We’re proud to launch our very first MedTech Spotlight Series with John Sjölund, Co-Founder & CEO of Luna Diabetes.
In our conversation, John spoke candidly about the challenges in diabetes care, the thinking behind Luna’s approach, and why meaningful innovation doesn’t always mean building more complex technology.
At the heart of Luna’s work is what John calls “Sleep-Only Automation” a focused approach to insulin therapy designed specifically for overnight use. Rather than creating another 24/7 automated system, Luna concentrates on one of the most difficult and anxiety-inducing periods for people living with diabetes: the hours spent asleep.
John explained that night time glucose management remains one of the most persistent pain points in diabetes care. Blood sugar fluctuations during sleep can lead to disrupted rest, stress for both patients and families, and serious health risks. Yet not everyone wants to wear or manage a fully automated device around the clock.
That insight became foundational to Luna’s philosophy. “We asked ourselves,” John shared, “what if we matched the solution to the scope of the problem?”
By focusing specifically on overnight control, Luna aims to provide support precisely when it’s hardest for patients to intervene, without requiring constant engagement during the day. It’s a targeted approach that reflects restraint as much as ambition.
Our discussion also explored the broader theme of patient choice. John emphasised that while technology in MedTech continues to advance rapidly, adoption ultimately depends on how well solutions integrate into everyday life. Clinical outcomes matter, of course but so do comfort, usability, and the psychological burden of being connected to a device 24/7.
For John, thoughtful design is just as critical as cutting-edge science. Technology should empower people, not overwhelm them. Luna’s approach reflects that belief, offering automation where it’s most impactful, while preserving flexibility and control for the individual.
We also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence in diabetes care. Today, patients and clinicians are surrounded by data — continuous glucose readings, patterns, alerts, and analytics. But more data does not automatically mean better understanding.
John sees AI as a way to make diabetes data more intuitive and actionable. Rather than adding another layer of complexity, intelligent systems should help translate information into clear guidance. The future, he suggested, lies not only in automation, but in interpretation, making insights accessible without increasing cognitive load.
Throughout the interview, one theme remained consistent, meaningful innovation starts with clearly defining the problem. Instead of building the most comprehensive solution possible, Luna is building a precise one focused on a specific unmet need and designed around the realities of daily life.
As we begin this MedTech Spotlight Series, our conversation with John sets the tone for the discussions ahead. Healthcare innovation is not only about technological breakthroughs; it’s about understanding lived experience and designing with intention.
Through Sleep-Only Automation, Luna Diabetes is offering a new perspective on insulin therapy, one that respects real lives as much as it advances clinical care.