Back To Basics

The specific problem we aim to address within the Challenge is the lack of comprehensive support and education for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in India, exacerbated by prevailing myths, limited access to insulin, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. This issue is widespread, affecting a significant portion of the population living with T1D in India, as well as globally.

In India alone, there are an estimated 1.1 million children and adolescents living with T1D, with around 32,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite this large number, access to essential resources and support for managing the condition remains limited. India has an overburdened healthcare structure and doctors do not have the time to give each patient. This results to prescriptive, unilateral care. Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong chronic condition and needs time and detailed discussions to fully understand. A typical doctors consult in India ranges from 30 seconds - 2 minutes. In this time, patients do not feel confident asking questions due to the overarching 'god complex'. This results in 0 awareness about their condition leading to poor clinical outcomes. 

Our solution, Back-to-Basics (B2B), is a digital platform providing personalized education and support for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their immediate stakeholders, such as caregivers and friends. Through B2B, users can schedule one-on-one counseling sessions with our team of facilitators, who are qualified professionals living with T1D themselves. These sessions cover a range of topics related to daily management, addressing unconventional issues, and utilizing educational resources.

Accessing B2B is simple and user-friendly. Individuals can schedule sessions directly through our website or helpline, with the majority of requests coming through social media or doctor referrals. Our system utilizes a bot that gathers user preferences, such as preferred session time, topic of discussion, and language preference. Based on these inputs, the system assigns a qualified educator to conduct the session, ensuring a tailored and convenient experience for each user.

Since its launch, B2B has facilitated over 2000 sessions, leading to clinical improvements such as lower HbA1C levels, increased time-in-range, and better mental health outcomes for participants. The average session length is 48 minutes, significantly longer than typical doctor consultations which are often limited to 3-5 minutes. Leveraging internet penetration, B2B has established a pan-India presence, particularly benefiting individuals in rural areas who may have limited access to traditional healthcare resources. Additionally, our platform has reached users from over 13 countries, demonstrating its global impact and accessibility.

In essence, Back-to-Basics (B2B) is a digital solution that revolutionizes T1D management by providing personalized education and support through one-on-one counseling sessions conducted by qualified professionals living with T1D. It utilizes technology to streamline scheduling, ensure user preferences are met, and deliver impactful clinical outcomes for participants.

The target population for our solution, Back-to-Basics (B2B), primarily consists of individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in India and beyond, as well as their immediate stakeholders, such as caregivers, family members, and friends. Currently, this population faces significant challenges and is often underserved in terms of comprehensive support and education regarding T1D management.

Individuals with T1D in India often encounter myths, taboos, and misinformation surrounding their condition, leading to delayed diagnosis, inadequate management practices, and psychological distress. Moreover, the healthcare system's overburdened nature results in limited time and attention from healthcare professionals, leaving individuals with T1D to navigate their condition largely on their own. In rural areas, access to healthcare resources, including information and support for managing T1D, is particularly limited, exacerbating the challenges faced by this population.

B2B addresses the needs of this underserved population by providing personalized education and support tailored to the unique experiences and challenges of individuals living with T1D. By offering one-on-one counseling sessions with qualified professionals who themselves live with T1D, B2B ensures that users receive empathetic, informed, and relatable guidance. Through these sessions, participants can discuss daily management strategies, address unconventional issues related to T1D, and access educational resources to enhance their understanding of the condition.

Additionally, B2B's digital platform allows for convenient scheduling and access to sessions, overcoming barriers such as geographical distance and limited healthcare infrastructure. By leveraging technology and the expertise of individuals living with T1D, B2B aims to empower its target population with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life. In doing so, B2B directly and meaningfully improves the lives of individuals with T1D by addressing their unique needs and challenges in a supportive and accessible manner.

Our team at Back-to-Basics (B2B) is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution because we are deeply embedded within the communities we serve. As individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) ourselves, we intimately understand the challenges, frustrations, and nuances associated with managing this condition on a daily basis. We have all experienced firsthand the lack of comprehensive support and education available, particularly in India where myths, taboos, and misinformation about T1D are prevalent.

What sets us apart is that each member of our team brings lived experience with T1D to the table. We have navigated the complexities of this condition, faced the stigma and misconceptions, and grappled with the limited access to appropriate support. This shared experience allows us to approach the design and implementation of our solution from a place of empathy, understanding, and authenticity.

Furthermore, our team consists of certified diabetes educators, ensuring that we possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to provide accurate and impactful support to our target population. We speak the language of the community, both figuratively and literally, as we offer sessions in multiple languages to cater to diverse needs.

Our solution is meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. We actively solicit feedback from users, incorporate their suggestions into our platform and services, and prioritize their needs and concerns in our decision-making processes. By centering the voices and experiences of individuals with T1D, we ensure that our solution is not only effective but also respectful, inclusive, and empowering. Ultimately, our team's deep connection to the community and commitment to serving its needs drives the design and delivery of our solution, making it truly impactful and meaningful for those we aim to support.

We have reached the Growth stage based on our current progress and accomplishments. Back-to-Basics (B2B) has evolved from a conceptual idea to an established solution available in multiple communities. We have built and tested our platform, refining it based on user feedback and iterating on our approach to better serve individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). However it is still limited in capability as it requires a lot of user and back end input. 

Since launching, we have conducted over 2000 one-on-one counseling sessions through B2B, providing personalized education and support to individuals with T1D and their immediate stakeholders. Additionally, our platform has gained traction and recognition within the diabetes community, attracting a growing user base and establishing partnerships with healthcare professionals and organizations. In summary, our accomplishments thus far demonstrate that B2B has transitioned from a prototype to an established solution at the Growth stage

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the transformative power of our solution, Back-to-Basics (B2B), and recognize the immense potential it holds to positively impact the lives of individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). While we have successfully reached the Growth stage and have made significant strides in providing personalized education and support to our users, we now face specific barriers that hinder our ability to scale and maximize our impact.

Financially, we require funding to implement crucial enhancements to our platform. We aim to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into our scheduling system to streamline the process and improve efficiency. Additionally, we seek to develop a user-friendly web-based solution that enhances accessibility and usability for our diverse user base. Furthermore, we aim to invest in building a backend automated system to manage and optimize our operations, allowing us to focus more on delivering high-quality support to our users.

Technical expertise and support are also critical for us to overcome existing barriers. Solve's network of partners can provide invaluable technical guidance and resources to help us enhance our platform's capabilities and ensure its scalability and sustainability. Additionally, legal and cultural considerations may arise as we expand our operations, and Solve can connect us with experts who can navigate these complexities and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

By participating in Solve, we hope to access both monetary and non-monetary support that will enable us to overcome these barriers and accelerate the growth and impact of B2B. We recognize Solve as a valuable platform that can connect us with the resources, expertise, and partnerships needed to realize our vision of empowering individuals with T1D through personalized education and support.

Our solution, Back-to-Basics (B2B), is innovative in several key aspects:

1. Personalized Education and Support: B2B takes a personalized approach to diabetes education and support, recognizing that each individual's needs and challenges with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are unique. Unlike traditional healthcare models where patients receive generalized advice, B2B offers one-on-one counseling sessions tailored to the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of each user. This personalized approach fosters deeper engagement, enhances learning outcomes, and empowers individuals to better manage their condition.

2. Utilization of Lived Experience: One of the most innovative aspects of B2B is the utilization of lived experience as a cornerstone of our support system. Our team consists of individuals who have been managing T1D for over 10 years, bringing firsthand knowledge, empathy, and understanding to the support process. By leveraging their lived experience, B2B provides practical advice, emotional support, and encouragement that resonates deeply with users, leading to improved clinical outcomes and overall well-being.

3. Integration of Technology: B2B leverages technology to overcome geographical barriers, improve accessibility, and enhance user experience. Our platform utilizes a dedicated BOT with Whatsapp integration for scheduling sessions, allowing users to easily book appointments and receive support from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, we are exploring the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into our scheduling system to further streamline the process and improve efficiency.

4. Global Reach and Impact: While initially focused on serving communities in India, B2B has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts on a global scale. By providing unlimited counseling sessions at no charge and offering support in multiple languages, B2B addresses the unmet needs of individuals living with T1D worldwide. Our platform has already attracted users from over 13 countries, demonstrating its universal appeal and potential to change the landscape of diabetes education and support.

Our solution, Back-to-Basics (B2B), expects to have a significant impact on the problem of inadequate diabetes education and support for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) through a straightforward yet effective approach:

1. Activities: B2B offers personalized one-on-one counseling sessions led by a team of experienced individuals living with T1D. Users can schedule sessions tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and circumstances, addressing topics such as daily management, emotional support, and lifestyle adjustments.

2. Immediate Outputs: The immediate outputs of B2B include increased access to personalized education and support for individuals with T1D, as well as enhanced user engagement and satisfaction. Users benefit from practical advice, emotional support, and encouragement from individuals who understand their challenges firsthand.

3. Longer-Term Outcomes:

   • Improved Diabetes Management: By receiving personalized education and support, users gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to better manage their condition on a daily basis. This leads to improved blood glucose control, reduced risk of complications, and overall better health outcomes.
   • Enhanced Quality of Life: As users become more proficient in managing their diabetes, they experience a higher quality of life with fewer disruptions due to their condition. They feel more empowered, confident, and in control of their health, leading to greater overall well-being.
   • Broader Positive Impacts: The positive outcomes experienced by individual users ripple out to their families, communities, and beyond. As individuals with T1D lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, they serve as role models and advocates for others facing similar challenges, catalyzing broader positive impacts in the diabetes community.

4. Evidence Supporting Impact: The strength of B2B's impact is supported by user testimonials, clinical data indicating improved health outcomes, and ongoing feedback from the target population. Additionally, research on the effectiveness of personalized diabetes education and support programs underscores the importance of tailored approaches in achieving positive outcomes for individuals with T1D.

In summary, B2B's theory of change revolves around providing personalized education and support to individuals with T1D, leading to improved diabetes management, enhanced quality of life, and broader positive impacts. Through its activities, immediate outputs, and longer-term outcomes, B2B aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals living with T1D and their communities.

Our impact goals for Back-to-Basics (B2B) are centered around empowering individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) to achieve better health outcomes and improved quality of life. We measure our progress towards these goals through several key indicators:

1. Improved Diabetes Management:

   • Indicator: Reduction in average HbA1c levels among B2B users over time.
   • Measurement: Regular monitoring of HbA1c levels before and after participating in B2B sessions, tracked through user feedback and clinical data.

2. Enhanced Quality of Life:

   • Indicator: Increase in self-reported quality of life scores among B2B users.
   • Measurement: Surveys or assessments administered before and after participating in B2B sessions to gauge changes in physical, emotional, and social well-being.

3. Increased Healthcare Engagement:

   • Indicator: Percentage of B2B users reporting greater engagement with healthcare professionals and services.
   • Measurement: User feedback regarding their interactions with healthcare providers, frequency of medical appointments, and adherence to recommended treatment plans.

4. Community Empowerment and Advocacy:

   • Indicator: Growth in community engagement and advocacy initiatives led by B2B users.
   • Measurement: Tracking the number of users who become advocates for diabetes awareness, education, and policy change within their communities, as well as participation in advocacy events or campaigns.

5. Geographical Reach and Accessibility:

   • Indicator: Expansion of B2B services to underserved regions and populations.
   • Measurement: Monitoring the geographic distribution of B2B users and identifying areas where access to diabetes education and support is limited, with a focus on reaching rural and remote communities.

6. User Satisfaction and Retention:

   • Indicator: High levels of user satisfaction and retention rates.
   • Measurement: Regular surveys and feedback mechanisms to assess user satisfaction with B2B sessions, as well as tracking the percentage of users who continue to engage with the program over time.

By measuring our progress across these indicators, we aim to demonstrate the tangible impact of B2B in empowering individuals with T1D to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, while also fostering a supportive community and driving broader advocacy efforts in the diabetes space.

The core technology that powers our solution, Back-to-Basics (B2B), relies on several modern tools and platforms to effectively reach and support individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Currently, our solution utilizes WhatsApp for communication and outreach, providing a familiar and accessible channel for users to connect with our team. We employ a BOT  for scheduling B2B sessions, streamlining the process for users and ensuring efficient coordination.

For video conferencing and one-on-one sessions, we leverage platforms like Zoom, offering a seamless and interactive experience for participants to engage with our team of facilitators. However, we are now looking to enhance our solution by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and implementing backend-powered scheduling systems. This advancement will allow for automated scheduling, personalized recommendations, and improved resource sharing during sessions.

Additionally, we aim to develop a system where users can access relevant resources and educational materials in real-time during B2B sessions, enhancing the learning experience and providing immediate support. Furthermore, we plan to incorporate AI-driven feedback mechanisms to gather more comprehensive insights from users, enabling us to continually improve and tailor our services to better meet their needs.

By integrating these technological advancements into our solution, we aim to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness, ultimately empowering individuals with T1D to better manage their condition and improve their overall quality of life.

12 - Full time staff

10 - part time staff

3 Years 

At Diabesties, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within our team. We recognize the importance of representation and strive to ensure that our leadership team reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the communities we serve. Our leadership team comprises individuals from various cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds, bringing a range of perspectives and insights to our work.

In addition to diversity within our leadership team, we have set clear goals for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of our organization. We actively seek out opportunities to recruit team members from underrepresented groups, including those with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses.

We are a not-for-profit organisation. We currently rely on funding and grants to support this initiative. All our B2B sessions are free of cost. 

Donations, grants and corporate funding. We have been sustaining with the same for the last 6 years. We now are FCRA compliant which means we can accept international donations.