An Austin mom is changing the lives of many diabetics. She's invented an "injection port" that dramatically cuts the number of insulin injections into the body.

K.K. Patton learned she had gestational diabetes when she was 7 months pregnant with her son. After pregnancy, Patton was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Taking almost a dozen insulin injections a day, she grew very frustrated with her disease. That's when she got the idea for the iPort.

"I knew it was something that should be out there and that other people would benefit from it and I kind of wouldn't take no for an answer," Patton said.

The size of a quarter, it sticks to the body and serves an a portal for insulin injections.

During application, a person is injected with a needle surrounded by a very fine catheter. The needle is then removed, and the catheter stays in place. Insulin can then be injected into the port, not the body, and delivered through the catheter.

Dr. Valerie Espinoza, an Austin area endocrinologist, has given the iPort to some of her patients.

"I don't think there are any drawbacks -- remember this is simple piercing the tissue. I can't really think of any complications," Dr. Espinoza said.

One iPort is used for three days. A month's supply costs $100 and is covered by most insurance.