The Miracle of Insulin

Have you ever stopped to wonder what a miracle insulin is? Before 1922, the death rate from type I diabetes was 100%. It wasn't until 1922 when Frederick Banting discovered insulin that hope arrived. Can you imagine that? 1922! That was not that long ago!

As doctors, we take insulin for granted. Right now, I'm going through the book The Discovery of Insulin by Michael Bliss. It's a great read! Full of suspense and intrigue! It's amazing how far we have come since the early days of Frederick Banting's discovery.

Funky TSH Results

When treating hypothyroidism, sometimes I get unexpected TSH results. Before making another adjustment to a patient's levothyroxine dose, I always double check 1) compliance with taking the levothyroxine, and 2) if they are taking their levothyroxine with vitamins, antacids, iron, or calcium supplementations (which can all decrease levothyroxine absorption in the gut).