"POSSIBILITY OF RECOVERY FROM DIABETES UNDER INSULIN"

To the Editor:  —In The Journal, April 18, there is editorial reference to an anatomic study of the pancreas, made by Boyd and Robinson, in a diabetic boy, who died from an accident. Under an insulin regimen his carbohydrate tolerance had increased "threefold," with corresponding improvement in his general physical condition. Changes were seen that were interpreted as evidence of regeneration of the cells of the islets. It is presumed, therefore, that the insulin treatment, by relieving the strain placed on the already functionally deficient islet system, allowed the new islets to develop and assume their normal functional capacity.I am convinced that this should be interpreted as anatomic evidence of progress toward recovery. Early favorable cases will recover under insulin, and increased carbohydrate tolerance should be interpreted on an anatomic basis.In 1904 (Am. J. M. Sc. 3:287-307 [Aug.] 1904) I attempted to show that the islands of