Project

Hanky Pancreas creates textiles that intend to transform diabetes technologies into positive social objects. The current collection is designed for women and consists of wraps and decorative embellishments that envelop the insulin pump.

25.8 million people in the US have a form of diabetes[1]. For some, insulin-dependent diabetes has also become technology-dependent diabetes, as evidenced by the evolution of glucometers, insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and the artificial pancreas project[2]. 

While a wonderful technological innovation, the insulin pump has been shown to negatively affect body image and feelings of social acceptance, especially for women[3].

Hanky Pancreas products strive to better integrate diabetes technology on the body and exist as an intervention to the psychosocial "fashion challenge" of the insulin pump.

References:

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes Research and Statistics. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/research.htm. Accessibility verified November 3, 2013. 2 Kaufman FR. The role of diabetes technology in children and youth: getting connected for better control. Diabetes Voice. 2013;58(1):24-27. 3 Ritholz MD, Smaldone A, Lee J, Castillo A, Wolpert H, Weinger K. Perceptions of psychosocial factors and the insulin pump. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(3):549–54.