In 2005, Insulindependence (iD) was conceived by Peter Nerothin with the goal of leading experiential diabetes education expeditions for Type 1 youth. Late that year, iD was awarded a grant of $3,500 from Balance Bar to lead a group of Type 1 diabetic adolescents from around the world on an adventure expedition in the Andes Mountains of Peru. 

In 2006, Insulindependence, LTD was incorporated in Minnesota. That fall, the Type 1 teen expedition to Peru was successfully completed. Over the course of two weeks, expedition participants worked together to learn adaptive diabetes management techniques, build each other’s self-confidence, and inspire one another to pursue their life dreams in spite of their chronic condition. Additionally, iD began to organize running teams and day-long sporting events, toward building a comprehensive program for diabetes management through recreation. 

 

Early in 2007, an initial advisory board was convened to develop plans for iD’s long-term success. The organization was relocated from Minnesota that fall, when iD secured its status as a non-profit public benefit corporation by the California Secretary of State. iD led its first Type 1 adventure expedition for adults in Montana, and a summer internship initiative was launched at the University of California at San Diego, involving students and recent graduates in expanding iD’s programs and organizational structure. This year also marked the advent of iD’s Triabetes project, a 13-month endeavor involving 12 Type 1 athletes who trained to participate in an Ironman triathlon, while mentoring local youth and contributing to the foundation of iD’s research and online community initiatives.

 

The final months of 2007, as well as early 2008, were devoted to increasing awareness of Insulindependence and the Triabetes project by leveraging strategic alliances around iD’s unique programs and enhancing name recognition through viral marketing. Grassroots support and small company donations continued to fund the development of iD during this time. iD was granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS in early 2008, quickly followed by a substantial gift from LifeScan to support the Triabetes project. Programming and volunteer support grew rapidly via additional wilderness expeditions, development of new diabetes recreation groups, appearances at numerous diabetes and fitness events, the completion of Triabetes 2008 and launching of Triabetes 2009.

 

In 2009, iD convened its first formal Board of Directors and retained a consultant to assist in creating infrastructure and strategic planning necessary for long-term sustainability, growth, and the ability to have an ever-increasingly significant impact on the diabetic community. Expanded programs are on-going, and grassroots and corporate support continue to sustain these efforts and iD as an organization. Insulindependence is supported by more than 1,000 donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations.  Our programs have been highlighted in publications such as The New York Times, US News & World Report, and Triathlete Magazine, among numerous others.  Insulindependence has also been covered by ABC and CNBC, as well as more than 70 TV news websites. 

 

Insulindependence looks forward to expanding its outreach and programming as it continues to develop Phrendo, an innovative athlete training network with built-in diabetes management tools.