The Real Story Behind Automated Insulin Pumps: Patients Built It First
6/25/20261 hr 12 min
What if diabetes technology could do most of the work for you?
In this episode, Chris Wilson shares how the DIY diabetes community has spent years pushing insulin-delivery technology beyond its limits, helping to shape the future of automated diabetes management.
From early CGM hacks to advanced algorithms that can learn insulin needs with minimal input, Chris explains how grassroots innovation continues to influence the tools people with type 1 diabetes use today.
We discuss:
• The origins of the "We Are Not Waiting" movement
• How DIY systems evolved into today's advanced algorithms
• The role of open-source communities in accelerating innovation
• The risks and rewards of testing new technology
• What the future could hold for pumps, CGMs, and automated insulin delivery
Whether you're curious about DIY looping, diabetes technology, or where diabetes care is headed next, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the people driving progress.
Guest Chris Wilson is a programmer, advocate, and longtime contributor to the DIY diabetes community who has helped develop and test some of the most innovative insulin delivery systems available today.
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Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com.
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsGinger Vieira· Host0:00
The Diabetes Nerd podcast is proud to be sponsored by the Eversense 365 day implantable continuous glucose monitor, brought to you by Ascensia Diabetes Care. I've been using the Eversense CGM since April of 2025, and I love it. It's the only CGM device that lasts a year. The sensor was placed just under the skin on my arm. The transmitter sits on my skin with this silicone adhesive, and I can take it on and off. I love it. Learn more about Eversense 365 at eversensecgm.com. [upbeat music] Welcome to Diabetes Nerd. I am your host. My name is Ginger Vieira. I've lived with type 1 diabetes for about 27 years as of today, since 1999. I'm not a big fan of type 1 diabetes. I'd love a cure, actually, and [laughs] my two guests today would probably also love a cure. So Terra Mayo, my bestie and business partner, she produces her own insulin, but many of her family members live with type 1. And Chris Wilson, hello.
Chris Wilson· Guest1:22
Hi, Ginger. Hi, Terra.
Ginger Vieira· Host1:23
Hi. [laughs] Nice. Chris Wilson definitely lives with type 1. I, I wanna call