Comic book titans turn a character with type 1 diabetes into a superhero
Insulet and Marvel Comics have joined forces to launch a new comic collaboration ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14th November.
A new comic book aims to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and help young people living with the condition feel seen.
Insulin pump manufacturers Insulet (behind the tubeless Omnipod system) have teamed up with Marvel Comics for a second edition of their comic book series featuring a hero living with type 1 diabetes.
The new comic, Gluconaut: Strength of Stars celebrates authentic diabetes representation and empowers people living with diabetes to see themselves as heroes of their own stories.
The latest comic follows a successful first edition launched last year.
According to a recent survey conducted by Insulet in the US, diabetes representation remains critically important to the community.
The producers hope to address a critical representation gap felt by their target audience, where it is estimated more than half (51%) of people living with type 1 diabetes report that they rarely or never see their condition authentically represented in culture.
Many young people (37%) reported they had rarely or never (14%) seen representation of their condition in popular culture.
When people see themselves reflected in mainstream culture, it reinforces that their experiences, challenges and victories are important. By bringing type 1 diabetes to the forefront, Omnipod and Marvel Comics aimed to show that diabetes does not have to be a limitation; it is part of a much bigger story.
The latest comic features Podrick, a high school student who is navigating life with type 1 diabetes and worries about fitting in. When he embraces continuous glucose monitoring technology, he gains confidence in managing his diabetes and transforms into the hero, Gluconaut.
This new comic continues Insulet’s mission to inspire people with diabetes and empower them to adopt diabetes technology for the potential of improved results and quality of life.
Through Podrick’s relatable story, readers can see themselves reflected in a hero who realises that when he feels his best, his confidence and self-acceptance improve. The new character, Gluconaut, builds on the momentum of the first collaboration with Marvel featuring Dyasonic.
The debut of Dyasonic demonstrated the power of meaningful representation in pop culture, showcasing strength and resilience while helping establish a new generation of diabetes heroes. This current comic explores how confidence, self-acceptance and supportive technology can help people with diabetes live fully and authentically.
Ashley McEvoy, Insulet President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our commitment to the diabetes community goes beyond innovation alone. While technologies such as Omnipod 5 help simplify life with diabetes, one in three people with type 1 diabetes in the US say they have hidden their condition. That is a reminder that representation matters. We continue our work with Marvel because stories can shape beliefs and spark understanding in ways facts alone cannot. Our new hero, Gluconaut, builds on the impact of Dyasonic, helping young people with diabetes see themselves as empowered by what's possible and not limited by their condition.”
Stigma remains a major challenge for people with type 1 diabetes, making authentic representation essential to reducing self-consciousness and fear of judgment while fostering greater understanding and acceptance.
The comic was written by Pallie Paul Allor, who lives with diabetes, Gluconaut: Strength of Stars explores the critical issue of stigma through Podrick’s journey. Allor’s perspective helps bring authenticity to the story while encouraging readers to embrace their own journeys with confidence.
Read the new comic Gluconaut
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day is a global occasion for people with diabetes, healthcare professionals, advocates, policymakers and the public to unite to raise awareness of and take action on diabetes.
The International Diabetes Federation organises World Diabetes Day, recognised on 14th November, and is this year encouraging all in the diabetes community to get involved and take action to support early diabetes detection and risk reduction.
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