{Editor’s Note: People – we have thousands of dollars in innovation prize money just waiting for great D-ideas. $1,500 of that is earmarked for creative kids. We do hope this example will serve as inspiration!}
A few months ago, a team of nine boys ages 10-13 calling themselves Team Pi POD 
unveiled an invention called the Dii – Diabetic Information Implant (pronounced like Wii) — an implantable continuous glucose monitor that’s powered by a “blood battery” expected to last 2-5 years! Yes, you heard that right. As part of the First Lego League (FLL) national innovation competition, University of Utah division, the boys spent months researching and “modeling” this invention, and took top honors for their work.
Over 17,000 teams compete in the FFL innovation program nationwide, with regional competitions held at universities, high schools, etc. The specific challenge in Utah this year was to solve a “real-world problem” with an original invention in the area of “biomedical engineering.”
“All the boys had family members and friends who have diabetes. They noticed that the finger pricking didn’t really bother them; it was more the attention it gets and the hassle to get all that gear out each time,” says Adrian Thygerson, a mother who was one of Team Pi POD’s coaches.
“They basically combined two experimental technologies: a blood battery under development by a group of college students and professors — our model uses Gatorade — and an implantable device that’s been tried on a pig.”
“They worked with a physicist to understand blood storage, and built a model to show that blood could be used to power a battery. The sample with Gatorade gets up to 13 volts.”
Nice job, Pi POD kids!
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Kudos to a group of youth who have tackled a problem, grasped the technology, and demonstrated presentation skills that many people three times their age have yet to master.
This is just wonderful. I pray that they keep this up into adulthood. I watch how diabetes slowly kills people every day at work.
Awesome! These young people are our brightest future.
I have recently used a “sensor” that helps to keep my diabetes on track with my blood sugar. But it didnt work out so well. it just caused more pain to my areas it was put on. I use an insulin pump and it helps out alot. I am only a teenager so my mother is constanly wanting me to check my blood sugar, but i forget and slack off many times. I dont know if its from my stress or just me not doing my job as a Type One Diabetic.
Advice?
Kyle, think of blood testing as checking a map. Don’t think of it as “slacking off” but of “being lost”. Also, think of it as a blood glucose measurement, not a “test” which you can pass or fail. When you are in an unfamiliar town, checking the map frequently lets you get around to more places, find the most interesting spots and avoid getting lost. Its the same with blood glucose measurement.
Why not make an agreement with your mum – you promise to test 4 or more times each day AND write it down where she can see it, and she promises to stop nagging you. If you break the rules (make up results/don’t write them down) then she gets the right to nag you again.
Hope this helps!
Lesley (type 1 for 42 years)