27 — T1D Looping Blind: Making the Impossible Possible Together Artwork

The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast

Host John Pemberton — diabetes educator, researcher, and dad living with type 1 since 2008 — explores how to think clearly about type 1 diabetes in the real world.

Each episode translates current evidence and expert practice into decisions you can use: CGM accuracy and interpretation, getting more from pumps and automated insulin delivery, movement as a glucose tool, nutrition that protects performance and enjoyment, sleep, travel, parties, and sport.

Guests include leading clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience. Expect respectful challenge, plain language, and practical take-aways.

Note: Educational only. No therapeutic relationship or personal medical advice.

Buy the GNL a Coffee to keep us independent: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jspfree2s

Email: john@theglucoseneverlies.com

All Episodes

The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast

27 — T1D Looping Blind: Making the Impossible Possible Together

December 28, 2025 • John Pemberton • Episode 27

Suggest guests or get in contact

Host: John Pemberton, RD
Guests: Roger Moore & Robin Lucciantonio

Roger has lived with type 1 diabetes since age two and has been totally blind for more than 35 years. While automated insulin delivery (AID) has transformed safety and glucose stability for many people with type 1 diabetes, most systems remain inaccessible without sight.

In this Inspiring Stories episode of The Glucose Never Lies Podcast, John Pemberton speaks with Roger Moore and diabetes educator Robin Lucciantonio about how they refused to accept that limitation. Using the open-source Loop system with iPhone VoiceOver, a careful stepwise rollout (simulator → saline → insulin), and a handcrafted tactile pod-filling station, Roger achieved full autonomy with AID.

This conversation isn’t about technology alone. It’s about accessibility as a safety requirement, not a convenience feature — and what becomes possible when clinicians stay open-minded and systems are built around real people rather than default users.

Read the full episode page and see the setup:
https://theglucoseneverlies.com/looping-blind/

What this episode covers

Living with type 1 diabetes without visual feedback
Why most commercial AID systems are inaccessible without sight
Using Loop and VoiceOver for non-visual insulin delivery
Simulator and saline trials to reduce risk before going live
Designing a tactile pod-filling station for safe, repeatable insulin delivery
Outcomes that matter: reduced hypoglycaemia, autonomy, and dignity

Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not create a therapeutic relationship. DIY automated insulin delivery systems carry real risks and require appropriate training, oversight, and contingency planning.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for individualised care.

The Glucose Never Lies® is independent by design

We do not accept sponsorships and advertising. We operate via education grants and donations from listeners who value independence. So, consider:
Buying the GNL a Coffee:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jspfree2

Enquiries

Collaboration: John Pemberton — john@theglucoseneverlies.com

Creatives: Anjanee Kohli — anj@theglucoseneverlies.com

Follow The Glucose Never Lies®

Website: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglucoseneverlies

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglucoseneverlies

LinkedIn: John Pemberton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pemberton-587104361/

X: https://twitter.com/GlucoseNLies

Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.