From Personal Challenge to Global Innovation

Hanna Dahl, a Type 1 diabetic, struggled to keep her insulin at the right temperature during her travels. Realizing there was no reliable solution available on the market, she set out to solve this problem. This became the start of InsulinSaver, a smart product now helping diabetics worldwide safely store their insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications. With the help of her brother, Oskar, an electrical engineer, she transformed a personal challenge into an innovation that addresses a global issue.

The idea for InsulinSaver stemmed from Hanna's own experiences of constant worry about how her insulin was stored, especially while traveling. It was impossible to know if the insulin had been exposed to harmful temperatures, which could lead to serious health issues. During a trip in 2017, Hanna became critically ill, and it was then that she and her brother decided to tackle the problem.

- If I had had an InsulinSaver during that trip, I would have been alerted that my insulin had been exposed to a low temperature and wouldn’t have fallen ill, explains Hanna.

Initially, the goal wasn’t to start a company but to find a reliable solution for herself. However, the siblings quickly realized that this could benefit many other diabetics as well. By 2021, they had a product ready for the market.

- My brother is an electrical engineer, and together we worked to develop this product. His expertise helped ensure that we created a reliable solution for insulin monitoring. It was important that the product would be safe and only trigger an alert in real danger. The core of our product is to eliminate the fear of temperature-damaged insulin, one of many factors that can affect a diabetic’s health. By providing a warning when insulin is at risk, you can rule out that factor from the long list of potential causes for issues with insulin management. The product is designed to be user-friendly, reliable, and safe, so that you can focus on managing your diabetes without worrying about your insulin, says Hanna.

Collaboration with SmartaSaker

- After appearing on Draknästet (the Swedish version of Shark Tank), Olga from SmartaSaker reached out to us, and it felt like a perfect match. We are thrilled to be part of SmartaSaker's selection and to reach an audience that appreciates smart and practical innovations, Hanna shares.

How InsulinSaver works

InsulinSaver uses colored lights to indicate the temperature of the insulin, making it easy to quickly determine whether the insulin is stored safely. If the temperature exceeds +30°C, it lights up red as a warning, and if it falls below +2°C, it turns blue. This effective feature reduces the risk of insulin being compromised by incorrect storage temperatures.

What makes InsulinSaver unique?

- This product was created by a diabetic, for diabetics. It is easy to use and ensures that insulin is always stored at the correct temperature. We’ve also managed to extend battery life and improve the accuracy of temperature readings, making it a reliable product for diabetics worldwide. We also see potential to develop the product for other temperature-sensitive medications. In many parts of the world where refrigerators aren’t a given, InsulinSaver offers a safe solution for managing insulin storage, explains Hanna.

Feedback on InsulinSaver

- We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both diabetics and healthcare professionals. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that something that started as a personal solution is now making a big difference for many others. Without this feedback, we wouldn’t have had the confidence to continue, especially given the time and financial challenges of entering medical markets, Hanna says.

Challenges along the way

- One of our biggest challenges has been improving the battery life so that we can guarantee 12 months of use, with a potential lifespan of up to 18 months. When the battery runs out, the customer can order a new InsulinSaver from us, and we send a prepaid envelope so the old device can be returned for recycling. Sustainability is important to us, and we ensure our battery service minimizes waste. Another challenge has been reaching international markets due to the various regulations and requirements in the healthcare sector, Hanna explains.

Future plans

InsulinSaver was recently launched in Germany and France, and now the focus is on marketing in these countries. Next year, they plan to introduce the product to the US. Another project they’re working on is a scientific publication about insulin waste, aiming to show how much insulin is discarded and how InsulinSaver can help reduce this waste. They are also developing a smart insulin bag, set to launch next year.

Hanna’s tips for other innovators

  Seek advice from other experts – it provides new perspectives.
  Dare to ask for feedback – it helps you grow.
  Asking for help is not a weakness, it can lead to better and more thoughtful results.