Type 1 diabetes comic to be released on World Diabetes Day

A new chapter of an educational comic series exploring the real-life experiences of people living with type 1 diabetes will be released next month to coincide with World Diabetes Day.

“Type 1: Awake and Pumped”, volume 6 of the MulT1verse series, explores the impact of wearable diabetes technology and the importance of screening for type 1 diabetes.

The chapter draws visual inspiration from iconic sci-fi films including Tron, Blade Runner and The Matrix.

The comic follows Aiko – a young girl diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after screening. Through her vivid imagination, Aiko envisions how wearable diabetes technology could empower her as she defends Mega City T-One from hostile forces – symbolic representations of autoimmune attacks, insulin deficiency and high blood glucose.

Since 2015, Dr Mayank Patel and Professor Partha Kar have partnered with Revolve Comics to inform, support and demystify type 1 diabetes through the MulT1verse comic series.

Dr Patel, Consultant in Diabetes at University Hospital Southampton, said: “With the launch of Type 1: Awake and Pumped, we hope to engage readers with a story that is both thrilling and meaningful.

“More than ever, diabetes technology is advancing rapidly, from wearable pumps to continuous glucose monitors, giving people living with type 1 diabetes unprecedented control and confidence in their daily lives.

“At the same time, screening for type 1 diabetes is on the rise, helping identify the condition earlier and allowing timely intervention.”

Professor Kar, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “Through this comic, we want to show how these innovations can empower young people like Aiko, turning the challenges of diabetes into opportunities for understanding, resilience and imagination.

“Releasing this on World Diabetes Day gives us the perfect moment to celebrate progress, raise awareness and inspire conversations about the future of diabetes care.”

Drawing inspiration from popular culture, each comic uses striking visuals and creative analogies to weave key clinical insights and educational messages into engaging, relatable narratives.

A central message of the series is that no one should face type 1 diabetes alone, and support is always available.

The comics have been widely acclaimed and downloaded around the world, inspiring a culturally tailored version developed by the Diabesties Foundation in India.

“Type 1: Origins”, volume 1, received the Diabetes Quality in Care Award in 2017 for ‘Diabetes Collaboration Initiative of the Year’ and was a finalist in the 2018 Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Awards for the ‘Medical Education and Training’ category.

The latest comic volume will be released on Friday, November 14, in celebration of World Diabetes Day.