This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 100th anniversary of one of the most significant medical breakthroughs in history – the discovery of insulin. Prior to this groundbreaking achievement, the lives of individuals with diabetes were usually cut short. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of researchers from the University of Toronto, a new era in diabetes treatment began with the discovery of insulin, which revolutionised the way we manage this chronic condition.

Scientists working in the laboratory of the University of Toronto first isolated insulin from dog pancreas in 1921 and later concluded that porcine (pig) insulin more closely resembled the human version of insulin.

Insulin ( from Latin insula, ‘island‘) is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets and is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body. It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood into liver, fat and skeletal muscle cells.

There are two types of diabetes; diabetes mellitus type 1 diabetes and diabetes mellitus type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, beta cells are destroyed by an autoimmune disease so that insulin can’t be synthesised  or secreted into the bloodstream. In type 2 diabetes, the destruction of beta cells in less pronounced and not due to an autoimmune disease.

Over the past three decades, the rate of obesity in New Zealand has almost doubled.  We’re the third fattest nation in the developed world and the rising number of people who weigh more than 150kg has even seen the St John Emergency Service forced to kit out New Zealand’s first ambulance for the severely obese.

Being excessively overweight puts you at risk of a number of serious chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. A list of 49 foods which are heavy on calories but light on nutrition has been published by University of Otago researchers. The “Needn’t” list has some surprising inclusions; honey, whole milk, frozen yoghurt and muesli bars.

Diabetes type 2 is also known as “maturity onset diabetes” or “non insulin independent diabetes” occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or when the cells in your body do not recognise the insulin in the body. 

Luckily, this condition, although not curable, can be managed successfully with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet. 

Finding an alternative to sugar as a sweetener is the first goal for most people diagnosed with type-2 diabetes.  Artificial sweeteners are the first point of call but, for people who don’t want a synthetic version of sugar, there is a natural alternative which is 300 times as sweet as sucrose.

Stevia is a plant belonging to the daisy family and originally from South America.  Its active ingredient, stevioside, contains zero calories.  Along with the intense sweetness, stevia has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels.  This means that you get all the sweetness without the adverse effects.    

Tackling insulin resistance can help address the underlying cause of diabetes. The herb Goat’s rue has been long been used to control blood sugar levels and support weight reduction.

Goat’s rue reduces elevated levels of triglycerides associated with abdominal weight gain and has the ability to suppress the sweet taste on the taste buds so if taken before food, it can help control cravings.

Another easy way to regulate blood sugar levels is with the mineral chromium.  Its name comes from the Greek chroma  meaning colour as it gives many stones their colour, such as the redness in ruby and the green of emeralds.

Chromium is an essential component of a compound in the body called the Glucose Tolerance Factor.  This compound controls the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats into energy.  It is also involved in regulating the actions of insulin in maintaining blood sugar levels and, possibly, in helping to control appetite.

As with any chronic disease, sufferers require advice from their GP on lifestyle, medication and nutrition to ensure successful management of the condition.  Knowledge is power and there are choices; just be sure to invest wisely in your health with your own personal goals in mind.