Why do you use the term 'open-source looping' instead of DIY looping?

The term 'DIY looping' was originally helpful during the development phase of open-source software for diabetes management. At that time, pioneers took the risk of managing their health independently and shared how they did so through blogs. The term 'DIY' emphasized that you had to do everything yourself, partly due to the risks involved. However, in the world of software, nothing is completely 'DIY.' Even the developers who write the code rely on open-source software provided by others. While the term 'DIY' was relevant at the time, it now wrongly suggests that you have to do everything on your own. It can give the feeling that if something goes wrong or if you don’t get the results you expected it’s your own fault. These thoughts can increase mental stress and feelings of guilt during your management.

The research group OPEN explains in this article that they chose the term 'open-source' instead of 'DIY' in their papers because anyone starting with looping relies on others, and setting up a loop is a community effort. We also believe in this ethic. By framing it as a community-driven effort rather than a solo endeavor, we remove unnecessary pressure and instead highlight the value of collaboration. People new to looping benefit not only from the tools and code developed by others, but also from step-by-step guides, forums, troubleshooting tips, and emotional encouragement shared by those who have been through the journey themselves. Ultimately, the term 'open-source looping' reflects more than just how the software is built; it reflects a philosophy of openness, inclusivity, and shared responsibility. It’s not just about managing diabetes with technology—it’s about doing it together.