Discovery of the translocation mechanism whereby insulin increases glucose transport. 1981 Studies by the British Diabetes Association demonstrate that environmental as well as genetic factors are involved in causing Type 1 diabetes. Discovery that the insulin receptor is an enzyme - a receptor tyrosine kinase. 1983 Cyclosporine is approved as an immunosuppressant, which benefits transplanting the whole pancreas in kidney recipients. This is a 10-year randomized trial to determine the effectiveness of intensive diabetes management in the prevention or delay of complications.
Researches identify mutations in the insulin gene that cause rare forms of diabetes.
Researchers find that islet cell antibodies can identify individuals who are in the process of developing Type 1 diabetes up to 8 years before clinical symptoms appear. Cloning of the insulin receptor gene. Cloning of the first glucose transporter. Scientists discover that mutations in the insulin receptor gene may cause rare forms of diabetes. The first transplant of human islet cells that reverses insulin dependency in humans is performed.