Diabetes Supplies History Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1921-1922

This happened at the University of Toronto, in Canada. The four main scientists involved were Banting, Best, Macleod, and Collip.

Answer: Helen Free

She created at-home urine analysis that could be used to determine if there was sugar in the urine, a sign of high blood sugar. She worked for Miles, which was a maker of diabetes supplies that turned into Bayer later.

Answer: 1965

These were called Dextrostix and changed color to indicate blood sugar levels. They were created by Ernie Adams.

Answer: Ames Reflectance Meter

This was simply a meter that read Dextrostix. It was developed by Ames, which turned into Miles, which turned into Bayer. Bayer makes four meters as of June 2003, the Elite, Elite XL, Dex, and most recently the Breeze. Their line of products is called Ascensia.

The first patent for the A.R.M., as it was called, was issued on September 14, 1971. Anton H. Clemens developed it. A swinging needle showed the level on a scale. The Eyetone later became much more popular. At that time, meters were not meant for regular use at home.

The Onetouch Basic came much later, and is still used by many people. The Simplex is a product of my imagination.

Answer: 1922

He was 14 and named Leonard Thompson. Before this, people with type 1 diabetes did not live for very long.

Answer: 1996

This was, and is, made by Eli Lilly. It is a fast acting insulin, so it is used in pumps, to cover carbohydrates eaten (bolus), or to bring down a high blood sugar (correction bolus).

Answer: Minimed

It was made in 1983. An insulin pump mimics the working pancreas. A small dose of fast-acting insulin is given every few minutes. This is the basal dose. Then in the event of a high blood sugar or when food is eaten, more insulin is given. This is called the bolus dose.

A pump is almost constantly conected to the person and is about the size of a pager. The pump was called the Minimed 502, and was later updated with the 502A.

Answer: Novo Nordisk

An insulin pen is a method of delivering insulin. As the name implies, they look like a pen, making them discreet. A dose is dialed up on the pen, then it is given. This also makes them accurate.

Answer: A1C Now

The Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test, usually preformed in a lab, that allows people to know around where their average blood sugars have been for the previous three months.

Answer: Therasense Freestyle

The Freestyle is the smallest at .3 microliters. Meter companies are continually working towards smaller sample sizes for less pain. Continuous monitors are also being developed that would measure levels every few seconds for greater control and less pain (from no need for pokes with a continuous monitor).