# August Krogh

> Danish physiologist (1874–1949)

**Wikidata**: [Q152187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152187)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Krogh)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/august-krogh

## Summary
August Krogh was a Danish physiologist (1874–1949) who co-founded Novo Nordisk, a global leader in diabetes care, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1920 for his pioneering work on capillary physiology and oxygen transport in blood. His contributions revolutionized medical treatment and established Denmark as a hub for scientific innovation.

## Biography
- Born: 15 November 1874, in Copenhagen, Denmark
- Nationality: Danish
- Education:
  - Studied at the University of Copenhagen (1892–1898)
  - Trained at the University of Leipzig (1898–1900)
- Known for: Founding Novo Nordisk and groundbreaking research on capillary physiology
- Employer(s):
  - University of Copenhagen (1900–1949)
  - Royal Society (member)
  - Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities (member)
  - German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (member)
- Field(s): Physiology, medical research, pharmaceutical innovation

## Contributions
- **Novo Nordisk (1923):** Co-founded the company with his wife Marie Krogh and physician Hans Christian Hagedorn, pioneering insulin production and diabetes treatment.
- **Capillary Physiology Research:** Developed the Krogh cylinder, a model for studying oxygen diffusion in tissues, published in 1919.
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1920):** Awarded for his work on capillary physiology and oxygen transport in blood.
- **Physiological Standards:** Established key principles in oxygen transport and tissue respiration, influencing modern medicine.
- **Scientific Leadership:** Served as a member of prestigious academies, including the Royal Society, Saxon Academy, and German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

## FAQs
**What was August Krogh's most significant achievement?**
August Krogh's most significant achievement was co-founding Novo Nordisk in 1923, which became a global leader in diabetes care. His research on capillary physiology and oxygen transport in blood earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1920.

**Where did August Krogh study and work?**
Krogh studied at the University of Copenhagen (1892–1898) and trained at the University of Leipzig (1898–1900). He worked at the University of Copenhagen for nearly half a century and was a member of several prestigious scientific academies.

**What is the Krogh cylinder, and why is it important?**
The Krogh cylinder is a model Krogh developed in 1919 to study oxygen diffusion in tissues. It became a foundational tool in physiology, influencing research on tissue respiration and oxygen transport.

**Which awards did August Krogh receive?**
Krogh received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1920), the Croonian Medal and Lecture, honorary doctorates from Harvard, Oxford, Oslo, and Lund, the Baly Medal, and the Silliman Memorial Lectures.

**How did August Krogh influence the pharmaceutical industry?**
Krogh's work on insulin production and diabetes treatment laid the groundwork for Novo Nordisk, which became one of the world's largest producers of diabetes medications. His research directly impacted global healthcare.

## Why They Matter
August Krogh's work revolutionized medical treatment by establishing Novo Nordisk as a leader in diabetes care. His research on capillary physiology and oxygen transport in blood, recognized by the Nobel Prize in 1920, remains foundational in physiology. As a member of key scientific academies, he influenced global research standards. His legacy endures through Novo Nordisk's innovations, which have treated millions with diabetes worldwide.

## Notable For
- Co-founder of Novo Nordisk (1923), a global leader in diabetes care
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1920) for capillary physiology research
- Developer of the Krogh cylinder (1919), a model for oxygen diffusion in tissues
- Member of the Royal Society, Saxon Academy, and German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
- Recipient of the Croonian Medal, Baly Medal, and honorary doctorates from Harvard, Oxford, Oslo, and Lund
- Pioneer in insulin production and diabetes treatment, shaping modern medicine

## Body
### Early Life and Education
August Krogh was born on 15 November 1874 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He studied at the University of Copenhagen (1892–1898) and later trained at the University of Leipzig (1898–1900). His early work focused on capillary physiology, leading to the development of the Krogh cylinder in 1919.

### Career and Research
Krogh began his academic career at the University of Copenhagen in 1900, where he remained until his death in 1949. His research on oxygen transport in blood and tissue respiration earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1920. He co-founded Novo Nordisk in 1923 with his wife Marie Krogh and physician Hans Christian Hagedorn, establishing Denmark as a leader in medical innovation.

### Scientific Contributions
Krogh's work on capillary physiology and the Krogh cylinder became foundational in physiology. His research influenced modern medicine, particularly in diabetes treatment. He published extensively, including key papers on oxygen diffusion and tissue respiration.

### Awards and Recognition
Krogh received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize (1920), the Croonian Medal, honorary doctorates from Harvard, Oxford, Oslo, and Lund, the Baly Medal, and the Silliman Memorial Lectures. His work was recognized globally, solidifying his legacy in science.

### Legacy and Influence
Krogh's contributions to Novo Nordisk and physiological research have had a lasting impact. His work on insulin production and diabetes treatment continues to benefit millions worldwide. As a member of prestigious scientific academies, he influenced global research standards, ensuring his influence extends beyond his lifetime.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1920. Nobel Foundation](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1920/summary/)
5. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
6. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. Krogh, Schack August Steenberg. Virtual Laboratory
11. Find a Grave
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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