Type 1 diabetes 1994-, CGM user 2006-

Melissa has worked in and around the diabetes care industry since 2003. She loves talking about diabetes tech and writing articles about it, especially insulin pump therapy, CGM and DIY artificial pancreas systems (#wearenotwaiting). From 2013 to 2018, she helped run INPUT Patient Advocacy (now part of JDRF UK). Born and raised in Virginia in the US, she lives with her husband and two young children in central London.

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Type 1 diabetes 1985-, CGM user 2018-

Director, Blanchard Valley Diabetes Center (Findlay, Ohio)

Following his medical residency at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan, Dr Grace gained board certifications in family medicine and obesity medicine. As a physician, he is passionate about both patient education and community outreach in diabetes. His research has shown that people with type 2 diabetes on non-intensive treatment can get significantly better diabetes control with CGM.

Type 1 diabetes 1985-, CGM user 2003-

Owner and Clinical Director, Integrated Diabetes Services (Wynnewood, Pennsylvania and worldwide via telemedicine)

Mr Scheiner’s practice specialises in intensive insulin therapy and advanced diabetes education for children and adults. He was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), now known as the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. He is the author of over 100 articles for diabetes trade publications and seven books, including Think Like A Pancreas (now in its 3rd edition) and Practical CGM.

Independent Creative Director (London)

Nanda delivers unexpected creative solutions for global healthcare brands. For over 20 years, across the Brazil, the US and the UK, she has honed her skills in creative leadership, visual literacy, innovation and brand engagement strategy. Formerly Executive Creative Director for VMLYR Health London (a WPP agency), Nanda is on a mission to create beautifully crafted ideas and tell stories that resonate. Nanda has been a Pharma jury member for the most prominent creative festivals in the world, including Cannes Lions, Young Lions, Clios Health, the Global Awards, and the PM Awards.

Type 1 diabetes 1996-, CGM user 2019-

As a senior copywriter who specialises in user experience, Suzanne lives and breathes creative problem-solving. She is passionate about the power that diabetes tech and more accessible education have to change people’s lives. Alongside navigating her own CGM journey, she helps tech companies build and market intuitive products that are easy to use, and slot seamlessly into users’ everyday lives. When she’s not writing, concepting, or contemplating basal rates, you’ll find her on horseback or out hiking near her hometown in Scotland.

Co-founder, The Scaffolders eLearning agency (Athens, Greece)

Vassilis has been in the eLearning industry since 2001, engaged in a variety of research and business projects. Over the past two decades, he has witnessed the evolution in eLearning tools, platforms and technologies. Driven to find solutions that matter and make a difference, he is enthusiastic about the SmartStart mission to offer accessible, fun CGM education and improve people’s lives.

Bio details and photos pending