The Historical Evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus: A short review

Introduction-History serves as the foundation for research and development, as well as a source for generating hypotheses. Diabetes is one of the oldest known diseases, dating back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians described clinical features similar to diabetes mellitus 3500 years ago. The first description resembling the disease's features is found in Ebers’s papyrus (1550 BC). Zakariyyā Rāzī, notes that diabetes patients often experience intense thirst, but the ingested water is simply excreted without absorption. In Unani Medicine, Diabetes is described under the caption of Amraz-e-Gurda. Objective-This article reviews the historical context of diabetes, from its ancient roots to modern advancements in insulin therapy, including needle-free alternatives like inhaled and oral insulins. Methodology- The methodology for this review involves an in-depth examination of foundational texts from the Unani system of medicine, along with a comprehensive review of relevant academic literature and published research. Conclusion- This article explores the historical origins of diabetes mellitus, a major global health challenge despite being largely preventable. From ancient documentation to the discovery of insulin, the journey of understanding and treatment has been transformative. Advances in insulin forms and delivery have improved patient outcomes, though it remains a treatment, not a cure. The discovery of insulin is a story of perseverance and scientific breakthroughs, inspiring future research in pharmacology. This historical journey underscores diabetes' profound impact on medical science and human health.