Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that affects more than 24 million people in the United States alone. For many, being diagnosed with diabetes means having to choose between multiple daily insulin injections or learning to use an infusion pump. Pumps are often more effective, but they’re difficult to master. And because they’re visible, they broadcast to the world that the person “has a disease.”

Continuum partnered with Insulet to develop the OmniPod Insulin Management System — a tiny, wearable insulin pump that attaches directly to the user’s skin with a self-adhesive backing and wirelessly communicates to a handheld device. This makes the clutter of tubing associated with other insulin pumps unnecessary. OmniPod automatically injects a metered dose of insulin at regular intervals, depending on the user’s individual needs — and features an automatic cannula insertion process that is virtually painless. OmniPod is the smallest and easiest-to-use pump on the market today, and has given thousands of users a newfound sense of freedom from diabetes.

With this medical device, Insulet has gone from small start-up to full-fledged corporation.

They raised $116 million in their IPO, increased year-over-year sales by 97% for the 2nd quarter of 2009 (valued at $1 billion in 2012).

In addition, OmniPod has met broad success in patient support forums and is now covered for an estimated 80% of the privately insured in the U.S. From a design standpoint, the Omnipod has garnered impressive achievements, as well — winning the MDEA, IDEA/Business Week Gold, and Edison Innovation awards.