Physiology Faculty & Alum Featured in 100 Lives of Insulin Initiative

Department of Physiology Professor Patricia Brubaker and recent alumna, Dr. Krishana Sankar are both featured as part of the 100 Lives of Insulin project. The project is part of the Insulin to Innovation initiative, a series of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Insulin organized by a consortium of charitable organizations.

Over the course of the year, Insulin to Innovation will share 100 stories of "how the discovery of insulin has affected people—and how it continues to drive change."

In her story, Professor Brubaker shares:

"My diagnosis with diabetes altered the trajectory of my entire career. As a graduate student, I had been interested in studying the endocrine stress system, but this changed after my diagnosis to a focus on diabetes and metabolism...

"I have also devoted a significant amount of time to educating both physicians and the public regarding what I refer to my own healthy lifestyle as a 'go-anywhere, do-anything diabetic.'"

Dr. Sankar's story highlights her work on islet transplantation that she did in Professor Jonathan Rocheleau's lab as well as her work as a science communicator:

"[Her] research combined biology and engineering techniques to ensure the blood vessels of donated islets last long enough to connect to patients - vital for a successful transplant...

"Dr. Sankar uses social media to relay important messages to the public. She has been educating the public on diabetes research, dispelling myths surrounding diabetes, and raises awareness about the condition."

The 100 Lives project also profiles many other fascinating figures in the story of Insulin, including Professors Collip, MacLeod, Banting and Best who of course famously discovered insulin here in the Department of Physiology. Learn more about how we're celebrating right here.