Welcome to the June 2024 issue of Diabetes Made Visible. Many thanks to the leaders who made time to share their thoughts: Andrew Brilliant, Piyush Gupta, Nupur Lalvani, Roshani Sanghani, MD, MHP, Kehlin Swain, Jerry Valentine CPA,MS-DIM, and John Wilcox. Please contact me if you are interested in submitting a question for Innovators and Founders in the diabetes space. Please enjoy the insights!
What is your technology and how does your technology improve the lives of people with T1D?
Andrew Brilliant:
Thrive Type 1 is a video series that harnesses the power of filmmaking to improve quality of life for newly diagnosed children and their families. Our series showcases celebrities and athletes thriving with type 1 diabetes, highlighting how they built unique strategies and support systems to achieve greatness while managing their condition. By sharing real stories of resilience in an energetic format, we create an inclusive and empowering message, with the goal of helping children develop their own support systems. Built by a team of T1 filmmakers and clinicians, our series synergizes from a unique array of educated voices on life with type 1.
Andrew Brilliant:
Though type 1 diabetes is often presented to us as a medical condition, I see it more as a lifestyle condition: Our blood sugars affect our moods, our moods affect our blood sugars, and we have to manage all of this indefinitely in a variety of social contexts. Our community deserves to understand the relationship between blood sugar control and social-emotional health in order to truly thrive and overcome the inherent obstacles of life with type 1.
Piyush Gupta:
Living with Type 1 Diabetes is a journey that requires strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. At Ambrosia, we understand the unique challenges you face every day, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our mission is to empower you with the tools and technology to manage your diabetes more effectively and live your life to the fullest. Whether it’s through our continuous glucose monitoring system or our user-friendly mobile app, we are dedicated to making your life easier and healthier. But it’s not just about technology—it’s about community. Together, we can share experiences, offer support, and celebrate victories, big and small. We believe in the power of connection and the strength of our community. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. You are not alone in this journey, and with the right tools and support, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Stay strong, stay positive, and keep pushing forward. We’re with you every step of the way.
Nupur Lalvani:
Stay connected to your community. Whether it’s through online support groups, or local events, connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly empowering. You are not alone in this journey, and the shared experiences and knowledge of the T1D community can provide strength and insight. Engage actively with your peers, share your stories, and lean on each other—community is your greatest resource.
John Wilcox:
We would appreciate any and all testimonials about their experiences with infusion failure (i.e., how they have impacted their health, does it change their perspective on their technology, would they like pump systems with this type of technology enabled, etc.)
Is there a single aspect of diabetes tech in 2024 that excites you or surprises you about diabetes tech in 2024?
Piyush Gupta:
Absolutely! The most exciting aspect of diabetes technology in 2024 is the seamless integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This innovation has transformed diabetes management by providing real-time, personalized insights and automating many aspects of care. Here’s why this is particularly exciting:
Predictive Analytics: AI algorithms can now predict glucose level trends based on historical data, allowing users to anticipate and prevent highs and lows before they happen. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of complications and improves overall health.
Personalized Recommendations: AI-powered platforms provide tailored advice on diet and exercise, helping individuals make informed decisions based on their unique patterns and needs. This level of personalization enhances the effectiveness of diabetes management.
Improved User Experience: The technology has become more user-friendly, with intuitive mobile apps and wearable devices that seamlessly integrate into daily life. This ease of use encourages consistent monitoring and management, leading to better outcomes. The convergence of AI with diabetes technology not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of diabetes management but also offers a glimpse into a future where managing T1D is less of a daily struggle and more of an integrated, almost effortless part of life. This leap forward is both exciting and promising for the T1D community.
Jerry Valentine:
Diabetes tech that excites me includes machine learning for dosing optimization and helping to achieve consistent healthy blood glucose levels.
General Thoughts:
Roshani Sanghani, MD, MHP
There is no such thing as brittle diabetes. If your glucose is swinging between highs and lows everyday, this book can help you live an active life doing everything you want to do.
Kehlin Swain
Distress is a key lead indicator to depression and high anxiety, and depression is a key indicator to suicide…diabetes distress can also stop someone from managing their diabetes. I have met so many folks who have so much distress that the cognitive load can’t manage anymore or make decisions.