A Dad’s DIY Solution for a Child with type 1 Diabetes
Living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is akin to navigating a constant numbers game. For those diagnosed, including children who are frequently enough impacted by the disease, the duty of monitoring blood glucose levels is a relentless companion, making “What’s your number?” a recurring question.
While technology can undoubtedly alleviate the burden of tracking these vital figures, it can sometimes become a distraction, particularly for younger patients. Andrew Childs, a father himself, sought to address this challenge by crafting a custom smartwatch tailored for his son’s needs.
“An Apple Watch, which seamlessly integrates with the Dexcom CGM ecosystem, might seem like an obvious choice,” says Andrew. “But, strapping something like that onto a nine-year-old boy’s wrist is a recipe for disaster.” Recognizing the limitations of readily available solutions, Andrew embarked on a journey to design a more suitable device.
After overcoming the hurdles of establishing a stable Bluetooth connection—essential for the watch to access his son’s iPhone adn retrieve CGM data—Andrew transitioned to the physical design phase. the heart of the smartwatch beats with an ESP32-S3 chip, mounted on a custom-designed circuit board. A vibrant 1.69-inch TFT IPS display brings the vital details to life, while a LiPo battery keeps the device powered. A built-in accelerometer allows for activity tracking, and a discreet vibrator provides essential haptic feedback.
Encasing all these intricate components within a robust and visually appealing shell was no small feat. Andrew collaborated with a local 3D printing company to create a durable case, ensuring both water resistance and shockproofing to withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear. To further enhance the watch’s aesthetic appeal, he sourced custom-cut and silkscreened glass for the face, resulting in a remarkably professional-looking product.
Although Andrew hasn’t yet released the project’s build files, he plans to open-source the design, a move that will undoubtedly be welcomed by anyone seeking to hack diabetes care. Until then, a extensive primer on continuous glucose monitoring, available at https://hackaday.com/2018/12/03/why-is-continuous-glucose-monitoring-so-hard/, offers valuable insights into this critical aspect of diabetes management.
What other types of health conditions could benefit from DIY solutions like Andrew Childs’ smartwatch?
A Dad’s DIY Solution for a Child with Type 1 Diabetes
Living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is akin to navigating a constant numbers game. For those diagnosed, including children who are frequently impacted by the disease, the duty of monitoring blood glucose levels is a relentless companion, making ”What’s your number?” a recurring question.
While technology can undoubtedly alleviate the burden of tracking these vital figures, it can sometimes become a distraction, especially for younger patients. Andrew Childs, a father himself, sought to address this challenge by crafting a custom smartwatch tailored for his son’s needs.
Interview with Andrew Childs
Archyde: Andrew, can you tell us about the inspiration behind creating this custom smartwatch for your son?
Andrew: As a parent of a child with T1D, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of managing blood glucose levels, especially for kids. While devices like the Apple Watch integrate well with CGM systems, they weren’t quite right for my son. They felt bulky and weren’t designed with a child’s needs in mind.
Archyde: What were some of the key considerations you had while designing the smartwatch?
Andrew: Durability was paramount. It had to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. We also wanted something visually appealing to a child, so we collaborated with a 3D printing company to create a custom case and sourced unique glass for the face. Functionality-wise, a stable Bluetooth connection to retrieve CGM data from his iPhone was crucial, along with haptic feedback to alert him about vital readings.
archyde: Can you elaborate on the technical aspects of the smartwatch?
Andrew: At its heart, it’s built around an ESP32-S3 chip, which allows for seamless dialog with the iPhone. We opted for a vibrant 1.69-inch TFT IPS display to showcase the glucose readings clearly. A LiPo battery keeps the device powered, and an accelerometer allows for basic activity tracking.
Archyde: Do you plan to share the design files with the wider community?
Andrew: Absolutely! Open-sourcing the design is something I’m passionate about.I hope it empowers other parents,makers,and anyone interested in diabetes technology to contribute and improve upon it.
Archyde: Your project highlights the astonishing potential of DIY solutions in healthcare. What message do you hope parents facing similar challenges will take away from your story?
Andrew: Don’t underestimate the power of ingenuity and a willingness to learn. Even seemingly complex problems can often be tackled with creativity and determination. Your child’s needs are unique, and sometimes, the perfect solution might lie in building it yourself.
