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Comment by newbie789 | Hacker News Reader

A few years ago, my partner ran out of critical insulin pump supplies and I appealed to the internet for help. Eventually, Scott drove quite a way to our apartment to give her (a complete stranger) what she needed (and more!)

He's a stand-up grade A really nice guy, and I genuinely wish him the best. I wish that I had more expertise to help with this issue, as the only thing that comes to mind is I've had good results using kratom in a severe pain situation, but that's anecdotal and not quite analogous to his condition.

Wishing you the best, Mr. Hanselman!

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Is is normal in the US? I live in what one might consider a third world country, know quite a few insulin-dependent diabetics, and this story is appalling to me. I've never heard of any diabetic running out of their medication and having to ask the internet for help. Just call the local equivalent of 911 and they'll sort it out.

Jesus.

Yes, it is normal. There are coupons for insulin that some pharmacists can give out, but they are not guaranteed. Insulin is prohibitively expensive without coupons or insurance. So many people in the US die as a result because they simply cannot afford to purchase the drug that costs pennies to produce.

Type 1 diabetics regularly do not recieve adequate care, even at the basic life-support level here in the US.

I'm living in what is definitely a third world country. This does not happen here. Those who want the best quality care go to private hospitals while a good majority seeks free treatment in state run hospitals. On top of this, most employment contracts come with medical insurance.

Americans have developed a survival strategy of turning horror stories into heartwarming tales.

"Homeless person turns to crowdfunding to get themselves a home!"

Americans: Aww how cute!

Rest of the world: What the actual fuck?

"Family turns to internet for insulin supplies because they can't afford them, man drives 1000 miles to give them some."

Americans: Amazing heroism!

Rest of the world: How the hell does a diabetic not get their life-saving medicine?

"96 year old woman flies 200 miles to queue for 6 hours to vote!"

Americans: Wonderful determination!

Rest of the world: Why couldn't she vote where she already was?

Would be nice if americans acknowledged that although their country is great in many things, its not so great in quite a few others, or outright horrible at some. Just like any other place. Maybe take some humble inspiration from places where it can and does work better. It doesn't mean system ends up with communism, dictature and whatnot. Just a slightly more humane system to live in, where rich stay rich just with tiny little less wealth, on levels that don't make any difference to their luxury lives.

If the country is so prosperous as US, its also important for those rich and beyond such petty worries to live in well working society anyway. Otherwise they end up in their little fenced paradise with wolves roaming everywhere outside.

>Americans have developed a survival strategy of turning horror stories into heartwarming tales.

I could not agree with this more strongly. It was a terrible event that I don't think about very often, it just popped into my head because of this post.

That's amazing. I've followed Scott for about 10 years and he's always seemed like an incredibly compassionate person. I'm really hoping his PT starts working and he's able to recover soon.

That is a lovely story. He does come across as a genuinely good guy.

Yeah, he's great!

We needed just a couple insulin reservoirs for a Medtronic pump and he brought a bunch of them, and quite a few blood glucose strips (which can be ridiculously expensive), and gave us a little demonstration about a closed-loop "artificial pancreas" system based on open source software and relatively cheap hardware. I'd definitely never have heard about Tidepool or OpenAPS if it weren't for his visit.

I'm going through other pancreatic issues ([idiopathic/undefined] acute pancreatitis resulting in several necrotic masses and another(s?) unidentified nodes)— would you be so kind as to share some of your info? Are the two items you mentioned the projects?

I'm hoping diabetes (or worse) isn't in my future, but you never know. Doctors don't have as much time lately due to Covid either to spend time with me on it until next year. In the interim it's just pain management...

edit: I had a look. I guess those have more to do with insulin management than a wholistic pancreas... really interesting nonetheless! This is the kind of effort that amazes me with regard to what we're really capable of with technology. Well if any one else knows of anything of a wider scope...

My partner hasn't actually implemented any external pancreas programs for a few personal reasons, I mostly bring it up because it's something that's solidly in the "goals" column and we're both excited about the possibilities in the future. (And it is very much the future as far as I can tell)

Yes, Tidepool and OpenAPS are both generally focused on insulin management, so if you're looking for something that involves glucagon-like things I've got no idea.

Honestly, Scott Hanselman is the guy I'd ask.

Cool, thanks for the response. It's really interesting and encouraging to see this kind of work at all. It was so far off my radar previously.

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