Since 1923, Novo Nordisk has been producing insulin for patients around the world
Until the 1920s there was no treatment for people with diabetes. At the time, doctors tried diets to reduce blood glucose levels. The intervention, however, produced no results. Instead, patients ended up dying of malnutrition within a few months.
The reality today is different thanks to the discovery of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which began to be marketed in 1922. 100 years ago, the global healthcare company Novo Nordisk began its history of innovation by starting the production of insulin. At the time the extraction and purification technique was brought from Canada to Denmark by researchers August and Marie Krogh.
The novelty has revolutionized the scenario for diabetic patients. With insulin, a person diagnosed with the disease would have a dramatically improved life expectancy. A 14-year-old boy was the first person with diabetes to be treated. Leonard Thompson weighed about 29 kilos and after receiving the injections, the amount of sugar was controlled and he managed to gain weight.
Over time, scientists have discovered that there are different types of diabetes, in addition to type 1 and type 2 diabetes being the most common. In 1985 Novo Nordisk, the world’s largest insulin maker, launched the first insulin pen: a more discreet and precise way to administer medications.
The largest insulin factory in Latin America is in Brazil
Responsible for 25% of the insulin produced globally by Novo Nordisk, the production unit located in Montes Claros (MG) is the largest insulin factory in Latin America.
Founded in 2007, its production represents approximately 12% of the insulin consumed globally. Insulins exported from the factory account for more than 25% of all domestic pharmaceutical exports.
In fact, the insulin produced in the Montes Claros plant is made available to the population by the Unified Health System (SUS), which includes, for example, the most modern and rapid-acting insulins.
100 years in 100 days
For 100 years, Novo Nordisk has worked to find new treatments and device innovations that bring greater flexibility and a more holistic approach to the treatment of serious chronic diseases, drawing inspiration from its heritage and history with diabetes.
To celebrate its centenary in 2023, for 100 days, every day, Novo Nordisk publishes a health tip and fun fact about the history of the global healthcare company.
Sources
Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM). The history of diabetes. Available at https://www.endocrino.org.br/a-historia-do-diabetes/ Viewed 10/23/2023.
Drauzio Varella. The history of diabetes. Available at https://drauziovarella.uol.com.br/doencas-cronicas/diabetes/a-historia-do-diabetes-artigo/ Seen on 10/23/23.
New Nordisk. History and presence in Brazil. Available at https://www.novonordisk.com.br/about/historia-e-presenca-no-brasil.html Viewed 10/23/2023.
New Nordisk. 100 years of insulin. Available at www.novonordisk.com.br/about/100-anos-de-sulin.html Viewed 10/23/2023.
Pharmaceutical landscape. Novo Nordisk celebrates 100 years focusing on serious diseases. Available at https://panoramafarmaceutico.com.br/novo-nordisk-doencas-graves/. Seen on 10/23/2023.
*BR23NNG00416 – NOVEMBER/2023.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
