History of the development of insulin pump therapy technology

The twentieth century marked a golden age for endocrinology, particularly in the methods used to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus. One of the most significant advancements during this period was the development of the insulin pump. This technology, which initially adhered to the original principles and goals of diabetes management, has undergone a remarkable evolution. The transition from large, impractical devices that were suitable only for research in clinical settings, and often associated with complications, to portable, user-friendly, and safe devices has been substantial. This evolution has facilitated the integration of insulin pumps into everyday clinical practice. A detailed examination of the journey from the first prototype of the insulin pump to the models developed by the early 1990s illustrates how researchers overcame numerous challenges. Their efforts laid the groundwork for contemporary understandings of pump insulin therapy and the realization of the aspiration for an artificial pancreas.