The companies collaborated on the comic to help make people with diabetes feel seen, understood and represented. This marks another initiative for the Acton, Massachusetts-based automated insulin pump maker to promote inclusivity and representation. In 2022, Insulet and Nintendo launched diabetes-related features on the video game “Animal Crossing.”
“Managing diabetes, especially when it involves intensive insulin therapy, requires making countless decisions. From calculating insulin doses to monitoring blood glucose levels, the mental burden can be overwhelming,” said Ashley McEvoy, Insulet president and CEO. “Collaborating with Marvel on this story empowers readers from the diabetes community to see themselves represented. Diabetes can be a part of what makes you strong by harnessing the technology of Omnipod 5 to help simplify life.”
Omnipod 5, the first FDA-cleared tubeless automated insulin delivery system, communicates with a CGM to proactively correct for glucose highs every five minutes and protects against lows with insulin dosing. The small, discreet, tubeless, wearable pod increases, decreases, or pauses insulin delivery based on the user’s desired and customized glucose target.
More about the Insulet and Marvel comic collaboration
The comic features Omnya, a high school teenager who lives with type 1 diabetes. Omnya struggles with diabetes management until eventually embracing an insulin pump after meeting with her endocrinologist.
Readers follow Omnya’s diabetes journey as she overcomes self-doubt, discovers her power and transforms into “Dyasonic.” The Marvel-inspired hero, written by Paul Allor, inspires those with diabetes and shows how technology can lead to better outcomes and quality of life. Allor’s own experience living with diabetes informed the story, “Dyasonic: Sound of Strength.”
Insulet says a survey showed that 94% of people with type 1 say it’s important to see people with diabetes accurately represented in culture and society. However, in the year prior to that survey, 51% said they rarely or never saw that representation. Additionally, the survey highlighted the challenge of social stigma. A third of respondents said they are likely to hide their condition from others, citing fear of judgment (33%), not wanting to explain their condition (54%) or being ashamed of their condition (12%).
Insulet says introducing a hero whose journey with type 1 diabetes reflects real-life experiences can increase diabetes visibility. To build on that, it continues to represent the diabetes community through its partnership with Children with Diabetes.
“Representation remains critical in shaping perceptions and reducing stigma around chronic conditions, especially for young adults and children managing something as complex and personal as diabetes,” said Jeff Hitchcock, founder, president, and CEO of Children with Diabetes. “Seeing a hero who lives with diabetes, and thrives, can help break down stigma and open the door to conversations about management and support. This comic is an exciting step forward for the community.”
