Local moms design a trendy way to carry insulin pumps
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AMMON – A local business is making clothing for people with Type 1 diabetes.
“If you ask any Type 1, they live their life around where they are going to put their pump, because it’s attached to them 24 hours a day,” Nicholle Peterson, COO of Pocket Innerwear said.
An insulin pump feeds insulin directly to a site attached to the body. The alternative is manually administering insulin through an injection.
“There are so many kids that are struggling day-to-day with this disease, and the connections we are making with those kids and their parents is quite moving.”
CEO of Pocket Innerwear
A local group of moms have started a fashionable, functional movement to help those with Type 1 diabetes who use a pump. Pocket Innerwear is a line of fitted undergarments and clothing with pockets sewn in. Innerwear’s T1D Techwear designs specifically offers pieces suited for an insulin pump. The concealed pockets were created with a flap over top to keep the pump secure. The pocket also has a small opening to thread tubing through.
“There are all kinds of applications for that pocket, but right now we do feel really passionate and really focused on the insulin pump pocket,” said Katie Larsen, CEO of Pocket Innerwear.
The original idea of Pocket Innerwear started in May 2013. The founders decided to start an online boutique but also wanted to solve problems. Since a lot of women’s clothing seldom has pockets, they engineered a design so women could carry their items with them but also be hands free. Boot cuffs with pockets started as one of the prototypes. Designs then evolved into spandex undershirts and other types of fitted layering pieces.
However, the original design changed direction when CEO Katie Larsen saw Sierra Sandison, Miss Idaho 2014, wearing an insulin pump on her swimsuit during the Miss Idaho Pageant. Since then she’s wanted to format the function of the pockets to accommodate those specifically with Type 1 diabetes.
Sydney Dawson, 7-year-old from Ammon, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last Valentine’s Day. Her mother, Jennifer Dawson, said she discovered Pocket Innerwear just in time for Sydney to receive her pump. She said unlike other companies Pocket Innerwear is made with children in mind.
“We did a lot of research into different options when she was diagnosed… To find this line that had kid products that was creating options for kids as they go, it was so nice to be able to provide that freedom, that peace of mind for her,” Dawson said.
Sydney has named her insulin pump “Pumper.” She said with her Pocket Innerwear tops she can play and sleep without her tubing getting tangled, or “Pumper” getting hurt.
“If he’s in my pocket, he would usually fall out, except he’s in this secure spot right here. I know that I can go running out and playing,” Sydney said.
Dawson said she’s happy the company is local and is grateful for the dedication they put into making these products.
“I love the fact that Pocket Innerwear is created by moms. They’re a team and they have a purpose, and they are passionate about it,” Dawson said.
Find out more on Pocket Innerwear’s products and events on its website or Facebook page.