Hanky Pancreas is a series of products currently for women to help make the insulin pump more wearable and socially acceptable.

My top selling item, the Hanky Scarf is a versatile piece that can be worn around the neck or waist. Made of wonderfully soft fabric, it feels great against the skin, and has a special pocket to hold and protect the insulin pump in a user-friendly, comfortable, & fun way.

For a person living with diabetes, the social and psychological impact of the illness can affect day-to-day management. Individuals who feel more social support living with the disease may be in better health than those who do not. Studies show that patients with diabetes are more likely than their non-diabetic peers to develop anxiety, depression, and disordered eating behavior.

While insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors serve as significantly better alternatives to multiple daily injections and finger sticks, some people are concerned with how it will affect their appearance to others. Primary research has shown that women, specifically within the range of 15 – 35, are less likely to use these treatment options due to reasons that are typically socio-psychological in nature. Some find these devices socially inconvenient and difficult to integrate into clothing or on the body.

Hanky Pancreas products are designed as an intervention providing fashionable yet functional solutions transforming the devices into positive conversation pieces. The mission is to plug diabetes technologies into social identities and create support in everyday environments for women living with diabetes.

It has awarded me the opportunity to speak at the headquarters of Medtronic Diabetes, The Mayo Clinic, and on Public Radio International. I am honored to have received accolades from The Mayo Clinic, Core77, DiabetesMine and Humana. Founded in 2010, the products are sold to happy customers all over the world and have been featured in exhibitions in the UK, New York, and Spain.