Earliest known record of diabetes mentioned on 3rd Dynasty Egyptian papyrus by the physician Hesy Ra; mentions polyuria (frequent urination) as a symptom.  

Diabetes described by physicians such as Arateus and Celsus as 'the melting down of flesh and limbs into urine. 

The word diabetes means siphon to describe this effect. 

Greek physician Galen of Pergamum mistakenly diagnoses diabetes as an ailment of the kidneys.  This view is held until the 19^th century.  

First record of the sweet taste of the urine of diabetics by Avicenna.

Matthew Dobson, evaporated urine from a patient with diabetes mellitus and found that the residue contained sugar.  He later showed that their blood contains sugar too.  

First chemical tests developed to indicate and measure the presence of sugar in the urine.  

French physician, Bouchardat, notices the disappearance of glycosuria in his diabetes patients during the rationing of food in Paris while under siege by Germany during the Franco-Prussian War; formulates idea of individualized diets for his diabetes patients.

Oscar Minkowski and Joseph von Mering showed that the pancreas is involved in diabetes.  

 German scientist, Georg Zuelzer develops the first injectible pancreatic extract to suppress glycosuria; however there are extreme side effects to the treatment.

Insulin treatment is developed by Banting, Best, Macleod and Collip.  

James B. Collip 1892 - 1965

Diabetes is better understood and treatment with insulin is improved.                        

Richard C. Lillehei and William D. Kelly transplant the first pancreas.  Islet cell transplants are undergoing clinical trials and stem cell transplants are being explored.  Insulin inhalers are being developed and a vaccine is being developed.      

Pancreas Transplant Timeline

Islet cell transplant: Emerging treatment for type 1 diabetes

Pancreas stem cells for diabetes

Will Stem Cells Lead to the Cure For Diabetes?

Inhaled Insulin