In the News: Sernova transplant update, at-home T1D test moves forward, best diet for T2D, Mattel releases type 1 barbie and more!

It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: Sernova has a new partner and a new drug for cell transplants, at home glucose/T1D test research, study looks at best diet for people with type 2, Lifescan files for banktrupcy, T1D Barbie and more!

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Episode transcription with links:

In the News

July 18

 

Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and every other Friday I bring you a short episode with the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now.

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Sernova is partnering with Eledon Pharmaceuticals to test a new immunosuppressive drug in its ongoing clinical trial for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The drug called tegoprubart is designed to protect transplanted islet cells without harsh side effects. The current treatment is known for its potential toxicity, especially towards insulin-producing beta cells, and its adverse side effects, making it less than ideal for islet cell therapy in T1D.

Tegoprubart has already shown promise in earlier trials, helping T1D patients achieve insulin independence with better graft survival and fewer side effects.

This next phase of Sernova’s trial (Cohort C) will combine Eledon’s drug with Sernova’s Cell Pouch, an implantable device that houses insulin-producing cells. In earlier phases, six participants stopped needing insulin completely, with results lasting years.

Sernova also plans to use stem cell-derived islet-like clusters from partner Evotec to create a next-gen therapy. If all goes well, a new clinical program could launch in 2026.

 

https://www.streetwisereports.com/article/2025/07/15/biotech-partnership-to-revolutionize-diabetes-treatment.html

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Researchers at Yale School of Medicine, funded by Breakthrough T1D, are evaluating GTT@home, a new finger-prick, at-home glucose tolerance test, to monitor early-stage type 1 diabetes (T1D) in individuals with T1D autoantibodies. Developed by Digostics (Dih-jos-tiks), the test offers a simpler, less invasive alternative to clinic-based oral glucose tolerance tests. The study aims to assess its accuracy, usability, and acceptance, potentially paving the way for wider use in early T1D detection and monitoring. The results of the trial will inform future regulatory submissions for GTT@home use in T1D, which already has regulatory approval in the UK, Europe and other regions for other types of diabetes.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/digostics-announces-university-trial-home-164300142.html

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LifeScan announced that it entered into a restructuring support agreement and, to implement it, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

As the process moves forward, LifeScan plans to operate in the ordinary course of business. It expects to emerge from chapter 11 by the end of the year.

LifeScan develops the OneTouch Bluetooth-connected blood glucose meter and mobile diabetes app that provide simplicity, accuracy and trust in diabetes management.

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New study looks at quality of life and cost of AID systems. This was done in Finland which has the highest prevalence of T1D in the world. The results show

automated insulin delivery pumps significantly improved quality of life and reduced diabetes-related complications. The quality-adjusted life expectancy increased by an average of 2.3 years for individuals using an automated insulin delivery pump.

Although the overall costs of automated insulin delivery pump treatment were higher than those of conventional insulin pump treatment, its cost-effectiveness ratio was well below the generally accepted willingness-to-pay threshold of 50,000 euros in Finland.

This is the first cost-effectiveness study of automated insulin delivery pumps conducted in Finland.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-automated-insulin-delivery-effective-treatment.html

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Blue Circle Health expands into the 11th state: Louisiana! This is Free, comprehensive virtual clinical care, education, and support program for adults with type 1 diabetes

In addition to serving adults with type 1 diabetes in Louisiana, our program is also active in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Delaware. 

The program serves as an extension of participants' existing care teams and ensures continuity of care

The organization hopes to inform new care models and policies that remove barriers to healthcare

People with T1D over 18 years of age who speak English or Spanish are eligible to enroll.

To sign up directly, refer a person living with T1D, or learn how you can partner with Blue Circle Health, visit www.bluecirclehealth.org.

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A new study comparing three popular diets—intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, and continuous calorie cutting—found that all can help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and lower blood sugar. But one diet stood out: the 5:2 intermittent fasting plan, where participants eat normally five days a week and restrict calories on two. It led to better results in fasting blood sugar, insulin response, and sticking with the plan.

Although researchers identified improved HbA1c levels, and adverse events were similar across the three groups, the IER group showed greater advantages in reducing fasting blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering triglycerides, and strengthening adherence to the dietary interventions.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250715043351.htm

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MIT students have developed an implantable device.. for use during emergency low blood sugars.  

The new implant carries a reservoir of glucagon that can be stored under the skin and deployed during an emergency — with no injections needed.

 

The researchers showed that this device could also be used to deliver emergency doses of epinephrine, a drug that is used to treat heart attacks and can also prevent severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock.

The device contains a powdered form of glucagon and can be remotely triggered—either manually or automatically by a glucose monitor—to release the hormone when blood sugar drops too low.

No word on next steps to make this commercially available.

 

https://news.mit.edu/2025/implantable-device-could-save-diabetes-patients-low-blood-sugar-0709

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We’ve covered T1D1 before, this is an insulin calculator app – there’s more to it than that.. it was created by 13 year old Drew who lives with type 1, but removed from the apps stores a few years ago, along with other non fda cleared apps. Drew who is now 18, Tells us they just submitted to the FDA and are optimistic about being reinstated.

https://www.instagram.com/t1d1app/

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1’m Brodie Sargent, a Type 1 diabetic raised in Mudgee, NSW, and currently living in Wollongong.

 

Starting August 26th, I’ll be running a marathon every day for 26 days, and on the 27th day, I’ll be finishing with Western Sydney’s Half Ironman.

 

The current world record for the most consecutive marathons run by a Type 1 diabetic male is 25 and I’m aiming to break it.

 

I’m doing this to inspire others, diabetic or not, to challenge themselves and not let anything hold them back.

 

Any donation is greatly appreciated and supports a cause I truly believe in.

The Type One Foundation focuses on support, connection, awareness, and advocacy for diabetics across Australia. They run online and in-person events for diabetics and their families, and also offer care packages to those newly diagnosed.

 

I was diagnosed at 15, and it was a tough time for me and my family, we had no history or understanding of diabetes. I was already a shy and awkward kid, and I struggled to speak up about how much it affected me.

I started running with my roommate just to kill time but it quickly took over my life.

Feeling stuck and unsure where I was heading, I decided to make a change and try to help anyone out there feeling the same way.

 

You can follow my journey on Instagram: @typerun_

 

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Launched during children’s congress

To further promote inclusivity and tackle the stigma associated with the condition, Mattel partnered with Breakthrough T1D, a global organization dedicated to type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, to launch its first Barbie with type 1 diabetes. This partnership marks a major milestone in Mattel’s commitment to greater representation, and highlights Breakthrough T1D’s pivotal role in ensuring visibility for the type 1 diabetes community.

 

The doll is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line and includes key diabetes management tools modeled accurately with the help of Breakthrough T1D. The type 1 diabetes Barbie wears a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) secured with Barbie-pink, heart-shaped tape, and has an insulin pump at her waist. She also comes with a CGM-tracking smartphone, a pastel blue purse, and a blue polka dot outfit – blue being the color that symbolizes global diabetes awareness.

 

As part of a broader initiative to elevate voices in the type 1 diabetes community, Barbie also partnered with two global role models living with type 1 diabetes: Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón and model Lila Moss.

 

Robin Arzon Barbie

Image Credit: Breakthrough T1D and Mattel

Mattel’s one-of-a-kind doll based on Arzón features her signature yellow outfit and a crown-shaped CGM on the back of her arm.

 

In interviews, Moss has highlighted the positive impact that the type 1 diabetes Barbie’s visibility has already had, saying she receives daily messages from young people who feel less insecure about wearing their diabetes devices thanks to her public advocacy.

 

When Linxi Mytkolli, director of patient engagement at Diabetes Action Canada and person with diabetes, heard about the new “Dia Barbie,” she said she teared up.

 

“I grew up loving dolls, but I never saw one that reflected the reality I now live with – until Dia Barbie. Seeing a doll with a CGM, insulin pump, and even heart-shaped medical tape felt surreal. It’s playful, powerful, and personal all at once,” said Mytkolli.

 

Mytkolli also emphasized that representation and visibility in toys and media can help chip away at shame.

 

“I’ve heard from so many people, especially those diagnosed in childhood, who delayed using tech like pumps or CGM because it felt like a punishment. Visibility in toys helps normalize these devices and makes kids feel like they're not alone or ‘othered.’ It turns stigma into something softer – something that can be talked about, shared, even celebrated,” Mytkolli said.

 

And its impact goes beyond people living with diabetes. Laura Pavlakovich, who is the founder and CEO of You’re Just My Type and has lived with type 1 diabetes since age five, shared that this representation is equally crucial for those without diabetes, as it demystifies the condition and challenges stereotypes.

 

“This kind of representation builds a vital bridge of empathy, illustrating that living with diabetes is simply a part of life for millions. It's an essential tool for educating the public and cultivating a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone,” said Pavlakovich.

 

Pavlakovich shared her personal experience of growing up with diabetes and how this will provide validation for those with the condition who often feel unseen.

 

“I vividly remember growing up with a 'my twin' doll, custom-made to look just like me, yet she always lacked the crucial part of my daily reality: an insulin pump. To finally see a Barbie, an iconic figure in childhood play, accurately depict someone living with type 1 diabetes, complete with her devices and pump, is truly a monumental moment,” said Pavlakovich.

 

To celebrate the launch, Barbie donated dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C., where 170 young advocates for type 1 diabetes from around the world met with lawmakers to raise awareness. Priced at $10.99, the doll is now available on Mattel Shop and at retailers nationwide.

 

While this is a huge win for enhancing the representation of children living with diabetes, it doesn’t end there. There is still significant work to be done to improve access to diabetes medication and technology.

 

“It is not lost on me that Barbie has more access to diabetes tech than many, if not most, people with diabetes globally,” said Mytkolli. “Representation and access – we deserve both.”

 

By bringing a common but misunderstood condition into children’s toy boxes, the new type 1 diabetes Barbie is more than a toy. It’s a symbol of pride, visibility, and the message that children with diabetes can live full, empowered lives.

 

As Mytkolli said, “Whether a child is living with diabetes, or loves someone who is, this doll quietly says, ‘You’re not broken. You belong.’”