To answer the question, “Why Open Source?” we should start in the beginning with another question: WHAT is Open Source?
Open Source is a software algorithm that works in the form of an app installed on a person with diabetes’ cellphone.
The Open Source algorithm-driven application communicates with specific insulin pumps and CGMs to auto-adjust doses with (and sometimes without) user input to provide an automated insulin delivery system that is not sold in stores by companies who manufacture insulin pumps.
Specifically, Open Source refers to where the code for the app-based-algorithm lives (is found), how it is created, updated, and modified, and who can access it.
Think of the pump companies you are familiar with as Closed Source.
The companies own the software the algorithm uses. If an update or change to the software is needed, the company is responsible for making the change, studying it, and submitting the change(s) for approval. Once approved, the changes are rolled out to everyone using that company´s device. If you, as a user of a “Closed Source” pump and CGM system, want to request a feature or a change in how the system performs, you can call the company, explain your request, then wait (possibly forever) for an unknown amount of time to see the new feature appear on your pump and CGM Closed Source system.
Open Source, on the other hand, gives you (the user of the diabetes tech) the ability to submit questions to the developers who write the code.
You can request features or provide feedback if something is not working as expected on your specific phone model. If you have an error or need assistance, instead of calling a corporate customer service line, you go online to the Open Source Community. The response time in the Open Source Community is impressive. It is especially impressive if you stop to think about the fact that those responding are volunteers!
With Open Source algorithms, you can even modify the code or utilize pre-made customizations. Open Source Systems give you the ability to set Custom Presets, Temp Targets, or Overrides to modify the algorithm temporarily to meet your body´s insulin needs for different types of exercise, different types of illness, stress, growth hormones, menstrual cycle hormones, or different types of hard-to-dose-for foods.
The list of benefits of an Open Source System is extensive.
If you are a parent, it can be especially beneficial to utilize an Open Source System since there is nearly real time data you can follow (and remotely dose from) with your own cell phone.
If you are using a commercial automated insulin delivery system and find it does not meet your individual needs well, especially in certain circumstances, or if you wish you had more tools at your fingertips, you would likely benefit from an Open Source System.
Which system you choose depends on which type of cellphone you wish to use, which insulin pumps and CGMs you have access to where you live, and differences in the features and capabilities of the systems you are interested in.
To find out more about Open Source Systems, read “The Docs” and set up a free, 15 minute session here, with us at IDS to learn more!
The Docs:
- TrioDocs https://triodocs.org/
- Android APS Docs https://androidaps.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
- Loop Docs https://loopkit.github.io/loopdocs/ and https://www.loopandlearn.org/
