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Transformations in Diabetes Care: Lessons From Commons-Based, Peer-Produced Citizen Science.
Shane O'Donnell1, Muireann Quigley2
1College of Business, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Sociology of Health & Illness
|January 23, 2026
Summary
Citizen science communities, like the diabetes commons, are developing critical medical devices through open-source innovation. This approach offers a transformative, commons-centric healthcare model but faces challenges in autonomy and sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Health Innovation
- Community-Based Research
Background:
- Traditional medical technology development relies on market-state models dominated by private and public entities.
- Citizen science and commons-based peer production are emerging as alternative models challenging established healthcare systems.
- The established market-state model for medical technologies is increasingly being challenged by commons-based, peer-produced citizen science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case study of a community of people with diabetes developing life-critical medical devices through open-source innovation.
- To explore the possibilities and constraints of a commons-centric healthcare model.
- To analyze the dynamics of an alternative innovation ecosystem using the 'diabetes commons' framework and 'medical technology provisioning'.
Main Methods:
- Drawing on social scientific research and personal experience within the diabetes community.
- Applying Bollier and Helfrich's patterns of commoning as a theoretical framework.
- Developing two conceptual contributions: the 'diabetes commons' and 'medical technology provisioning'.
Main Results:
- The 'diabetes commons' established an alternative innovation ecosystem for medical device development.
- Open innovation within the community transformed the diabetes device landscape and avoided market enclosure.
- The open model facilitated a holistic approach to medical technology provisioning, integrating production, consumption, and follow-up care.
Conclusions:
- Commons-centric healthcare models, exemplified by the diabetes commons, offer a viable alternative to traditional market-state systems.
- Open innovation is crucial for community-driven medical technology development, fostering collaboration and preventing enclosure.
- The sustainability and autonomy of such commons-based initiatives require careful consideration and strategic management.
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