Joseph von Mering

Josef von Mering 2

Joseph von Mering (1849–1908) was a prominent German physician and pharmacologist. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of diabetes mellitus and the discovery of the first sulfonylurea drug, which played a significant role in the treatment of diabetes.

Early Life and Education

Joseph von Mering was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1849. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Strasbourg, where he developed a keen interest in pharmacology and internal medicine.

Career and Contributions

Von Mering's career was marked by significant contributions to medical science, particularly in the understanding and treatment of diabetes. He worked closely with Oskar Minkowski, another notable figure in diabetes research. Together, they conducted groundbreaking experiments that demonstrated the role of the pancreas in diabetes.

Discovery of Pancreatic Function

In 1889, von Mering and Minkowski performed a series of experiments on dogs, removing their pancreases to observe the effects. They discovered that the removal of the pancreas led to the development of severe diabetes in the animals, providing crucial evidence that the pancreas played a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels. This work laid the foundation for the later discovery of insulin.

Development of Sulfonylurea Drugs

In the early 20th century, von Mering was involved in the development of the first sulfonylurea drug, which was used to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This class of drugs works by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin. The introduction of sulfonylureas marked a significant advancement in the pharmacological treatment of diabetes.

Legacy

Joseph von Mering's contributions to medical science, particularly in the field of diabetes research, have had a lasting impact. His work paved the way for the development of modern diabetes treatments and improved the understanding of the disease's pathophysiology.

See Also

• Diabetes mellitus
• Oskar Minkowski
• Pancreas
• Insulin
• Sulfonylurea

Related Pages

• History of diabetes
• Pharmacology
• Endocrinology
• Beta cells