UKZN develops smart diabetes device to help elderly manage medication
The initiative began after representatives from Umdoni Retirement Village, led by advocate Bob Abel, approached UKZN for assistance.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has developed an innovative diabetes management device aimed at helping elderly patients take their insulin correctly and on time.
The Umdoni Diabetes Project, created by UKZN’s Electronic Engineering and Computer Engineering (EECE) discipline, was introduced at Umdoni Retirement Village to support residents living with diabetes, many of whom face memory-related challenges and complex medication routines.
The project was developed by final-year engineering student Kwanele Dladla, Principal Technician Divesh Maharaj and Professor Tom Walingo, combining student innovation with technical expertise and academic leadership.
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The initiative began after representatives from Umdoni Retirement Village, led by advocate Bob Abel, approached UKZN for assistance.
The engineering team worked closely with the community to design a practical solution to improve diabetes care.
“This wasn’t innovation for its own sake,” said Walingo. “It was about solving a problem that directly affects people’s lives.”
The compact, portable device features insulin pen holders, a rechargeable battery and visual and audible reminders to alert users when it is time to take their medication.
The system is designed to reduce missed or incorrect insulin doses while making it easier for elderly patients to manage their treatment independently.
Keeping the device affordable was a key priority, allowing it to be produced at a lower cost and making it more accessible to a wider community.
Following laboratory testing, the prototypes were trialled at Umdoni Retirement Village over several months. Feedback from residents and caregivers helped refine the design before the first rollout.
With funding from the UKZN Foundation, 10 devices have been donated to the retirement village to support residents managing diabetes.
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“Beyond its technical capabilities, the device restores a sense of independence to its users. For elderly individuals who may otherwise rely heavily on caregivers, the system offers reassurance and autonomy,” said Maharaj.
Dladla said the team hopes to expand the technology into a fully integrated smart medication dispenser capable of managing multiple treatments.
UKZN is also exploring partnerships with local government, including a possible memorandum of understanding with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, to expand the programme and make the technology available to more communities.
