Mental Health, Automation, and Human-Centered Design: Rethinking Diabetes Care with AID Systems

Hosted by Nancy Hanna

Mental health, cognitive burden, and quality of life are becoming central to how we define success in diabetes care. In this episode, we explore what that shift looks like in practice.

Hosts Dena Gottesman MS, RD, CDCES and Nancy Hanna RN, BSN, CDE hand over to guest host Kamil Armacki , also known as Nerdabetic, who is joined by Dr. Korey Hood, Clinical Psychologist and Professor at Stanford University, and Jenn Boyd, Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Insulet.

Together, they unpack the often overlooked mental and cognitive load of living with diabetes, from constant decision making and planning to sleep disruption and diabetes distress. Dr. Hood shares both his clinical expertise and personal perspective as someone living with type 1 (t1d) diabetes, highlighting why these challenges are just as important as glycemic outcomes.

The conversation explores how advancements in automated insulin delivery (AID) and human-centered design are helping reduce that burden. Jenn Boyd discusses how simplicity, usability, and patient feedback shape the development of technologies like Omnipod® 5, with a focus on removing friction from everyday diabetes management.

It is a powerful reminder that diabetes care is not just about time in range, but about creating more time for living.

Time stamps

3:03 – Mental & cognitive burden of diabetes
7:26 – Usability and outcomes are inseparable
10:18 – Automated insulin delivery reduces burden and restores freedom
18:20 – Shift from numbers to lived experience

How do medical devices like Omnipod 5 improve the lives of people living with diabetes? How can Healthcare Professionals implement Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems in practice?

Beyond the Bolus is a US-based diabetes education podcast for healthcare professionals who treat patients living with type 1 (t1d) and type 2 diabetes (t2d).

Hosted by Insulet’s Clincial Services Mangers, Nancy Hanna RN, BSN, CDE, and Dena Gottesman MS, RD, CDCES, this dynamic duo care deeply about helping healthcare professionals (HCP)’s and patients simplify life with diabetes. Episodes cover a range of topics such as, how to get started with Omnipod 5 to ongoing care management, helping HCPs make patient conversations more efficient and effective.

Beyond the Bolus also dives into the latest clinical research and data with prominent diabetes experts from across the globe who share real-world experiences and offer insights into what the future of diabetes care could look like with devices like Omnipod 5.

If you’re looking to empower your patients to take back control of their diabetes, then this is the podcast for you.

See more episodes

Renard E, et al. A 13-week randomized, parallel-group clinical trial conducted among 194 adults (age 18-70) with type 1 diabetes in France and the U.S., comparing the safety and effectiveness of the Omnipod 5 System versus pump therapy with CGM. Diabetes Care, 2024. doi:10.2337/dc24-1550

Pasquel FJ, et al. JAMA Network Open (2025). Prospective pivotal trial in 305 participants with T2D aged 18-75 yrs. Study included a 14-day standard therapy (ST) phase followed by a 13-week Omnipod 5 hybrid closed-loop phase. Mean T2-DDAS total intensity score: ST = 2.5, 3-mo Omnipod 5 = 2.2, P<0.001. Mean Proportion with T2-DDAS ≥ 2.0, no. (%): ST = 66%; 3-mo Omnipod 5 = 55%, P<0.001.

Insulet Data on File. OP5-003 Clinical Study Report. 2024.13-week randomized, parallel-group clinical trial conducted among 194 adults (age 18-70) with type 1 diabetes in France and the U.S., comparing the safety and effectiveness of the Omnipod 5 System versus pump therapy with CGM.

The Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System is indicated for use by individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons 2 years of age and older and type 2 diabetes mellitus in persons 18 years of age and older. Refer to the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System User Guide and www.omnipod.com/safety for complete safety information including indications, contraindications, warnings, cautions, and instructions.