A disease characterised by the 'too great emptying of urine' finds its place in antiquity through Egyptian manuscripts dating back to 1500 B.C.1 Indian physicians called it madhumeha ('honey urine') because it attracted ants. The ancient Indian physician, Sushruta, and the surgeon Charaka (400–500 A.D.) were able to identify the two types, later to be named Type I and Type II diabetes.2,3 Recognised for the last three millennia, recorded history attributes the first complete descriptions in the first century A.D. 1. The antiquity of early descriptions of diabetes underscores the importance of the observation and recording of medical conditions as humans evolve. Early physicians used whatever was in their capacity (smell or even taste!) in pursuit of knowledge, skills and diagnosis. 2. Age is no bar to contributing significantly to the profession; Langerhans, was a 22 year old student when he wrote a thesis identifying the cells that werelater known to be the source of insulin production. 3. Despite accounts of the acrimonious 'team' interactions building up to and following the groundbreaking discovery of insulin, the acknowledgement of fellow professionals is illustrated in Banting and Macleod's (Noble laureates) recognition of Best and Collip's immense contributions by sharing their Noble prize money with them. 4. The refusal to patent insulin but to share this miraculous therapy freely with the world will remain an outstanding example of unreserved generosity towards mankind in the history of medical disease. Banting's colossal contribution has been globally recognised by the declaration, since 2007, of his birthday (14th November) as World Diabetes Day. From unrecorded accounts to published knowledge, this human scourge is, simply put, a modern day epidemic. We, and future generations of medical professionals, share the task of taking this history forward.