Turning Data Into Art: Visualizing The Diabetic Journey

Krista Sheneman (MFA ​’24) and her team, Abigail Lowe (MFA ​’24), were invited to attend the Summer 2024 DiabetesMine D‑Data Exchange in Orlando, where she presented her ​“Wear your Glucose” project. Offering a unique blend of art and health advocacy. As part of their larger ​“Terra TM” project, this interactive showcase invited conference attendees to engage with personalized data visualizations illuminating the often invisible landscapes of those with chronic illnesses, particularly diabetes. The heart of the presentation was the creation of custom glucose landscape stickers derived from attendees’ continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data, which highlights the fluctuations in blood glucose levels influenced by diet, activity, and stress.

Sheneman transformed participants’ real-time CGM data into visually compelling, National Park-inspired stickers using a Cricut machine. These stickers serve not only as artistic expressions of each individual’s diabetic journey but also as conversation starters and symbols of empowerment. Designed to wrap around items like water bottles or overlay with others, they celebrate the unique challenges and triumphs of diabetes management.

By turning personal health data into art, Sheneman’s work bridges the gap between the internal experiences of living with diabetes and their external expression. Krista’s presentation underscored the importance of personalized care at the DiabetesMine D‑Data Exchange, a gathering of innovators, healthcare leaders, and digital health experts. It empowered individuals to take ownership of their health data creatively and expressively. Through her work, she’s creating a dialogue around the deeply personal nature of diabetes, advocating for greater visibility, empathy, and celebration of those living with the condition.