At its core, diabetes tech is about creating reliable “control loop,” systems that sense changes, make decisions, and act to keep glucose levels safe. From insulin pumps to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), every tool is essentially designed to replicate the body’s natural processes with as little burden as possible.

Over the years, the community has seen remarkable shifts, from early clinical trials of automated insulin delivery to open-source innovations that allowed people to share and visualize glucose data in real time. These developments were not only technical achievements but also cultural ones, proving that collaboration and determination could speed up progress when traditional pathways were too slow. Movements like Nightscout, and the rallying cry of “we are not waiting,” showed just how urgent and personal these innovations could be.

At the same time, simulation has emerged as a powerful tool in medical technology. By creating virtual environments to test devices, companies can predict outcomes, reduce risk, and refine systems before they ever reach patients. This approach has the potential to shorten timelines dramatically, making therapies safer and more accessible while reducing the heavy burden of clinical testing.

Lane Desborough join us on the podcast to share how his background in engineering, combined with his personal journey as a parent of a child with T1D, has helped him reshape the direction of diabetes technology. Drawing from decades of work in control systems, he co-founded Nightscout, was Chief Engineer at Medtronic, and co-founded Bigfoot Biomedical. Today, he is focused on his project, AIDIF, working to build a simulation frameworks that regulators and companies can rely on so innovation can reach people faster. You can listen above or watch the episode below.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.