How did Charlie O’Connell's experience as a college athlete lead to the creation of GlucoseZone, and how does the app help diabetics stay fit?

### The Story of GlucoseZone and Its Benefits for Diabetics When Charlie O’Connell was a college athlete, he struggled to manage his type 1 diabetes while staying active. This personal challenge inspired him to create GlucoseZone, a digital exercise platform designed specifically for people with diabetes. Launched as an app in November 2017, GlucoseZone aims to help diabetics exercise safely and effectively. O’Connell's journey began nearly 20 years ago when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during his senior year of high school. As a football and track athlete at the University of Pennsylvania, he faced numerous challenges in managing his blood sugar levels during training and competitions. The lack of guidance and support for diabetic athletes motivated him to develop a solution. GlucoseZone uses an algorithm that takes into account various factors such as blood sugar levels, heart rate, and medication to provide personalized exercise recommendations. This ensures that users can exercise safely without risking their health. The app has partnered with the American Diabetes Association and is available in 20 countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GlucoseZone was offered for free for a limited time to support diabetics who are more susceptible to the virus. O’Connell's ultimate goal is to make GlucoseZone a global resource for people with diabetes to achieve their fitness goals. By addressing the unique needs of diabetics, the app helps users stay active and healthy without the fear and anxiety that often accompany exercise.