100 Days with the iLet Bionic Pancreas: One Woman’s Type 1 Transformation

If you’re living with type 1 diabetes and feeling overwhelmed by constant carb-counting and insulin adjustments, the iLet Bionic Pancreas could be a game-changer. 

This new automated insulin delivery (AID) system uses real-time data and three smart algorithms (a basal algorithm, corrections algorithm and a meal-announcement algorithm).

The iLet learns your body’s needs so you don’t have to manually dose for corrections or calculate the exact carbs for every meal.*

Kaye Peterson, a retired academic librarian from Kentucky, knows firsthand how impactful the iLet can be.

After 42 years with type 1 diabetes, Peterson discusses how automating 100% of her insulin dosing with the iLet helped simplify glucose management, restore food freedom and ease the burden of diabetes care. 

Why Kaye chose the iLet Bionic Pancreas after 42 years with type 1

Kaye has lived through urine testing (with her mother squeezing out wet diapers to get enough of a sample), glucometers that “looked like a brick and cost $500,” insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

After decades of managing type 1 diabetes, she recently started using the iLet Bionic Pancreas and is loving it.

“My endocrinologist believed it would be a good option for me,” Peterson says. “Counting carbs was frustrating, and after so many years, I was ready to give that part up!” * 

Starting the iLet: Onboarding experience with automated insulin delivery

Kaye was amazed by how easy and seamless the onboarding felt, especially compared to older tech. 

“It was like the iLet and my body synced up instantly,” she says. “Nothing was confusing—it clicked into place faster than I expected!”

For those just beginning their diabetes journey or newly navigating automated insulin delivery, “A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving with Diabetes” offers supportive tools and emotional validation. It also provides practical strategies to help smooth that initial learning curve.

Kaye’s experience echoes the kind of reassurance the guide provides, showing how education and technology can work together to empower and ease the burden of care.

This sense of ease wasn’t just a fluke. It’s built into how the iLet works. As the system learns your habits and body, it adjusts insulin doses accordingly.

For Kaye, this was a refreshing change from earlier pump systems. 

Adjusting to the iLet: First few months with new insulin technology

The first few months on any new insulin therapy or system can be tough. For Kaye, the transition was easier than expected.

“It was smooth sailing,” she says. “I’ve truly loved this new insulin technology.” 

Kaye stays fit and active in retirement, and the iLet system has helped make exercise like gardening and cleaning easier. 

iLet and food freedom: Managing highs, lows and carb intake

When it comes to the iLet, Kaye says diabetes management feels easier and more intuitive than ever, especially when it comes to meals.

“I’m alerted to highs and lows much earlier than before, and I can treat them more effectively. I also experience more food freedom, without the need to count carbohydrates constantly.” * 

Mental shifts with iLet: Trusting automated diabetes management

Adapting to automation after decades of manual care can feel jarring. But Kaye says surrendering some control surprisingly felt more like relief than risk.

“I’m not as overwhelmed or feel guilty about screwing up, because I know the system will self-correct to bring me back down into a healthy range quickly.” 

Kaye adds, “With any new device, there’s going to be glitches, like getting the right amount of insulin in the cartridge and cannula. I’ve not had burnout yet. I have a great support team to help me work out issues. The iLet team is fantastic! They’re calm and don’t guilt you over a problem that may arise.” 

Tips for starting the iLet: What new users should know

Ready to talk to your doctor about the iLet? Kaye offers candid advice for anyone considering the leap.

“It’s great, but it’s not a cure. You won’t get perfect glucose all the time, and that’s okay. Don’t sweat the small stuff. There’s no such thing as perfection with diabetes, and the iLet team reminds me that every question is valid.”

Life with the iLet after 100 days

When asked if Kaye wanted to continue using the iLet after 100 days, her response was emphatic.

“The iLet Bionic Pancreas is a godsend!” 

Kaye believes the system has improved her quality of life and made daily management more intuitive and less stressful.

“I’d recommend this pump for everyone, but especially for seniors and younger patients. It offers control and peace of mind for caregivers, parents and diabetes educators alike.”

The iLet is approved for users ages 6 and older. Individual results may vary. The iLet Bionic Pancreas is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine what’s right for you.

This content was made possible by Beta Bionics, Inc., an active partner of Beyond Type 1.

Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.

*User must be carb aware