What lasting impact did the discovery of insulin have on healthcare?

The discovery of insulin in the early 1920s had a monumental impact on healthcare, particularly for those with diabetes. Before the advent of insulin therapy, diabetes was often a fatal disease, with patients relying on strict diets that only temporarily alleviated symptoms. The introduction of insulin transformed diabetes management by allowing for regular and effective control of blood sugar levels, greatly improving the quality of life for patients. This therapeutic breakthrough enabled individuals with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively, reducing the immediate health risks associated with high blood sugar levels.

The option related to decreased focus on other diabetes treatments is not accurate, as insulin does not eliminate the importance of dietary management or other therapies; it simply complements them. The notion that insulin increased reliance on hospitalization misrepresents the reality; while some patients needed to be monitored, many were able to manage their condition at home. Finally, confusion over diabetes management is not a direct consequence of insulin; rather, insulin has made diabetes monitoring more systematic and clearer, rather than leading to confusion. Thus, the lasting impact of insulin is primarily seen in its ability to allow patients to monitor and control their blood sugar effectively, which was a revolutionary advancement in diabetes care.