Charles Best

Charles Herbert Best

Born	(1899-02-27)February 27, 1899
Birth place	West Pembroke, Maine, United States
Died	March 31, 1978(1978-03-31) (aged 79)
Place of death	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Known for	Co-discovery of insulin
Awards	Order of Canada

Charles Herbert Best (February 27, 1899 – March 31, 1978) was a Canadian medical scientist and one of the co-discoverers of insulin, a hormone used in the treatment of diabetes.

Biography

Charles Best was born in West Pembroke, Maine, United States, but his family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, when he was a child. He attended the University of Toronto, where he studied physiology and biochemistry. During his time at the university, he worked as an assistant to Frederick Banting, with whom he would later co-discover insulin.

In the summer of 1921, Best and Banting began their groundbreaking research on the pancreas and its role in diabetes. Their work led to the discovery of insulin, which was a major breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes. For this discovery, Banting and John James Rickard Macleod, who provided the laboratory and experimental guidance, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923. Best was not included in the Nobel Prize, which led to some controversy, although Banting shared his prize money with him.

After the discovery of insulin, Best continued his research and became a prominent figure in the field of medical research. He served as the director of the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research at the University of Toronto. He also played a key role in the development of the first commercial insulin products in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company.

Legacy

Charles Best's contributions to medical science, particularly the discovery of insulin, have had a lasting impact on the treatment of diabetes. His work has saved countless lives and improved the quality of life for people with diabetes around the world.

Best received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, including being made a Companion of the Order of Canada. He also established the Charles H. Best Foundation, which supports diabetes research.

Death

Charles Best died on March 31, 1978, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His legacy continues through ongoing diabetes research and treatment advancements.

See also

• Frederick Banting
• Insulin
• Diabetes mellitus
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine