Parents Maddie and Rob Julian were confronted with a harrowing revelation when their 20-month-old son, Otis, exhibited persistent health issues. Unexplained infections, excessive urination, and significant weight loss were the alarming symptoms that led to a friend’s suggestion of a possible diabetes diagnosis.
“Otis was tired all the time and wanted to be in the pushchair – completely different to my second son, who is full of beans,” Maddie explained. The critical moment came on Halloween when Otis, dressed in a skeleton costume, was soaked through within an hour. A nurse friend advised an urgent visit to the doctor, leading to a life-altering Type 1 diabetes diagnosis confirmed by a blood test.
Upon diagnosis, Otis was swiftly taken to the Children’s Assessment and Treatment Unit, where he was promptly started on insulin. The hospital provided thorough training to help manage the condition. Maddie reflects, “It never leaves you really, that diagnosis – because that was it, forever: he’s on insulin.”
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition affecting approximately 95% of diabetic children in the UK, with around 4.6 million people living with various forms of diabetes nationwide. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle choices, Type 1 is not influenced by diet or lifestyle and results from the body’s immune system attacking pancreatic beta cells, crucial for insulin production.
To better manage Otis’ condition and educate those caring for him, Maddie and Rob utilised their professional backgrounds to develop DigiBete in early 2016. Maddie noted, “The hospital had been brilliant, but out-of-hours support lacked specialised knowledge.” This led to their initiative to provide a comprehensive information package to their extended family and other caregivers.
DigiBete offers a continuous glucose monitor for Otis, tracked via mobile phones, and an app in development for broader application. The platform, partnered with Leeds Children’s Hospital, Diabetes UK, and JDRF, boasts around 19,000 users. Future collaboration with the National Diabetes Network, comprising 105 clinics, is slated to begin in February.
Since May, DigiBete has operated from a collaborative health-tech space, fostering essential discussions and growth within the sector. Maddie expressed the benefits of this environment, emphasising its role in their ongoing development efforts.
The Julian family’s proactive approach has not only transformed their personal journey with Type 1 diabetes but also provided a vital resource for thousands of others. Their dedication exemplifies how personal adversity can drive meaningful innovation and community support.
