Welcome to the Nightscout Foundation
The Nightscout Foundation exists to encourage and support the creation of technological solutions that enhance the lives of people with Type 1 Diabetes and those who love them. This includes fundraising, advocacy, and direct software and hardware development. We help drive the next generation of what it looks like to thrive with Type 1 Diabetes with flexible options to optimize control.
As the project gained traction, more people began to contribute to its development, sharing their experiences and improvements. The community grew rapidly and the Nightscout Foundation was officially established to support the ongoing development of the technology, promote open-source solutions, and advocate for better diabetes management tools, before commercial products were available. This was the beginning of the #WeAreNotWaiting movement.
The Nightscout Foundation began as a grassroots movement initiated by a group of parents, engineers, and advocates who sought to improve the lives of children with diabetes. The story traces back to a few dedicated parents who were frustrated with the limitations of existing diabetes management technologies. They wanted to create a way to monitor their children's blood glucose levels remotely, especially during the school day, to prevent dangerous drops in blood sugar.
In 2013, one of the key figures, a father named John Costik, developed a DIY project called Nightscout, which allowed parents to use a continuous glucose monitor to send data to a web-based application. This enabled caregivers to access real-time glucose readings on the internet, providing peace of mind and better management of diabetes.
Continuing Our Mission
The Foundation has since expanded its mission to include education, support, and resources for families dealing with diabetes, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in managing this chronic condition. Through the efforts of the Nightscout Foundation, many families have found new hope and improved quality of life in managing diabetes.
The Nightscout Foundation supports activities that support the ongoing development of diabetes management technology, promote open-source solutions, and provide education and support for families dealing with diabetes. These activities emphasize community and collaboration to improve the quality of life for those managing this chronic condition.
“I can finally sleep through the night, thanks to Nightscout, I no longer have to get up in the middle of the night to check my child’s blood sugar.”
More recently, the Foundation has supported the development of hybrid and fully closed insulin delivery systems. Nightscout, Loop, Trio, and OpenAPS software are important components of the DIY diabetes management landscape:
Nightscout: This is an open-source project that allows users to monitor their glucose levels in real-time. It enables data visualization and sharing, providing families and caregivers with insights into diabetes management. Nightscout enhances the ability to manage diabetes by making CGM data accessible and actionable.
Loop: The Loop app is an automated insulin delivery application that you build and operate on an iPhone. The Loop app uses your settings, meal entries and glucose data to calculate insulin dosing needed to bring your blood glucose within the correction range you set.
Trio: Trio is an open-source automated insulin delivery system (OS-AID) for iOS based on the OpenAPS algorithm with adaptations for Trio. This system considers your user-entered settings, carbohydrates, and historical insulin use to automate insulin delivery to reduce the time spent managing your diabetes.
AndroidAPS: Android APS (AAPS) is an open source app for people living with insulin-dependent diabetes. It is an artificial pancreas system (APS) which runs on Android smartphones. AAPS uses an OpenAPS software algorithm and aims to do what a real pancreas does: keep blood sugar levels within healthy limits by using automated insulin dosing.The foundation was first organized a large Facebook group to support users of the technology available through Nightscout. More groups have formed via the foundation, including Loop and Learn.
The Loop and Learn community is designed to educate users about these DIY systems. We provides resources, tutorials, and community support to help users effectively implement and optimize their DIY systems for better diabetes management.
These initiatives reflect the Nightscout Foundation's commitment to not waiting for commercial systems. The foundation enhances the lives of those living with diabetes and those who care for them through innovative technology and community engagement.
For End Users
We’re about empowering people living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families. Born from the need for better tools to manage diabetes, Nightscout enables real-time remote monitoring of blood glucose levels. This open-source solution was created by people living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families, working together to support safety and independence—whether at school, playing sports, or traveling. By supporting and spreading awareness of these technologies, the Foundation helps individuals and families gain freedom and peace of mind in their daily lives.
For Developers
At its core, the Nightscout Foundation champions open-source technology and innovation. Developers are encouraged to contribute to projects that enhance the lives of the Type 1 Diabetes community, some of whom have Type 1 or know someone with the condition.
We are a community lead organization, composed of volunteers across the world. Join us online to learn and collaborate. The Foundation collaborates with organizations and regulatory bodies to expand access to life-changing technology.
For Donors
The Nightscout Foundation is a recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit that relies on donations to fund its mission. Your support helps drive the creation and maintenance of open-source diabetes management tools, provides scholarships and awards to community members, and enables advocacy efforts with leading health organizations and regulators. Every contribution helps expand access to innovative solutions for families affected by Type 1 Diabetes. Donations are tax-deductible. Your generosity builds a world where technology empowers everyone touched by diabetes.