Here we are. The much anticipated World Diabetes Day 2021, during the 100th anniversary of insulin. Insulin has been available to humans – exogenously, or from outside the body – for 100 years.
When I dressed up like a U-100 insulin syringe (and my friend as a vial of insulin) for Halloween, and participated in our community’s downtown stroll, I got some interesting looks, comments, and questions. Once people saw the signs (“100 years” and “of insulin”) they tended to catch on, although most people still had no idea. One group of older women stopped us and asked, “what did people with diabetes do before 1921?” to which we answered, “they died.” That got a gasp. Another of their group said, “100 years doesn’t seem very long.” Indeed.
Then again, a lot has happened in that 100 years. I don’t need to list all the advancements in glucose monitoring, types of insulin, insulin delivery, and research toward even more advancements as well as prevention and cure. I’ve written previously about my sincere gratitude toward all the smart people who have done and continue to do this work.
On World Diabetes Day I’m always inspired to thank those who have dedicated their lives to helping people with diabetes – whatever form that may take. So once again, thank you. I also want to acknowledge all those living with diabetes, who work hard every (minute of every) day to manage this disease and incorporate it into their lives so they can go out and be productive and happy and whole.
I am also grateful to all the family and friends who support people with diabetes – in countless ways. My own parents made it clear to me from the very beginning – without ever saying it out loud – that diabetes would not stop me from being me and doing what I was meant to do.
We still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do. Insulin saves lives, and it’s not a cure. We still need “smart insulin” and we still need access to insulin for everyone whose life depends on it. In the meantime, happy World Diabetes Day!