It’s Time to Disrupt Diabetes: From Reactive Management to Proactive Prevention

As we celebrate the World Diabetes Day today, on November 14th, it’s time we ask ourselves a critical question:

For decades, the global approach to diabetes has been largely reactive—focusing on managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes. Despite advancements in medication and technology, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to soar. This isn’t just a healthcare issue; it’s a societal failure.

Not all diabetes is the same, and that’s precisely why we must focus our efforts where they can truly make a difference. There are different types of diabetes, such as Type 1, often of autoimmune origin, and Type 2, which is closely linked to lifestyle and environmental factors. While some forms of diabetes require specific and complex treatments, others, like Type 2 diabetes, offer more avenues for prevention. By targeting modifiable factors—nutrition, physical activity, and awareness—we have the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of this disease and improve the quality of life for those at risk.

The healthcare industry has made significant strides in diabetes management through medications, insulin therapies, and monitoring devices. However, these solutions often treat the symptoms rather than the underlying issues. We need to shift our focus from managing the disease to preventing it in the first place.

Let’s be blunt: the food industry is a significant contributor to the diabetes epidemic. The aggressive marketing of high-sugar, ultra-processed foods creates an environment where unhealthy choices are the default. It’s time to hold these corporations accountable for prioritizing profits over public health.

Addressing the diabetes epidemic requires innovative solutions that empower individuals to make healthier choices. Neuria, a Swiss company and Future of Health Grant alumni, is at the forefront of this effort. Their team of neuroscientists creates interventions delivered through engaging smartphone video games, designed to facilitate large-scale behavioral change. By integrating cognitive training into enjoyable gaming experiences, Neuria’s approach helps users reduce unhealthy consumption behaviors, such as excessive intake of sugary foods, thereby tackling one of the root causes of diabetes. 

In an age where technology influences every aspect of our lives, innovative solutions are emerging that can revolutionize diabetes prevention and management. We have the tools—we just need to harness them effectively.

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems: Non-invasive solutions must be prioritized in developing CGM technology to improve accessibility and comfort for users. These devices enable real-time tracking of blood glucose levels, allowing individuals to make immediate lifestyle adjustments and take control of their health more proactively.
• Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics: AI-driven platforms analyze data to predict diabetes risk and recommend personalized prevention strategies.
• Mobile Health Applications: Apps offer everything from dietary tracking and exercise planning to virtual coaching, making health management more accessible. Enhance-d, for instance, goes a step further by integrating data from CGMs with exercise, nutrition, and sleep patterns, giving users a holistic view of how lifestyle choices impact their glucose levels. This empowers individuals to make informed, personalized adjustments for better health outcomes.
• Telemedicine Services: Remote consultations and monitoring break down geographical barriers, providing care to underserved communities.
• Wearable Technology: Devices like smartwatches can monitor vital signs and physical activity, promoting proactive health management. For instance, MYNERVA has developed ‘Leia,’ a non-invasive, wearable neurostimulating device designed to restore the sense of touch and alleviate pain in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. By addressing both pain and sensory loss, Leia significantly improves the quality of life for DPN patients, allowing them to regain mobility and independence.

“Our commitment is to empower those affected by neuropathy from diabetes, ensuring every decision we make helps restore comfort, mobility, and a true sense of control in their lives.” claims Greta Preatoni, founder of MYNERVA.

Despite these advancements, widespread adoption is hindered by factors such as cost, accessibility, and lack of awareness. It’s imperative that we make these technologies available to all, not just a privileged few.

“At Enhance-d, we’re passionate about empowering individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to lead healthier, more active lives turning every exercise journey into a path of strength and community.” – Sam Scott, co-founder of Enhance-d

Change doesn’t always have to come from the top. Grassroots initiatives and community-driven solutions can be powerful catalysts for preventing diabetes. By embracing a bottom-up philosophy, we can tap into the collective creativity and determination of individuals and local organizations to develop innovative approaches tailored to their unique needs.

• Community-Led Health Programs: Local groups can design and implement health initiatives that resonate with their specific cultural and social contexts.
• Crowdsourcing Solutions: Encouraging communities to share successful prevention strategies can lead to widespread adoption of effective practices.
• Empowering Individuals with Technology: Making technological solutions accessible empowers people to take control of their health proactively.

An exemplary case is Diabète, Même Pas Peur !, which provides a digital companion to educate and empower caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes. By offering personalized, accessible, and engaging educational content, they enable caregivers to confidently manage the condition, fostering a supportive community around the child. Their innovative approach has been recognized by the Future of Health Grant program, which supports early-stage digital health startups.

By integrating comprehensive nutrition and health education into school curricula and community programs, we can equip individuals with the knowledge to make healthier choices. Initiatives like Diabète, Même Pas Peur ! take this a step further by providing caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes with engaging, accessible educational tools. This approach empowers families with the confidence and knowledge they need to manage the condition effectively.

“Creating a world where childhood chronic illnesses don’t stand in the way of a joyful life isn’t just our mission; it’s our promise to every family facing these challenges.” explains Mathieu Menet, co-founder of Diabète, Même Pas Peur

Lip service won’t cut it anymore. Governments and regulatory bodies need to implement and enforce policies that promote healthy lifestyles:

• Implement taxes on sugary drinks and junk food
• Subsidize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Mandate clear, honest food labeling
• Invest in community programs that promote physical activity and nutrition education

Beyond policy, we need collaborative innovation hubs to drive tangible change in healthcare. The Future of Health Grant program plans to serve as a “pilot factory,” bringing together healthcare providers, startups, and health insurers to initiate multi-party pilot programs that test new, proactive solutions for diabetes prevention and management.

By facilitating these partnerships, we create a real-world testing ground for policies and technologies, allowing us to refine and scale impactful solutions that benefit all stakeholders—especially patients.

Preventing diabetes isn’t just a medical issue; it’s a collective responsibility that requires disruptive thinking and bold action. This World Diabetes Day, let’s challenge ourselves and our leaders to prioritize prevention over profit, leverage innovative technologies, and embrace bottom-up approaches that empower communities.