The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast

27 — T1D Looping Blind: Making the Impossible Possible Together

John Pemberton Episode 27

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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.

For collaboration, partnerships, or press enquiries: John Pemberton — john@theglucoseneverlies.com

For creative, social, and production enquiries: Anjanee Kohlianj@theglucoseneverlies.com

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