It’s been nearly 100 years since the discovery that would change the world of diabetes. Sir Frederic Banting discovered insulin in 1921, right here in London inside this house located on Adelaide Street.
Source: Kelly Wang
This house is now a museum. Banting House is dedicated to educating others about Sir Frederick Banting’s life, and his significant discovery that would prolong the lives of millions across the world.
Unexpected Beginnings
Banting House curator Grant Maltman says Sir Ferderick Banting wrote down 25 words on the night of Oct. 31, 1920 after a sleepless night that would later lead to his discovery of insulin.
Source: Pinterest
“Diabetus Ligate pancreatic ducts of dogs. Keep dogs alive till acini degenerate leaving Islets. Try to isolate the internal secretion of these to relieve glycosurea.”
After months of research and experiments with his fellow collegues including Charles H. Best, insulin was discovered.
Burning with Hope
The museum features a wide range of photos, artworks, artefacts and more, but the Flame of Hope and the Globe stands out as symbols for the fight with diabetes.
Source: Kelly Wang
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother lit the Flame of Hope on July 7, 1989 on her last official visit to Canada.
The flame will continue to burn until a cure for diabetes is found, a disease that affects over 400 million people worldwide.
Once a cure is found, the flame will be distinguished, and a time capsule will be opened.
Internationally Recognized
Source: Wikimedia Commons
“The globe was unveiled for the 90th anniversary of Banting’s idea that lead to the discovery of insulin…. It’s [made out of] tempered glass, the fins represent the lines of latitude. If you look at it closely, you see a flame. It encapsulates the Flame of Hope, and symbolizes insulin as Canada’s gift to the world.”
-Grant Maltman, curator
Small City, Big History
Source: Kelly Wang
Banting’s discovery has developed incredibly much in the last nearly 100 years.
Visitors across the world travel to London just to explore the museum, and experience the history of Banting’s life and his discovery with their own eyes.
The local presence of Banting House deepens London’s cultural and historical identity, and adds something special to a little city with internationally appreciated history.
Curator Grant Maltman invites Londoners to visit Banting House.
“Come and be surprised…. We know Banting for the discovery of insulin, and that incredible legacy that is left, but there’s so much more to this man…. When you come here to Banting House, you’ll learn about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.”
