World History

Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin, and the Making of a Medical Miracle

Arthur Ainsberg

About the Program

Arthur Ainsberg recounts the development of insulin to treat diabetes.  The author recounts the case of Elizabeth Hughes, who at eleven-years-old in 1919 was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and was treated by starvation.  Ms. Hughes would be one of the first patients treated with insulin injections due to the discovery of purified insulin from animal pancreases by Canadians Frederick Banting and Charles Best.  Arthur Ainsberg discusses his book at the New York University School of Medicine in New York City. 

About the Authors

Arthur Ainsberg

Arthur Ainsberg is the author of Shackleton: Leadership Lessons from Antarctica.  He co-wrote Breakthrough with Thea CooperFor more information, visit breakthroughthebook.com.


Buy the author's book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Program Information

Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin, and the Making of a Medical Miracle

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Past Airings

  • Monday, April 18th at 5am (ET)
  • Monday, February 21st at 1am (ET)
  • Sunday, February 13th at 4pm (ET)
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