, they haven’t completely replaced Blood Glucose Monitors. There are still times when patients need to test blood glucose levels with a fingerstick and for that reason they can work in tandem quite well when necessary. One of the biggest differences in monitors is that a Blood Glucose Monitor measures blood glucose at a particular moment in time. That is helpful, but it doesn’t tell where blood glucose is going or what it’s going to do next and that makes it difficult to anticipate next steps. Within 15 minutes, a Continuous Glucose Monitor serves as a guide towards what’s next and helps to manage what’s coming.

Continuous Glucose Monitors have revolutionized the world of diabetes management and provide a way to control and manage the disease. CGMs collect data, analyze the information and forecast future trends providing peace of mind to everyone involved. Continuous Glucose Monitors take the guesswork and fear of the unknown out of the equation.

 Diabetes Today

Needless to say, we have come a long way since the early days of diabetes thanks to technological advances and more is surely yet to come. What started out as unknown can now be managed and controlled with the help of a Continuous Glucose Monitor and thousands of years of research. That is why at Quest Health Solutions, we take pride in educating patients, healthcare providers, caregivers and diabetic care specialists with knowledge that can change lives. Continuous Glucose Monitors, continued research and advances in knowledge continue to improve the lives of those living with diabetes.

To learn more, contact Quest Health Solutions. We’re one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems and currently licensed in 48 states. Our number one priority is the best interests of our patients, and we strive to be a one-stop shop for all CGM needs. We also offer free, CGM Fulfillment Solutions to diabetes care specialists and take great pride in providing the tools, supplies, services and knowledge to educate patients and healthcare professionals. For more information, contact us at 1-800-993-9996 or email [email protected] or schedule an appointment today. 

1.      (2009) Everyday Health. The History of Diabetes. Available at https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/understanding/diabetes-mellitus-through-time.aspx accessed on 14 May 2022.