Stamp marking 100th anniversary of discovery of insulin released

Islamabad : The ministries of National Health Services and Communication, and Pakistan Post, released a stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, one of the world's most important medical breakthroughs. The stamp is now available in all GPOs and can be purchased at postal outlets across Pakistan.

One hundred years ago in 1921, the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes meant certain death for children. The groundbreaking discovery of insulin by Frederick Grant Banting and Charles F. Best, proved life saving for people with diabetes and laid the foundation for a century of innovation across several areas.

The stamp includes images of Banting and Charles alongwith a snapshot of a news release reflecting the day insulin was discovered. The main feature of the stamp design is an older version of an insulin injection along with a vial, both of which have been seen further innovation over the past 100 years in order to make the best treatment options possible for people living with diabetes and to meet their unmet needs. Today, we are fortunate to have better medicines than ever, yet the number of people living with diabetes continues to grow at an alarming rate, placing a substantial burden on individuals, families and societies.

Pakistan has a low level of awareness about diabetes and this commemorative stamp can play a pivotal role in increasing awareness amongst the public about this disease and the treatment options available for the people living with diabetes, who can contribute their role in the economy by maintaining a quality and healthy life.

Pakistan is the 4th largest country in the world in terms of people living with diabetes. One in 4 people have diabetes in Pakistan, many of whom already have complications at the time of diagnosis. These and many underlying societal and individual challenges necessitate more focus on diabetes.