In the recent IFAC Workshop held in Valencia, we had the opportunity to listen to Ana Álvarez, a tireless activist for the rights of people with diabetes, which left a clear and powerful message: we are not figures or devices, we are people with full lives, dreams, work, family and challenges that go far beyond glucose or IRR.
"People with diabetes are much more than numbers" - Interview with Ana Álvarez
💬 Ana reminded us of something that sometimes forgets between so much technology and data: diabetes does not define us.Our quality of life cannot be measured only by an HBA1C or a sensor.Technology must be at the service of people, and not vice versa.
🔧 Human and accessible technology
Ana insisted that devices should be easy, intuitive and adapted to our real needs.We are not "robotitos" that manage devices.We want tools that relieve us, not to give us more work.
🧠 Education and community
An educated patient is an empowered patient.But this education must be available to everyone: from access to insulin to practical knowledge to use a pump or a sensor.And here our community also comes into play: patients teach, accompany and learn from each other.
🔑 Access and accessibility for all
It is not enough that technology exists.You must reach all people, live where they live and have the capabilities they have.Inclusive design is essential.
👥 The patient's voice matters
Ana stressed that people with diabetes must be in the center of technological development.It is not just about consulting our opinion in the end, but about including ourselves from the beginning in the design of solutions that we are going to use every day.
💙 If you have inspired Ana's message, share this publication and talk about it in the forum:
* Do you feel identified with this vision?
* What would you change in the way in which diabetes technology develops?