Juicebox Podcast #1802 – “Mother of Invention”

Date: March 19, 2026
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Roger Moore (Alberta, Canada, diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 2, 60 years old, blind since age 22)
Theme: Resilience, adaptation, and innovation in diabetes management—especially when facing major challenges, like vision loss.

Episode Overview

This episode features an incredibly candid and inspiring conversation with Roger Moore, a Canadian living with type 1 diabetes for nearly six decades and blind since his early 20s. The discussion is a raw exploration of diabetes management across eras, the impact of health care systems, the emotional journey of vision loss, technological adaptation, and Roger’s own invention that aids blind and low-vision users with insulin pod filling. Roger’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the critical need for education and innovation in diabetes care.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Roger’s Diabetes History: Family, Early Diagnosis, and Old-School Management

• Diagnosed at age two in Ontario, Canada; his father had type 1 as well.
  “My father was also a diabetic. 47 years.” (02:49)
• Early management: glass syringes, boiled needles, urine testing—the “stone age” of diabetes:

  “It was still glass syringes and I think my mom used to sharpen the needles on a stone.” (04:26, Roger)

• For a decade, Roger received only one shot of insulin per day; advances were slow to arrive.

  “I was in my teens...my pediatrician decided to put me on two needles a day and then add some quick acting.” (06:42, Roger)

• Education about diabetes complications was lacking:

  “I never knew diabetics could go blind until I was started going blind. I was just uneducated.” (08:58, Roger)

The Journey to Blindness: Loss, Recovery, and Reinvention

• Rapid vision loss in early 20s due to diabetes, after years with A1Cs in the 12-15 range and minimal medical intervention.

  “Everything was done within a year...happened real fast. Oh, yeah.” (13:36, Roger)

• The sudden loss impacted his career (working with horses and engines), sense of purpose, and independence. The emotional toll was immense.
• His father’s stern push (‘keep your foot on the gas’) inspired Roger to get off the couch and find a new path.

  “My dad finally kicks me in the ass and said, man, you can't do the rest. Laying the coats the rest of your life. You got to do something. Go back to school and figure something out.” (16:41, Roger)

Innovation & Adaptation: Becoming a Blind Woodworker

• Roger dove into woodworking, thanks to a supportive former shop teacher. He learned to use equipment "carefully" despite complete vision loss, eventually establishing a 37-year career creating custom furniture.

  “Roger, you told me you can do woodworking without sight. – Oh, yeah. I've done it for 37 years.” (20:33-20:39) “No it's square.” (23:32, Roger, on the quality of his furniture)

• Notable moment of levity:

  “I've got all my fingers still and everything, so God damn, that's a bigger accomplishment than anything else.” (23:51, Roger & Scott)

Diabetes Technology, Advocacy, and Accessibility

• Pump therapy was a game-changer; early models (Accu-Chek Spirit) were usable by Roger due to audible beeps and tactile buttons.
• Major challenge: Inaccessibility of most mainstream pumps (touch screen only, incompatible with screen readers for the blind).
• Supportive providers introduced Roger to "Looping" using the Omnipod Dash and a bespoke Loop app, customized by BC Diabetes with accessible labeling.

  “They build the app and they'll help you install it on your phone… I can operate everything like my manual pump… I can do everything myself with this loop app.” (27:29-28:38, Roger)

• Outcomes: Within months, his A1C dropped from 6.9 to 5.8-6.0

  “Jury, once he go down again, went from 6.9 to 6.5 to 5.8, and the last one was 6.”
  “That's awesome, man. Good for you.” (32:37-32:44)

Roger’s Invention: The Pod Filler and Pod Filler Plus

• Challenge: The tiny fill port of Omnipod is nearly impossible for blind users to locate.
• Solution: Roger invented a jig to help guide the fill needle precisely—shared with BC Diabetes, now manufactured as the “Pod Filler (Plus)” (available on Amazon Canada).

  “I have a computer control router in my shop… Yes. ... We put some JB Weld...and built an arm… The needle goes in it and it drops straight down into the hole.” (36:16-37:20, Roger) “It's my gift to the community.” (38:51, Roger)

• The Plus version supports low-vision/blind and dexterity-challenged users with posts indicating volume.

Living Well with Disabilities: Attitudes, Support, and Community

• Despite multiple complications (blindness, stroke, cardiac issues), Roger maintains an independent, purpose-driven life.

  “You just haven't given up…do you kind of…think you picked it up from watching your dad?”
  “Oh, yeah. We're all, my brothers, like that…We're all workers.” (67:19-67:25, Scott & Roger)

• “Necessity is the mother of invention” (throughout)—Roger’s story is an embodiment of this.
• Roger leverages technology (Dexcom, Contour Next meter, accessible apps) and finds continual learning from podcasts and online communities (“Loop and Learn”, Kenny Fox, etc.).
• Roger emphasizes the value of forward-thinking healthcare providers and urges listeners to keep pushing for accessible solutions.

  “If my endo and my Robin and Dr. Rogers weren't…I call them forward thinking…You get some of these older endos...They say it's dangerous.” (68:51-69:21)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the early days of diabetes care:
  "It was still glass syringes and I think my mom used to sharpen the needles on a stone." (04:26, Roger)
• Realization of complications:
  "I never knew diabetics could go blind until I was started going blind. I was just uneducated." (08:58, Roger)
• On being kicked into action by his father:
  "My dad finally kicks me in the ass and said, man, you can't do the rest...laying on the couch the rest of your life. You gotta do something. Go back to school and figure something out." (16:41, Roger)
• On accessible technology and looping:
  “I can do everything myself with this Loop app.” (28:38, Roger)
  “Apparently I'm the first one in Canada.” (35:31, Roger)
• On inventing the Pod Filler:
  “Necessity is the mother of invention, right? ... I let them do it. It's guess my gift to the community.” (38:51, Roger)
• On living with blindness:
  “Walking around with the lights out.” (54:04, Roger)
  "What I tell people, it's like going out in the middle of the night and looking up into the sky and seeing all the stars, all the white little dots..." (55:16, Roger)

Technology, Accessibility, and Community Resources

• Transition to Modern Management:
  • Gradual shift from single daily injections to pumps, CGMs, carb counting
  • Importance of patient education and proactive endocrinologists
• Roger’s adaptation to new diabetes tech:
  • Loop app with Omnipod, voice-over on iPhone
  • Continuous feedback and improvements via community groups (“Loop and Learn” on Facebook, support from BC Diabetes)
  • Use of accessible blood glucose meters and CGMs (Contour Next One & Dexcom)
• Sharing, Learning, and Teaching:
  • Roger learned “prebolusing” and more nuanced management from podcasts like Juicebox and guests like Kenny Fox.
  • Loop and Learn group helped him and inspired his feedback and invention.

Living with Disability: Challenges and Humor

• Daily Life:
  • Roger maintains a woodshop, creates elaborate projects (e.g., a scale Conestoga wagon), and is active despite spasticity post-stroke.
  • Shares both practical difficulties (navigating stores, transportation, economic insecurity) and lighter moments (bumping into signposts, owning a cat).
• Advocacy for Better Accessibility:
  • Calls out lagging accessibility in devices, apps, and health care
  • The importance of not blaming oneself for complications rooted in the era’s inadequate education and technology
• Community support’s critical role:
  • Shelly (his partner), helpful shop employees, friends, and empathetic neighbors in small towns offer critical practical and emotional aid.
  • Emphasizes that even small daily acts (“go out and figure something out”) become profound when facing big obstacles.

Takeaways & Final Messages

• Be bold—don’t let fear hold you back. Adapt, innovate, and embrace available technology, asking for help and pushing for better solutions when needed.
• Accessible diabetes technology exists and is improving, often thanks to individuals like Roger and forward-thinking clinicians working together.
• Necessity and adversity can foster ingenuity—don’t dismiss solutions you invent for yourself, they may help many others.
• The community, education, and mutual support are as vital as any gadget or algorithm.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:28 – 07:43: Early days of diabetes—family, glass syringes, old management
• 08:09 – 13:33: Rapid journey to blindness, unawareness of risks
• 16:35 – 20:39: Parental push, reinvention as a blind woodworker
• 23:07 – 24:41: “Carefully” woodworking; quality and pride
• 25:08 – 29:14: Transition to pump therapy; accessibility challenges
• 29:29 – 32:40: Medical complications—heart, stroke, recovery
• 32:37 – 33:42: Dramatic A1C improvement with Loop app
• 36:16 – 38:47: Creation of the Pod Filler, technology for the community
• 54:04 – 55:49: Living with blindness—visual experiences, daily adaptations
• 58:28 – 59:59: Ride-sharing, driverless cars, independent navigation as a blind person
• 60:06 – 63:59: Accessibility (or lack thereof) in public life and business; community kindness and rudeness
• 67:19 – 70:01: Family resilience mindset, generational influence

Final Reflection

Roger’s story is remarkable for its honesty, resilience, and constant drive to reclaim life after devastating complications. His innovations—practical, community-guided, and accessible—embody the episode’s title, “Mother of Invention.” Listeners are left encouraged that with boldness, openness to learning, and support from others, life with diabetes—even in the face of significant challenges—can be not only managed but truly lived.

“Looping is possible for blind people. And I'm thrilled that you said that. I was really excited to hear that you have that much success with that app. I hope other people are, are helped by that somehow.” (64:52, Scott)

“Don’t be so scared all the time, you know? Be bold.” (70:07, Scott)

For more on Roger’s invention: Search “Pod Filler Plus” on Amazon.ca