Video Game Turns Diabetes Management Fun

Sam Glassenberg, a game developer, created a mobile game called "Level One: A Diabetes Game" after his young daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2019. Faced with confusing instructions for managing her condition, he applied his game design expertise to simplify the process. The free app, launched in April of the prior year, aims to make learning diabetes management intuitive and less overwhelming for children and their caregivers.

The game features 60 levels designed to teach crucial aspects of Type 1 diabetes care, including insulin dosing, carbohydrate counting, and managing ketones. Glassenberg, who has a background in developing games for major franchises and received an Emmy for his work at Microsoft, was inspired to use his skills for a personal and impactful cause. The app has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with users praising its accuracy and helpfulness.

Glassenberg's venture into health gaming began earlier when his father challenged him to create a training simulation for a medical procedure. This led to the development of the iLarynx app, which saw significant adoption. These experiences culminated in the formation of Level Ex, a company that partners with medical professionals to create educational games, now part of Relevate Health. Glassenberg recently challenged other game designers to develop solutions for various medical conditions, highlighting the potential of gaming in healthcare.