MiniMed Japan Launches Campaign "My Successes Become Someone Else's Courage" to Coincide with "Insulin Pump Day" on July 5

MiniMed Japan LLC (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as MiniMed Japan) will launch a campaign to promote understanding of insulin pump therapy and expand the circle of understanding for people living with type 1 diabetes, who are the primary users of insulin pumps, in conjunction with "Insulin Pump Day" on July 5.

Through this campaign, people living with type 1 diabetes, including insulin pump users (hereinafter referred to as pump users), their families, healthcare professionals, and anyone who sympathizes with this initiative, will share moments and thoughts of "I did it" experienced in their daily lives through photos and messages.

[Background]

"I want to live each day more true to myself" - Many people living with diabetes wish for this. Insulin pump therapy, one of the treatment options, continues to evolve with the aim of reducing the time spent thinking about diabetes and supporting each individual's life. On the other hand, technological advancements alone cannot solve all the social challenges faced in daily life.

Many people feel isolated and find life difficult due to a lack of understanding of insulin pumps at school or work, leading to confusion and misunderstanding from others, or being influenced by unconscious biases and preconceptions. These challenges stem from a lack of sufficient understanding of the realities of living with diabetes and the role of treatments in supporting a life lived authentically. Therefore, it is necessary to deepen societal understanding.

"Insulin Pump Day" was established in 2025 by the Japan Anniversary Association, recognizing the current situation and aiming to broaden understanding of insulin pump therapy and type 1 diabetes. MiniMed Japan will hold a campaign themed "My Successes Become Someone Else's Courage" to commemorate this day. This campaign, open to insulin pump users, people living with type 1 diabetes, and anyone regardless of their connection, invites submissions of "successes" from daily life in photos and short messages. By gathering voices from everyone involved with people living with diabetes, we aim to expand the circle of social understanding of insulin pump therapy and type 1 diabetes.

[About Submissions]

How to Apply: Please submit episodes of "successes" related to blood glucose management, whether your own or your family's, or other moments in daily life where you felt a "success" or a moment of joy, through photos and short messages via the application form. (No name or face in photos is required.) Anyone is welcome to participate, including insulin pump users, people living with diabetes, their families, healthcare professionals, and anyone who supports the purpose of this campaign.

* For those under 18 years of age, please apply with the consent of a guardian.

Application Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) - September 15, 2026 (Tue)

Announcement: The collected "successes" will be compiled into a single piece of art and are scheduled to be released on the awareness website InsulinPump.jp and our social media channels leading up to World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2026.

Click here for the campaign application page:

https://www.insulin-pump.jp/ipd/2026/

Campaign Application Page (Awareness Site InsulinPump.jp)

[Thoughts on the Campaign]

Minami Nakaarai, who lives with type 1 diabetes, shared her thoughts on this campaign.

"Every day is a series of 'successes' for my children and me.

As a type 1 diabetes patient, my biggest "success" has been from the birth of my fourth and fifth children, twins, until now. During my pregnancy, and especially after giving birth, my husband's long business trip was decided, and I raised five children, including the twins, by myself until they were five months old.

But it's not just me; my twins, who are now over 1.5 years old, are having more and more "successes" every day.

They can drink tea from a cup, they try to run, they can pet other dogs besides our own, they can peel off stickers...

It's easy to focus on the "can'ts," but I want to cherish the "cans" for the sake of daily happiness, such as "I was able to face blood glucose control" and "I was able to eat without neglecting meals," so I won't be left behind."

(Photo provided by Minami Nakaarai)

Furthermore, Kozo Iwanaga, Chairman of the Certified NPO Japan IDDM Network, which has supported patients and families with type 1 diabetes for many years, also shared his thoughts on this campaign.

"As a father of a daughter with type 1 diabetes, I have continued to build a network where we can help each other by connecting with other patients and families. I believe that the actions of patients and their families will change the society surrounding type 1 diabetes. Taking even a small step together for patients and families with the same feelings will be a source of strength for each other. I hope this campaign will be a step towards expanding the circle of connection and understanding."

[About Donations]

For each application received for this campaign, MiniMed Japan will donate 75 yen to the Certified NPO Japan IDDM Network, an organization that supports people living with type 1 diabetes and their families.

[About Insulin Pump Day]

"Insulin Pump Day" (July 5th every year) is an anniversary certified by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2025. This anniversary aims to spread social understanding of insulin pump therapy.

The date of July 5th was chosen based on the wordplay "Go (5) for TIR 70% or more," as it is desirable to aim for TIR (Time in Range) of 70% or more, which is a measure of blood glucose management.

[About Insulin Pumps]

An insulin pump is a medical device primarily used by people with type 1 diabetes and others who require insulin therapy. It is worn on the body, with a thin, soft tube (cannula) inserted under the skin, and delivers insulin continuously via a small, portable pump. Recently, devices with automated insulin delivery (AID) functions have also become available. These systems continuously monitor glucose fluctuations* and automatically adjust insulin delivery**, contributing to an increase in Time in Range (TIR) within the target glucose range and the achievement of blood glucose management goals. AID therapy is increasingly recognized as a standard treatment for type 1 diabetes, both internationally and in Japan.

Compared to conventional multiple daily injections (MDI), AID therapy allows for insulin delivery tailored to individual changes in condition, supporting improved blood glucose management and potentially reducing the burden of daily diabetes management. In the long term, maintaining blood glucose levels close to the target is thought to reduce the risk of future complications. Along with these technological advancements, many users report changes in their daily lives, such as "being able to sleep soundly at night" and "having more time to concentrate on what I want to do."

Insulin pump therapy continues to evolve as an option to support the "authentic daily lives" of people living with diabetes.

* Blood glucose fluctuations are tracked by continuously measuring subcutaneous glucose values that correlate with blood glucose levels.

** Refers to the automatic adjustment function of basal insulin. Meal bolus insulin administration requires separate operation.

[About Type 1 Diabetes]

Type 1 diabetes is a disease that develops when the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas lose their function due to factors such as autoimmune conditions. Since insulin secretion from the pancreas is almost entirely lost, daily insulin replacement is essential. While onset is common in children and young people, it can occur in a wide range of ages, regardless of age. Furthermore, as it can develop suddenly without relation to lifestyle habits, research is ongoing to elucidate its causes.

The estimated number of type 1 diabetes patients in Japan is approximately 92,000***, requiring long-term, continuous treatment. Due to the relatively small number of patients, a correct understanding of type 1 diabetes has not yet been fully disseminated in society. Consequently, cases of difficulty at school or work arise from misunderstandings due to a lack of awareness. To create an environment where people living with type 1 diabetes can live with peace of mind and authentically, it is essential to spread correct understanding and empathy throughout society.

*** 2017 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Scientific Research, Tajima Group

About MiniMed

As a global leader in insulin delivery, MiniMed has been driving the evolution of treatments supporting people living with diabetes in approximately 80 countries. We offer a comprehensive, seamlessly integrated ecosystem encompassing all solutions, from insulin delivery systems, CGM, and algorithms to user-friendly app experiences, supported by a meticulous and comprehensive service system. For over 40 years, we have pioneered trusted solutions that anticipate needs, reduce the burden of daily treatment, and simplify life with diabetes. Our mission is to make every day better for everyone living with diabetes.

* In March 2026, Medtronic's diabetes business, Diabetes, took a new step as MiniMed.

https://www.minimed.com/jp