In a significant step towards improving elderly healthcare, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has introduced an innovative diabetes management solution at Umdoni Retirement Village to help residents manage their medication more effectively. Funding for the project was facilitated by the UKZN Foundation.
The Umdoni Diabetes Project, developed by UKZN’s Electronic Engineering and Computer Engineering (EECE) discipline, addresses a critical challenge faced by elderly patients: remembering to take insulin correctly and on time.
The project is a collaborative effort between final-year design student Mr Kwanele Dladla, Principal Technician Divesh Maharaj, and Professor Tom Walingo, blending student innovation with technical expertise and academic leadership.
The initiative combines technology and community engagement to support residents living with diabetes, many of whom struggle with memory-related conditions and complex treatment routines.
The project’s origins are rooted in community engagement. When Umdoni representatives, led by local advocate Bob Abel, approached UKZN for assistance, the EECE team recognised an opportunity to apply their technical skills where they mattered most. What followed was a collaborative design process focused on addressing real-world needs.
“This wasn’t innovation for its own sake,” Walingo explained. “It was about solving a problem that directly affects people’s lives.”
The resulting device is a thoughtfully engineered system designed for ease of use among elderly patients. Compact and portable, it incorporates insulin pen holders, a rechargeable battery, and both visual and audible alert systems. Together, these features prompt users when it is time to administer their medication, reducing uncertainty and the risk of missed or incorrect doses.
Affordability was a guiding principle throughout development. By keeping production costs low, the team ensured the solution could be scaled and made accessible to a wider population.
Following extensive laboratory testing, prototypes were deployed at the retirement village, undergoing months of real-world evaluation. Feedback from residents and caregivers was crucial, ensuring the final product is both reliable and user-friendly.
The first rollout will see ten devices donated to Umdoni Retirement Village, providing residents with greater support in managing their diabetes.
“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.
“We envision expanding the system into a fully integrated smart medication dispenser capable of managing multiple treatments,” added Dladla.
Discussions are also underway to formalise partnerships with local government, including a potential memorandum of understanding with the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, to broaden the project’s reach and extend the benefits of the innovation to more communities.
Name of author: Melissa Mungroo mungroo@ukzn.ac.za
Photographer: Supplied
