Frederick Banting

Frederick Banting was born on November 14, 1891, in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. He was the youngest of five children in the family of William Thompson Banting and Margaret Grant. Banting's early life was spent on the family farm in Alliston, where he acquired a lifelong love for the outdoors. He attended public and high schools in his hometown before moving on to study at Victoria College, part of the University of Toronto.

On the night of October 31, 1920, Frederick Banting had a moment of inspiration regarding the treatment of diabetes. Despite little experience in research, he realized that isolating the pancreatic secretions of diabetic dogs might yield a substance that could control the disease. This idea was pivotal in the discovery of insulin and led to a series of experiments with Charles Best that ultimately resulted in a breakthrough for diabetic treatment.

On July 30, 1921, Frederick Banting, along with Charles Best and under the oversight of John Macleod, successfully extracted insulin from a dog’s pancreas at the University of Toronto. This was the first time insulin was extracted in a form that could be used for experimental research. Their work demonstrated that insulin reduced blood sugar levels in a diabetic dog, marking a significant breakthrough that would change the future of diabetes treatment.

On January 11, 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy with severe diabetes, became the first person to receive an insulin injection at the Toronto General Hospital. Frederick Banting and his team, including Charles Best and James Collip, refined the insulin formula administered to Leonard. After initial failure, Thompson’s second attempt with the purified insulin led to a dramatic reduction in blood sugar levels, saving his life and demonstrating the effectiveness of insulin therapy.

On October 25, 1923, Frederick Banting became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which he shared with John Macleod for their discovery of insulin. Banting famously shared his prize money with his colleague, Charles Best, acknowledging his substantial contributions to the research. This recognition was critical in establishing diabetes treatment protocols and cementing insulin as a groundbreaking therapeutic tool in medicine.

Frederick Banting was knighted by King George V on June 4, 1934, in recognition of his monumental contribution to medicine through the discovery of insulin. This honor marked him as Sir Frederick Banting, celebrating his medical achievements and scientific impact. Banting's recognition was not just for the monumental creation of insulin but also for his continued dedication to medical research and improving public health.

During World War II, Frederick Banting contributed to the war effort through medical research aimed at saving lives. On November 1, 1940, Banting was assigned to work on developing protective equipment against toxic agents, such as biological and chemical warfare substances. His work included the development of the Banting Gas Mask, which provided enhanced protection for soldiers against chemical attacks, showcasing his commitment to national defense and medicine.

Frederick Banting died in a plane crash on February 21, 1941, near Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland. He was aboard a Lockheed L-14 Super Electra, flying in rough weather from Gander to England to conduct medical experiments related to aviation. The crash resulted in the loss of all on board, ceasing the life of the co-discoverer of insulin and a vital figure in medical research, leaving behind a profound legacy in diabetes treatment.

On February 21, 1982, the Canadian postal service issued a commemorative stamp in honor of Frederick Banting, celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth. The stamp featured an image of Banting and marked his contribution to medical science and the discovery of insulin. This addition to the country's philatelic offerings served not only as a tribute to Banting's legacy but also highlighted Canada's role in groundbreaking medical research that changed the lives of millions.

On November 14, 1991, ceremonies were held across Canada and in various parts of the world to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Frederick Banting's birth. These events celebrated his legacy, most notably his role in the discovery of insulin, and his enduring impact on both Canadian and international medical communities. The celebration underscored Banting's profound influence on modern diabetes management and his contributions to improving human health worldwide.