Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes
The T1D news show you've been waiting for! Long-time broadcaster, blogger and diabetes mom Stacey Simms interviews prominent advocates, authors and speakers. Stacey asks hard questions of healthcare companies and tech developers and brings on "everyday' people living with type 1. Great for parents of T1D kids, adults with type 1 and anyone who loves a person with diabetes.
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Tubeless, smarter & interoperable: A look into Medtronic’s future plans
05/27/2025
Tubeless, smarter & interoperable: A look into Medtronic’s future plans
A conversation with a Medtronic engineer who’s been with the company since the beginning of the Artificial Pancreas project. Lou Lintereur is now Chief Engineer for AID systems at Medtronic.. we talk about the recently approved Simplera Sync Sensor, changes coming to Medtronic pumps, he answers your questions about AI use, patch pumps, and the idea of a pump that needs zero user interaction. Note: this episode was recorded before Medtronic's announcement that they will spin off the Diabetes division. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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"The Worst Game Ever" - Sam Glassenberg wants to change how we learn about T1D
05/20/2025
"The Worst Game Ever" - Sam Glassenberg wants to change how we learn about T1D
Learning through video games isn’t new – there are games aimed at almost every profession, even healthcare. Sam Glassenberg is the founder of Level Ex which makes those types of learning games – and when his daughter was diagnosed with type 1.. he was appalled at the on-boarding process which he called the worst game ever, full of frustration and punishment for the patient and caregiver. So Sam developed Level One – a new free game to teach type 1. We’re talking about how it works, who it’s for, and what makes it different from those gamification flops you may remember from years ago. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News...Tandem's new infusion set approved, Sernova cell-pouch moves forward, GLP-1 meds for T1D, and more!
05/16/2025
In the News...Tandem's new infusion set approved, Sernova cell-pouch moves forward, GLP-1 meds for T1D, and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: Tandem's new infusion set is approved, Dexcom G7 compatibility with the Omnipod 5 iPhone app announced, Sernova cell-pouch moves forward, GLP-1 meds for T1D, and more! Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links: 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. XX Tandem gets FDA clearance for a new infusion set. The company shared in an SEC filing that its Capillary Biomedical (CapBio) subsidiary won clearance for its SteadiSet Infusion Set. SteadiSet features an integrated inserter with a hidden needle designed for one-handed insertion. It received clearance to deliver insulin for up to three days of use. However, Tandem plans to submit a separate request to extend the indicated use time to up to seven days. It doesn’t expect to begin commercial activities for SteadiSet until after it receives clearance for the extended use time. Many of us have been following this since Tandem acquired CapBio back in 2022.. it’s been pretty hush hush – CapBio has never accepted my requests for interviews, so I’m excited to see this approval, mostly because my son really really needs it! https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/tandem-capbio-fda-clearance-insulin-infusion-set/ XX Insulet just announced via an email to health care providers that Dexcom G7 compatibility with the Omnipod 5 iPhone app will be released IN THE COMING WEEKS! Great news for people with and XX Sernova announces positive interim data from its ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with T1D. this is their Cell Pouch Bio-hybrid Organ as a functional cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D), today Interim data from 12 patients with transplanted human donor islet cells show patients achieving insulin independence, islet cell engraftment in Cell Pouch, islet function, islet survival, improved glycemic control, improved patient reported quality of life (QOL) and improved awareness of hypoglycemia and increased sensitivity to severe hypoglycemic symptoms. Improvement in patient outcomes was correlated with a cumulative increase in the quantity of transplanted islets. Based on these findings, the study is on track to meet its primary and secondary endpoints, and the confirmatory Cohort C is expected to initiate in H2 2025. Clinical trials with iPSC islet-like clusters from Sernova’s partner, Evotec, are anticipated to begin in 2026 after completion of Cohort C of the ongoing trial. These interim findings, with 8 of 12 patients achieving insulin independence so far, support the thesis that Sernova’s high volume ten channel Cell Pouch, used in Cohort B, plus an optimised immune suppression regimen, has the potential to achieve insulin independence, without portal vein transplant, in our planned clinical trial with Evotec’s high quality iPSC islet-like clusters. Measured HbA1c (a blood test that shows the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months) in patients with Cell Pouch alone, showed that 9 of 12 patients had a reduced value within the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended range of <7.0%. Of the remaining 3 patients, 1 experienced a 24% reduction in HbA1c from 10.3% to 7.8% and the other 2 maintained a normal HbA1c value of <7% as measured at baseline. Published clinical studies found that each 1% reduction in A1c was associated with a 14 % reduced risk of myocardial infarction. A single portal vein transplant resulted in all Patients having a recommended HbA1c of <7.0% that was maintained for the duration of the study. https://sernova.com/press_releases/sernova-biotherapeutics-provides-positive-interim-data-from-ongoing-phase-1-2-clinical-trial-of-cell-pouch-bio-hybrid-organ-in-patients-living-with-type-1-diabetes/ XX A new study in the European Heart Journal shows that people who develop type 1 diabetes in adulthood have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death, and that those diagnosed later in life do not have a better prognosis than those diagnosed earlier. But the study points to smoking, poor glucose control and obesity as the main risk factors. The registry-based study identified 10,184 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in adulthood between 2001 and 2020 and compared them to 509,172 matched people in the control group. The study shows that these people with adult-onset type 1 diabetes had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death from all causes, including cancer and infections, compared to the control group. "The main reasons for the poor prognosis are smoking, overweight/obesity and poor glucose control. We found that they were less likely to use assistive devices, such as insulin pumps," "But we show that the prognosis can be significantly improved by preventing smoking and obesity and improving glucose control, not least in people diagnosed at older ages," explains senior author Sofia Carlsson, senior lecturer and associate professor at the same department. The researchers plan to continue investigating adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including risk factors for developing the disease and the prognosis of other outcomes, such as microvascular complications. Optimal treatment in adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including the effect of pump use and other advanced technologies, also needs to be explored. XX Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, today announced the publication of two peer-reviewed journal articles that expand insight into the burdens of living with T1D in 2025. The papers shine a much-needed light on the burdens facing people who live with this lifelong, demanding disease that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, and the immediate need to accelerate life-saving cures for T1D through cell therapy. Authored by a team of Breakthrough T1D executives, including CEO Aaron J. Kowalski, PhD, "The Urgent Need for Breakthrough Therapies and a World Without Type 1 Diabetes", published in Diabetes Therapy, challenges the misperception that insulin therapy and today's diabetes technologies are meeting the needs of people with T1D. The paper stresses that although progress has been made in managing T1D, the disease still results in premature death, significant complications and a substantial daily burden for those affected by it. It argues that accelerating cell therapies which restore the body's ability to produce its own insulin are key to T1D cures. The Breakthrough T1D authors emphasize the need for the entire T1D community, including researchers, regulators, policymakers, and people living with T1D to work together to hasten the development of novel T1D therapies. The second paper, "We Are on the Verge of Breakthrough Cures for Type 1 Diabetes, but Who Are the 2 Million Americans Who Have It?", published in the Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, shares valuable demographic information on the broad spectrum of Americans living with T1D and predicts the changes this population will undergo in the next decade. Once viewed as a condition that could only be diagnosed in childhood, it is now known that T1D can develop at any age. XX Experts are also interested in other uses of semaglutide. A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine furthered research on semaglutide, exploring how the drug affected outcomes for people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, a type of liver disease. The results suggest that semaglutide may help resolve steatohepatitis and decrease fibrosis. Semaglutide improves liver outcomes This research was a phase 3 clinical trial involving people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). As described in this study, MASH is a severe type of what used to be called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study also notes that MASH involves damage to liver cells, inflammation, and steatosis or fat buildup in the liver. Steatohepatitis, which involves fat buildup and inflammation in the liver, can then contribute to tissue scarring or fibrosis. This study involved participants from hundreds of clinical sites in thirty-seven countries. The current published results report the end of the first part of the trial. XX For the first time, researchers are exploring the effectiveness of tirzepatide – which is currently only approved for type 2 diabetes – for people with type 1 diabetes and obesity or overweight. Trial status: Recruiting Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT06914895 Trial Name: A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) Compared With Placebo in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity or Overweight (SURPASS-T1D-1) Diabetes Type: Type 1 diabetes Trial Sponsor: Eli Lilly Why is this study important? GLP-1 medications have traditionally been off-limits for people with type 1 diabetes due to concerns around risks like hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). That may change with a new study – the first-of-its-kind – testing tirzepatide in people with type 1 diabetes and obesity or overweight. Tirzepatide is a GLP-1/GIP therapy currently FDA-approved for weight management (Zepbound), type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro), and sleep apnea. Research indicates the same benefits drugs like tirzepatide have for type 2 diabetes – improved blood sugar levels, increased time in range, and proven benefits for both the heart and kidneys – would likely extend to people with type 1. This study represents a first step towards a monumental win for the type 1 community. If successful, tirzepatide could become the first GLP-1/GIP therapy approved for type 1 diabetes. How does the trial work? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four tirzepatide dosing groups or the placebo group. Those assigned to a treatment group will receive a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of tirzepatide while the other group will receive a weekly placebo injection. The study will last about 49 weeks and may include up to 23 visits. To determine the safety and effectiveness of tirzepatide, researchers will measure changes in A1C, time in range, body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Are you interested in participating? You may be eligible to participate if you are 18 years or older and have: Type 1 diabetes and have been on insulin for at least one year prior to screening An A1C of 7% to 10.5% at screening A body mass index of 25 or higher at screening Stable weight for at least 90 days prior to screening and agree not to start an intensive diet or exercise program during the study People who have had two or more hospitalizations for hyperglycemia or DKA in the past six months, have had one or more emergency treatments for severe hypoglycemia in the past three months, or are receiving treatment for diabetic retinopathy or macular edema are not eligible to participate in this study. See a full list of inclusion/exclusion criteria here. This trial is currently recruiting in multiple locations worldwide. To enroll or learn more about this study, contact [email protected] or call 1-877-285-4559. XX Roche Diagnostics will build a $550 million expansion to produce continuous glucose monitors at an Indianapolis facility. Roche will use the site to make its Accu-Chek Smartguide devices, which launched last year in Europe as the company’s first CGM. The Indianapolis site is Roche Diagnostics’ North American headquarters. It houses research and development, laboratories, manufacturing and other functions, and produces Roche’s Accu-Chek diabetes test strips. The facility is one of two global distribution hubs for the company. Roche received a CE Mark in July for its Accu-Chek Smartguide CGM. The device, which can be worn for 14 days, incorporates predictive algorithms to estimate users’ glucose levels over two hours and nocturnal hypoglycemia risk. However, users must calibrate the CGM using a finger stick, which some newer devices from Abbott and Dexcom don’t require. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/roche-manufacturing-indiana-cgm/747809/ XX Excited to see Go Pen receive FDA approval- an inspiring journey from wining our innagrial Innovation Challenge to helping people with diabetes . They solve the challenge faced by the 13 million people worldwide living with diabetes who don’t have access to insulin pens for their daily injections. Instead, they use a disposable syringes with all the inherent inaccuracies A low cost global option to convert vial to reusable insulin pen use Inspired leadership from the caring and team. This is how can meet unmet needs of people with XX https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/dia.2025.0169 XX Ascensia announces that Eversense 365 has been named the Best New Technology Solution for Diabetes Management in the 2025 annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program. This follows a Gold award at the Edison Best New Products Awards, where Eversense beat Abbot’s Lingo CGM. Eversense 365 is the only long-term CGM system available, offering people with diabetes a truly differentiated CGM experience, providing one year of exceptionally accurate monitoring with minimal interruptions. The tiny implantable sensor and unique approach to CGM also allows people to overcome common frustrations and interruptions experienced with traditional short-term CGMs, so they can focus on managing their diabetes and not their device. Eversense 365 is currently available in the US and indicated for people with diabetes 18 years and older; an application for European CE Mark registration has been filed to allow Eversense 365 to be marketed in Europe. Eversense 365 has also recently partnered with Sequel Med Tech to create the first automated insulin delivery system with a one-year CGM. The integrated system is expected to launch in Q3 of 2025. XX Front office change at Dexcom.. Jake Leach, who joined Dexcom in 2004 to lead the development of sensor electronics for its first commercial CGM system, now has a new title. Leach, who became the company's COO in 2022, is now president and COO at the San Diego-based company. As COO, he provides end-to-end responsibility for product development and oversight of executive leadership , as president on top of that, he takes on the additional responsibility of overseeing corporate development and strategy efforts at Dexcom. Full story here: XX
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Eversense 365 + twiist: exploring the newest CGM/pump combo
05/13/2025
Eversense 365 + twiist: exploring the newest CGM/pump combo
This week on Diabetes Connections, the Eversense CGM gets its first pump partner. This is the implantable CGM sensor – it now lasts for a year.. and it will soon connect with the twist.. a brand new insulin pump. I’m joined by Brian Hansen, the president of CGM at Ascenia, that’s the company that distributes Eversense, to talk about how this will work, what’s changed for eversense, besides the much longer wear, and what the future holds. This was a wide ranging conversation and a fun one. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. My guest Brian Hansen was appointed the this president of CGM in early 2024. Before that, among other jobs, he chief commercial office at Tandem. We have followed Eversense for a long time, including talking to people who have worn it for a long time – I’ll link up our previous episodes in the show notes. Our previous Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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Dexcom Stelo + Oura Ring: all about the new “Glucose” feature (Bonus episode!)
05/07/2025
Dexcom Stelo + Oura Ring: all about the new “Glucose” feature (Bonus episode!)
Dexom and Oura announced a partnership a few months ago and now they've announced a new integration. This is the Dexcom Stelo – the OTC biosensor (they don’t call it a CGM) for people who don’t use insulin and Oura a smart ring for fitness stress sleep and health. This first to market glucose biosensor and smart ring integration will provide members with a personalized metabolic health experience that will allow users to better understand the link between activity, sleep, stress, nutrition and their glucose. It will be available in the new Glucose feature within the Oura Ring app to all US members. Also, Dexcom and Oura are making this partnership as accessible as possible by allowing Oura members to purchase Stelo directly from ouraring.com. My guest is endocrinologist Dr. Helen Baron, Medical Director of Diabetes Education Services at Eisenhower medical center in California. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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T1D help in real-time: StrideMD offers 24/7 remote monitoring
05/06/2025
T1D help in real-time: StrideMD offers 24/7 remote monitoring
Remember that ad : I’ve fallen and I can’t get up? do we need a life alert for type 1 diabetes? I’m talking to the folks behind StrideMD – a Florida based healthcare company that is using remote monitoring to alert their clients, and event notify emergency contacts and paramedics if needed. How does it work, who is it for, and would you consider it? My guest this week is Stride MD Chief Operating Officer Scott Hozebin. Their based in Florida and right now are only in operation there.. but hope to expand. And they’re an official partner with Dexcom. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News... New drug tested to prevent type 1, twiist pump integrates with Eversense CGM, Dexcom U is back, and more!
05/02/2025
In the News... New drug tested to prevent type 1, twiist pump integrates with Eversense CGM, Dexcom U is back, and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: A new Austrailian study aims to prevent type 1, the new twiist pump will integrate with Eversnse CGM as well as Libre, diabetes deaths are down in the US, Dexcom U is looking for college athletes, and more! Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links: 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. XX A world-first human trial of a drug designed to treat the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes has begun in Australia. University of Queensland researcher Ranjeny Thomas said the experimental drug — dubbed ASITI-201 — was designed to retrain the immune system so it no longer attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells, known as beta cells. The drug, given as an injection under the skin, combines fragments of a protein found in the beta cells of people with type 1 diabetes and vitamin D to calm the immune response. She said if effective, the drug would initially be given to patients with type 1 diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis to preserve remaining pancreatic cells and reduce the amount of insulin needed. But eventually, if screening programs can be developed to pick up people at risk of developing type 1 diabetes, it may be possible to "prevent the progression of the disease altogether". The first in-human trial of 36 participants will test the safety of the drug, but blood tests will also determine the impact of the therapy on a patient's immune system and glucose tolerance. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-29/type-1-diabetes-drug-trial-auto-immune-disease-science/105223022 XX Diabetes deaths in the U.S. have fallen to some of the lowest rates in years, according to new preliminary figures published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reversing a surge in mortality that was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 26.4 deaths per 100,000 people from diabetes, according to early death certificate data for the third quarter of 2024 published this month by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Death rates from diabetes peaked in 2021, according to CDC figures, at 31.1 deaths per 100,000 people for that year. Diabetes was the eighth leading cause of death in 2021. The CDC says the link between COVID-19 and diabetes may be to blame for that increase. "Data show an increase in mortality rates for all people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and research shows that people with underlying conditions, including diabetes, are more likely to become very sick from COVID-19 and have a higher risk of hospitalization and death," Christopher Holliday, head of the CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation, told CBS News in a statement. Holliday added that research shows the pandemic may also have made it harder for Americans to properly manage the disease, ranging from interruptions to physical activity to disruptions to routine medical care diagnosing and treating the disease. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/diabetes-deaths-lowest-levels-years-early-cdc-figures/ XX Big news for the Eversense CGM – they have their first pump partner. Sequel Med Tech says the twist pump will integrate with Senseonics Eversense 365 continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This collaboration would make twiist the first AID system compatible with Eversense 365, the world’s first and only one-year CGM. Sequel and Senseonics say they have already started their work to integrate the latest-generation, 365-day implantable sensor with twiist. They expect to make the integrated offering available in the third quarter of this year. This marks the second CGM integration for Sequel, which earlier this year. This week we also got a peek at the packaging and delivery of the twist as the first people posted about wearing it. We’ll follow up and learn more about this newest insulin pump in the us. Senseonics, meanwhile, brought the first year-long CGM to market last year, launching . The system also received clearance as an integrated CGM (iCGM) system, meaning it can work with compatible medical devices. Those include insulin pumps as part of automated insulin delivery systems. XX Medtronic has announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the Simplera Sync sensor for use with the MiniMed 780G system. With this approval, the MiniMed 780G system now offers more flexibility for users of the company’s most advanced insulin delivery system featuring Meal Detection technology with both the Guardian 4 sensor and Simplera Sync sensor. The Simplera Sync is a disposable, all-in-one sensor that requires no fingersticks with SmartGuard or overtape and features a simple, two-step insertion process. It is the company’s newest addition to its CGM portfolio, which expands options and provides greater flexibility for users. The MiniMed 780G system’s adaptive algorithm automatically anticipates, adjusts, and corrects glucose levels every 5 minutes, 24/7 – working around the clock so users can focus on what matters. It’s the only system featuring Meal Detection technology, which detects rising sugar levels and delivers more insulin as needed to help users keep glucose levels in range more often – even when users occasionally forget to dose insulin for snacks or meals or underestimate their carbs. The system uses a “treat to target” approach and flexible glucose targets as low as 100 mg/dL, which, combined with its adaptive algorithm allows it to more closely mirror the glucose levels of someone not living with diabetes. Real-world data of the system shows global users consistently achieve time in range above international targets of 70% when using optimal settings (active insulin time of two hours and 100 mg/dL target glucose). It is also the only system that works with the world’s only infusion set that lasts up to 7 days so that users only have to change their infusion set once per week and can experience 96% fewer injections compared to multiple daily injections. “We’re committed to driving innovation that makes life easier for those living with diabetes so they can forget about their diabetes as much as possible throughout the day,” said Que Dallara, EVP and president of Medtronic Diabetes. “Our MiniMed 780G system delivers advanced diabetes technology for so many around the world, and we’re excited to continue evolving this experience with expanded CGM options —including our Simplera Sync sensor, which we look forward to bringing to people living with diabetes in the U.S.” A limited launch of the Simplera Sync sensor will begin in the U.S. in the fall of 2025. Today, the MiniMed 780G system can be used with the Guardian 4 sensor. Like this:https://med-techinsights.com/2025/04/29/simplera-sync-sensor-for-minimed-780g-now-fda-approved/ XX Front office changes at Insulet.. The former head of Johnson & Johnson’s worldwide medtech business, Ashley McEvoy will take over as president and CEO from Jim Hollingshead, who has led Insulet since 2022. In its announcement of the leadership change, Insulet said that Hollingshead and the company mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. McEvoy served as worldwide medtech chairman at J&J from 2018 until her departure in late 2023, the culmination of nearly 30 years at the company and several executive roles—including president of its Ethicon division and group chairman of vision and diabetes care. Since then, she has also served as a board member at Procter & Gamble. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/insulet-taps-former-jj-medtech-head-ashley-mcevoy-be-ceo XX New free mobile game launched this week to make type 1 diabetes onboarding faster easier and less overwhelming. It’s called Level One.. created by Level Ex (Powered by Relevate Health), the studio behind award-winning medical games for medical professionals. Level Ex CEO Sam Glassenberg created the game after a – quote - brutal onboarding experience when his daughter was diagnosed five years ago He says It took a year to understand how to manage this disease. So we fixed it. We built a game that can train your brain to do it in a matter of hours." The game is launching in partnership with leading diabetes organizations Beyond Type 1 and Breakthrough T1D Play, who are integrating Level One into their outreach and educational campaigns to support newly diagnosed families worldwide. Download Level One on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/level-one-a-diabetes-game/id6739605694 Learn more: https://playlevelone.com XX Collagen is widely recognized for its role in maintaining healthy skin, but its importance extends far beyond that. As the most abundant protein in the human body, collagen provides essential structure and support to nearly all tissues and organs. Now, researchers at Carnegie Mellon’s Feinberg Lab have made a major breakthrough using their novel Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) 3D bioprinting technique. This method enables the precise printing of soft, living cells and tissues. Leveraging this technology, the team successfully created the first-ever microphysiologic system, also known as a tissue model, constructed entirely from collagen. This advancement opens new possibilities for studying disease and engineering tissue therapies, including potential treatments for conditions like Type 1 diabetes. Traditionally, small-scale models of human tissue, referred to as microfluidics, organ-on-chip devices, or microphysiologic systems, have been fabricated using synthetic materials such as silicone rubber or plastics. These materials were necessary due to limitations in earlier manufacturing techniques. However, because they are not biologically native, they fail to fully replicate natural tissue environments, restricting their effectiveness in biomedical research and therapeutic development. “Now, we can build microfluidic systems in the Petri dish entirely out of collagen, cells, and other proteins, with unprecedented structural resolution and fidelity,” explained Adam Feinberg, a professor of biomedical engineering and materials science & engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. “Most importantly, these models are fully biologic, which means cells function better.” Building Complex Tissues with FRESH Bioprinting In new research published in Science Advances, the group demonstrates the use of this FRESH bioprinting advancement, building more complex vascularized tissues out of fully biologic materials, to create a pancreatic-like tissue that could potentially be used in the future to treat Type 1 diabetes. This advancement in FRESH bioprinting builds on the team’s earlier work published in Science, by improving the resolution and quality to create fluidic channels that are like blood vessels down to about 100-micron diameter. “There were several key technical developments to the FRESH printing technology that enabled this work,” described Daniel Shiwarski, assistant professor of bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh and prior postdoctoral fellow in the Feinberg lab. “By implementing a single-step bioprinting fabrication process, we manufactured collagen-based perfusable CHIPS in a wide range of designs that exceed the resolution and printed fidelity of any other known bioprinting approach to date. Further, when combined with multi-material 3D bioprinting of ECM proteins, growth factors, and cell-laden bioinks and integration into a custom bioreactor platform, we were able to create a centimeter-scale pancreatic-like tissue construct capable of producing glucose-stimulated insulin release exceeding current organoid based approaches.” https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-bioprint-living-tissues-that-could-revolutionize-diabetes-treatment/ XX Another study showing the blood sugar benefit of walking after a meal. Skeletal muscle plays a central role in glucose uptake. Exercise stimulates glucose transport into muscle cells through insulin-independent pathways, notably through the action of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4), which is responsible for transporting glucose from blood to skeletal muscles.4 This means that even without a robust insulin response, physical activity can facilitate glucose clearance from the bloodstream. These effects also occur without requiring high-intensity exercise, making postprandial walking accessible to a broad range of individuals, including those with limited exercise tolerance. multiple studies show that starting activity within 30 minutes after a meal is optimal. XX Dexcom brings back Dexcom U for a 4th years. This is a name, image and license program for college athletes with diabetes and includes a nationwide open call for passionate and inspiring college athletes to join its roster. Now through May 23, athletes, coaches, friends and family members can nominate candidates through an online submission. Those selected, along with the eight returning athletes from last year, will be invited to attend the Dexcom U Signing Day Camp this summer, hosted by Dexcom Warrior and Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. https://www.hmenews.com/article/dexcom-u-returns-for-fourth-season
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The Overlooked Challenges of Women with type 1 diabetes, with Courtney Pickett
04/29/2025
The Overlooked Challenges of Women with type 1 diabetes, with Courtney Pickett
Research is finally focusing on women with type 1 – hormones, periods, menopause. But there’s not a lot of guidance or conclusions yet. So what can you do to feel good now? I’m talking to Courtney Pickett this week – she lives with type 1, was a labor and delivery nurse, and is the founder of The CP Table, a holistic health coaching company. We’ll get her takes on everything from food, to frustration of cyclical blood sugar fluctuations, the pressure to be perfect and more. As Courtney says, women’s bodies are bad ass! This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. More about Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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G7 15-Day Approval: Dexcom’s Jake Leach Answers Your Questions
04/22/2025
G7 15-Day Approval: Dexcom’s Jake Leach Answers Your Questions
Dexcom G7 gets FDA approval for 15-day wear. It’s in adults-only and should hit the market in the second half of this year. I’m talking to Chief Operating Officer Jake Leach about this newest advance for Dexcom, why they didn’t go for pediatric approval, their partnership with sleep ring company Oura, what else is coming this year from Dexcom and I’m asking a lot of your questions. Read the This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News.. GLP-1 for T1D trials, Ozempic pill, Dexcom 15-day sensor, type 5 diabetes, and more!
04/18/2025
In the News.. GLP-1 for T1D trials, Ozempic pill, Dexcom 15-day sensor, type 5 diabetes, and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: Eli Lilly will start a lcinical trial for tirzepatide for people with type 1 diabetes, more details on Dexcom's 15 day G7 sensor, Ozepmic pill form tested, type 5 diabetes identified and more! Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links: 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. XX Our top story this week.. Eli Lilly takes the first steps toward getting tirzepatide approved for people with type 1 diabetes. Tirzepatide is sold under the brand names Mounjaro for type 2 and Zepbound for obesity. The main purpose of this study is to find out how well and how safely tirzepatide works in adults who have type 1 diabetes and obesity or are overweight. Participation in the study will last about 49 weeks. Official Title A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide Once Weekly Compared to Placebo in Adult Participants With Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity or Overweight This is a big deal because, even though many people with type 1 are able to get a prescription for tirzepatide, it’s not approved for T1D and so insurers won’t usually cover it. XX The use of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound in people with type 1 diabetes has risen sharply over the past decade, a new study finds, even though there’s little information on the drugs’ safety and effectiveness for the condition. The family of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists includes drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Victoza. But the clinical trials of these medications specifically excluded people with type 1 diabetes, who are dependent on the hormone insulin to survive because they can’t make enough of their own. Drugmakers feared that using the GLP-1 medications with insulin might raise the chance of dangerously low blood sugar events, or hypoglycemia, and were unwilling to take the risk of studying them in people with type 1. For the study, which was published last month in the journal Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, researchers at Johns Hopkins University reviewed the medical records of more than 200,000 people with type 1 diabetes from 2008 to 2023. They grouped the data in three-year periods, starting with October 2008 to September 2011 and ending with October 2020 to September 2023. GLP-1 medication use spiked, as well. Among adults with the highest category of obesity, about 4% used GLP-1 medications in 2008, and 33% did by 2023 – an 800% increase. But these are anecdotal reports and may not reflect instances in which people have side effects or complications like low blood sugar, which can be life-threatening. But Shin says what’s really needed is information from randomized, double-blinded studies, in which participants are followed forward in time and given either a drug or a placebo. https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/09/health/glp-1-type-1-diabetes-study/index.html XX Later this month the FDA will conduct a final meeting regarding a new, investigational compound (sotagliflozin) soda-GLIFF-a-zin that has been shown to Improve QoL and Reduce Long-term Complications for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The patient advocacy group Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD.org) is working to inform the T1D community about sotagliflozin - and to encourage people to sign a Change.org petition directed towards FDA. Last fall, the FDA declined to approve sotagliflozin due to concerns about a potential increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), despite this being a condition that people with T1D on insulin face and manage daily. While TCOYD respects FDA’s caution, the group stands by T1D patients and their physicians who, as a team, balance risks and benefits every day. XX Dexcom receives FDA approval for it’s G7 with 15 day wear. We have an interview with Chief Operating Officer Jake Leach coming up on Tuesday – we talk about the planned roll out of this sensor, what else has changed, and the fine print in the press release – it says “A study was conducted to assess the sensor life where 73.9% of sensors lasted the full 15 days. When using the product per package labeling, approximately 26% of sensors may not last for the full 15 days. https://investors.dexcom.com/news/news-details/2025/Dexcom-G7-15-Day-Receives-FDA-Clearance-the-Longest-Lasting-Wearable-and-Most-Accurate-CGM-System/default.aspx?utm_source=www.diabetech.info&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=dexcom-g7-15-day-sensor-gets-fda-cleared-but-will-it-actually-last-that-long XX Glucotrack is joining something called FORGETDIABETES bionic pancreas initiative, - this is an European Union project that aims to develop a long-term automated insulin delivery system for type 1 diabetes patients. Glucotrack's Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor (CBGM) will be integrated into the system to provide real-time glucose readings. The initiative's goal is to create a bionic invisible pancreas that eliminates the need for therapeutic actions and reduces psychological burden. The architecture of BIP encompasses a ground-breaking, lifelong lasting implanted ip glucose nanosensor; a radically novel ip hormone delivery pump, with unique non-invasive hormone refill with a magnetic docking pill and non-invasive wireless battery recharge; an intelligent closed-loop hormone dosing algorithm, optimized for ip sensing and delivery, individualized, adaptive and equipped with advanced self-diagnostic algorithms. Pump refilling through a weekly oral recyclable drug pill will free T1D subjects from the burden of pain and awkward daily measurement and treatment actions. Wireless power transfer and data transmission to cloud-based data management system round-up to a revolutionary treatment device for this incurable chronic disease. key feature of BIP is to be fully-implantable and life-long lasting thanks to novel biocompatible and immune-optimized coatings guaranteeing long-term safety and stability https://www.stocktitan.net/news/GCTK/glucotrack-to-participate-in-forgetdiabetes-a-prominent-european-cjjldjb0dq7h.html XX A newly recognised form of diabetes, called Type 5, was announced this week at the World Congress of Diabetes 2025. A global task force will investigate this less-understood condition, which differs from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 5 diabetes affects people who are underweight, lack a family history of diabetes and do not show the typical symptoms of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The condition was first observed in the 1960s and referred to as J-type diabetes, after being detected in Jamaica. It was classified by the World Health Organisation in 1985, but removed in 1998 due to lack of physiological evidence. At the time, experts believed it to be a misdiagnosed case of Type 1 or 2 diabetes. New research has since confirmed that Type 5 is different. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/a-new-type-of-diabetes-has-been-found-by-scientists-and-it-doesnt-show-the-typical-symptoms-of-type-1-or-type-2/articleshow/120276658.cms?from=mdr XX Oral semaglutide cuts major heart risks in people with type 2 diabetes by 14%, offering a powerful pill-based option. A new clinical trial, co-led by endocrinologist and diabetes specialist John Buse, MD, PhD, and interventional cardiologist Matthew Cavender, MD, MPH, at the UNC School of Medicine, has demonstrated that the oral form of semaglutide significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and/or chronic kidney disease. Results from the rather large, international trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session & Expo in Chicago, Illinois. The effect of oral semaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes was consistent with other clinical trials involving injectable semaglutide, but more trials are needed to determine if one method may be more effective than the other at reducing major cardiovascular events. https://scitechdaily.com/new-pill-form-of-semaglutide-shows-major-benefits-for-people-with-diabetes/ XX April 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday warned consumers and pharmacies that fake versions of Ozempic, a drug to treat Type 2 diabetes, have been found in the United States. Novo Nordisk, the Danish-headquartered manufacturer, informed the FDA on April 3 that counterfeit 1-milligram injections of semaglutide were being distributed outside its authorized supply chain. The FDA and Novo Nordisk are testing the fake products to identify whether they're safe. Patients are asked to obtain Ozempic with a valid prescription through state-licensed pharmacies and check the product for any signs of counterfeiting. People in possession of the fake product are urged to call Novo Nordisk customer care at 800-727-6500 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT and report it to the FDA's criminal activity division's website. Side effects can be reported to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program (800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch) as well as to Novo Nordisk, at 800-727-6500. https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/04/14/FDA-fake-Ozempic-drugs-Novo-Nordisk/6841744666854/ XX Can a digital lifestyle modification program reduce diabetes risk? A new study shows that the lifestyle intervention significantly reduced 10-year diabetes risk among prediabetics by nearly 46% and increased the diabetes remission rate, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes. However, the study was not a randomized trial, and participation in the lifestyle intervention was voluntary, which may introduce selection bias. The study evaluated 133,764 adults, categorizing them as diabetic (7.5%), prediabetic (36.2%), and healthy (56.3%), based on fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. XX Chrissy Teigan is speaking out about her son’s type 1 diagnosis – teaming up with Sanofi to encourage people to screen early for Type 1 diabetes. Teigen got a crash course in the risks of undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes when her 6-year-old son, Miles, was hospitalized with complications of the autoimmune disease last year. The family knew nothing about Type 1 diabetes when Miles was diagnosed during an unexpected medical emergency, Teigen said in a Tuesday announcement. “We were confused and scared when Miles was first diagnosed,” she said in a statement. “There is no doubt in my mind that knowing in advance would have made a positive impact for Miles, me, and our entire family. I want everyone to hear me when I say: stay proactive and talk to your doctor about getting yourself or your loved ones screened for type 1 diabetes today!” Teigen shared her family’s story in a two-minute video on ScreenForType1.com, a Sanofi website that discusses how to get screened for the condition. Miles’ diagnosis made Teigen feel like she “went from a mom to a doctor overnight,” she said. That experience is why Teigen said she is “begging you: Do this one thing, and screen yourself and your family for Type 1 diabetes.” XX Dr. Richard Bernstein – best known for his advocacy around low carb diets for people with diabetes – died this week at the age of 90. Born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, he was diagnosed with type 1 at age 12. In the 1970s he adapted a blood glucose monitor for home use and helped pioneer home glucose monitoring. He published multiple books on Diabetes including the #1 selling Diabetes book on Amazon.Com “Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution: A Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars” and “Diabetes Type II: Living a Long, Healthy Life Through Blood Sugar Normalization”. He practiced and saw patients right up until his death.
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The iLet, Two Years In: Real-World Insights & What’s Next for Beta Bionics with Chief Medical Officer Steven Russell
04/15/2025
The iLet, Two Years In: Real-World Insights & What’s Next for Beta Bionics with Chief Medical Officer Steven Russell
The iLet insulin pump system has been out in the real world for almost two years now. How’s it going? I’m talking to Beta Bionics chief medical officer Dr. Steven Russell about what they’ve learned from people using the system, what they’re changing in future iterations, and how the quest for a pump that uses insulin and glucagon is going. This is a deep dive episode – I had a lot of questions and so did you. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Our previous Earlier Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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The DRI is "Aggressively Working" on a T1D Cure. What does that mean?
04/09/2025
The DRI is "Aggressively Working" on a T1D Cure. What does that mean?
The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) is focused on curing and preventing diabetes. We’re checking in to see what’s on their radar. Safer islet cell Transplant Options Without Harsh Drugs, smarter devices to protect islets and what they call Quantum Leap projects. I’m talking with Dr. Matthias von Herrath, Scientific Director of DRI and Michael Burton, CEO of Diabetes Research Institute Foundation More More This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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GlucoSense is on a Mission to Simplify T1D Management
04/01/2025
GlucoSense is on a Mission to Simplify T1D Management
During his final exams at Georgia Tech, Jonathan Fitch had a seizure. He was fine, but it was a frightening wake up call – he says – that managing T1D reactively wasn’t enough. An industrial engineering student he pivoted a creating an all in one app designed to help people stay ahead of diabetes. What does that mean? How does it work? We’re talking about .. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. More info Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News.. FDA warns Dexcom, Inreda dual-chambered pump, using insulin with GLP-1 meds studied, and more!
03/28/2025
In the News.. FDA warns Dexcom, Inreda dual-chambered pump, using insulin with GLP-1 meds studied, and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: Learning more about the FDA letter sent to Dexcom, news from ATTD including a bihormonal pump from a Dutch company, time in tight range update, more studies about using insulin and GLP-1 medications, eating chili to prevent gestational diabetes (really!) and more.. Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links: 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. XX Our top story this week: Dexcom Dive Brief: A warning letter posted Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration revealed quality control issues with Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitors. The FDA raised concerns with a design change to a component used in the resistance layer of Dexcom’s sensors. The sensors with the new component were less accurate than those with the original component, according to the warning letter. Dexcom has ceased distribution of G7 sensors with the component, but the company’s response did not address affected G6 sensors. J.P. Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus wrote in a research note Tuesday that the letter concerns a chemical compound that the sensor wire is dipped in. Dexcom began producing the compound internally to add redundancy to its supply chain. Dive Insight: Dexcom Chief Operating Officer Jake Leach said in an interview with MedTech Dive last week that the company does not expect the warning letter to affect future product approvals, including a 15-day version of its G7 CGM, and there’s no need yet to recall products. Dexcom has submitted the device to the FDA and anticipates a launch in the second half of the year. Marcus, after speaking to company leadership and a quality control expert, wrote that many of the issues outlined in the letter could be addressed quickly. He added that the warning letter could explain minor delays in approval to the 15-day sensor, but Dexcom is still within the 90-day window for a 510(k) submission. “While there’s always a risk this could impede future product approvals,” Marcus wrote, “we do not expect this to materially delay the 15 day G7 sensor approval.” The warning letter followed an FDA inspection last year of Dexcom’s facilities in San Diego and Mesa, Arizona. Marcus wrote that after the FDA requested additional information and a separate 510(k), Dexcom stopped in-sourcing the compound and reverted back to the external supplier. Dexcom’s devices were misbranded because the company did not submit a premarket notification to the FDA before making major changes to the sensors, according to the warning letter. The sensors with the changed coating “cause higher risks for users who rely on the sensors to dose insulin or make other diabetes treatment decisions,” the letter said. The FDA raised other concerns in the warning letter, including procedures to monitor the glucose and acetaminophen concentrations used in testing of the G6 and G7 CGMs. The FDA also cited problems with Dexcom’s handling last year of a deficiency in its G6 sensors with dissolved oxygen content values, a key input for measuring blood glucose levels. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-warning-letter-cgm-coating-change/743597/ XX Lots of studies and info out of the recent ATTD conference. One highlight that has been sort of under the radar: a Dutch company has been using a Bihormonal fully closed-loop system for the treatment of type 1 diabetes in the real world. This is a company called Inreda (in-RAY-duh). The Inreda AP® is an automatic system (closed loop) and independently regulates the blood glucose level by administering insulin and glucagon. The AP5 is certified in Europe and is being used in multiple studies and projects. The AP®6 is currently under development. https://www.inredadiabetic.nl/en/discover-the-ap/ XX Let’s talk about time in tight range. If you follow me and diabetes connections on social, you likely saw a video I made about this – it blew up last week. If not.. time in range has been a metric for a short while now.. in 2019 there was a consensus report advising a goal of 70% of time in the 70-180 mg/dL range for most people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), with modifications for certain subgroups. Recently we’ve been hearing more about 70-140 mg/dL — for longer periods as “time in tight range (TiTR).” At ATTD there was more talk about calling that range TING, or “time in normal glycemia. There’s a great writeup that I’ll link up from the great Miriam Tucker on Medscape about a debate that happened at ATTD. On March 22, 2025, two endocrinologists debated this question at the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) 2025. Anders L. Carlson, MD, medical director of the International Diabetes Center (IDC), Minneapolis, took the positive side, while Jeremy Pettus, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of California San Diego, who lives with T1D himself, argued that it’s too soon. XX Sequel Med Tech announces its twist pump will be firs paired with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus. The twist has FDA approval for ages 6 and up and is set to begin its commercial launch by the end of June. The pump—designed by inventor Dean Kamen’s Deka Research & Development—also incorporates the FDA-cleared Tidepool Loop software program, to record CGM blood sugar readings, make predictions based on trends and adjust its background insulin levels accordingly. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/sequel-med-tech-connects-twiist-insulin-pump-abbotts-cgm-ahead-market-debut XX Dexcom's longer-lasting CGM sensor looks promising, based on presented at the conference. The trial showed that the new 15-day G7 system is slightly more accurate than the current G7. The accuracy of CGM can be measured using MARD (mean absolute relative difference), which shows the average amount a CGM sensor varies from your actual glucose levels (a lower number is better). The 15-day G7 has a MARD value of 8.0%, about the same as the Abbott Freestyle Libre 3. The Dexcom G7 15 Day is awaiting FDA approval and is not yet available in the U.S. XX Little bit of news from Modular Medical.. they plan to submit their patch pump to the FDA late summer or fall of this year. The MODD1 product, a 90-day patch pump, features new microfluidics technology to allow for the low-cost pumping of insulin. Its new intuitive design makes the product simple to use and easier to prescribe. It has a reservoir size of 300 units/3mL. Users can monitor the pump activity with their cell phone and do not require an external controller. The pump uses a provided, single-use, disposable battery. Modular Medical picked up FDA clearance for MODD1 in September. The company also . Its founder, Paul DiPerna, previously founded leading insulin pump maker Tandem Diabetes Care. DiPerna invented and designed Tandem’s t:slim pump. By developing its patented insulin delivery technologies, the company hopes to improve access to glycemic control. Its founder, Paul DiPerna, previously founded leading insulin pump maker Tandem Diabetes Care. DiPerna invented and designed Tandem’s t:slim pump. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/modular-medical-announces-12m-private-placement/ XX More from attd – type 2 news? XX Another study that says people with type 1 who use a GLP-1 medication get better outcomes. In this study, those who use GLP-1 with insulin are 55% less likely to have a hyperglycemia-related ED visit, 26% less likely to have an amputation-related visit, and 29% less likely to have a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-related ED visit in the following year compared to those on insulin alone. Although they are not approved for T1D, some patients may receive them off-label or for weight control. Pretty big study for an off label drug: compared 7,010 adult patients with T1D who were prescribed GLP-1s and insulin to 304,422 adult patients with T1D who were on insulin alone. It is important to note that the rates of new diabetic complications in one year for both groups were around 1%, indicating that these are uncommon outcomes regardless of medication use. https://www.epicresearch.org/articles/some-diabetic-complications-less-likely-among-type-1-diabetics-on-glp-1s XX Early research here but exposure to antibiotics during a key developmental window in infancy may stunt the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and boost risk of diabetes later in life The study, is published this month in the journal Science, it’s a study in mice. These researchers are working off the idea that when while identical twins share DNA that predisposes them to Type 1 diabetes, only one twin usually gets the disease. She explained that human babies are born with a small amount of pancreatic “beta cells,” the only cells in the body that produce insulin. But some time in a baby’s first year, a once-in-a-lifetime surge in beta cell growth occurs. “If, for whatever reason, we don’t undergo this event of expansion and proliferation, that can be a cause of diabetes,” Hill said. They found that when they gave broad-spectrum antibiotics to mice during a specific window (the human equivalent of about 7 to 12 months of life), the mice developed fewer insulin producing cells, higher blood sugar levels, lower insulin levels and generally worse metabolic function in adulthood. in other experiments, the scientists gave specific microbes to mice, and found that several they increased their production of beta cells and boosted insulin levels in the blood. When male mice that were genetically predisposed to Type 1 diabetes were colonized with the fungus in infancy, they developed diabetes less than 15% of the time. Males that didn’t receive the fungus got diabetes 90% of the time. Even more promising, when researchers gave the fungus to adult mice whose insulin-producing cells had been killed off, those cells regenerated. Hill stresses that she is not “anti-antibiotics.” But she does imagine a day when doctors could give microbe-based drugs or supplements alongside antibiotics to replace the metabolism-supporting bugs they inadvertently kill. . “Historically we have interpreted germs as something we want to avoid, but we probably have way more beneficial microbes than pathogens,” she said. “By harnessing their power, we can do a lot to benefit human health.” https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1078112 XX Future watch for something called BeaGL - created by researchers at the University of California Davis and UC Davis Health who were inspired by their own personal experiences with managing T1D. BeaGL is designed to work with CGMs and has security-focused machine learning algorithms to make predictive alerts about anticipated glucose changes, which are sent to a device. In this case, a smartwatch. The end goal is for BeaGL to be completely automated to reduce the cognitive load on the patient, particularly for teens. It’s still in research phase but six student with T1D have been using it for almost a year. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/with-ai-a-new-metabolic-watchdog-takes-diabetes-care-from-burden-to-balance/2025/02 XX Investigators are searching for a way forward after two long-term diabetes programs were terminated following the cancellation of their National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, the result of federal allegations that study coordinator . The programs include the three-decades-old Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and its offshoot, the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS). “We are reeling,” said David Nathan, MD, a previous chair of both the DPP and the DPPOS and an original leader of the landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Nathan is also founder of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center in Boston, one of the 30 DPPOS sites in 21 states. On March 7, the Trump administration cancelled $400 million in awards to Columbia University from various . While Columbia University agreed on March 21 to to respond to the Trump administration’s charges, in the hopes that the funding would be restored, DPPOS Principal Investigator Jose Luchsinger, MD, told Medscape Medical News that as of press time, the study was still cancelled. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/diabetes-prevention-program-cancellation-colossal-waste-2025a100076h XX XX Type 2 diabetes may quietly alter the brain in ways that mimic early Alzheimer’s. This was only an animal study – but researchers say the high comorbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders points to a need for understanding what links these diseases. XX Eating chili once a month when you’re pregnant seems to lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes. This is a real study! While chili showed a link to lower gestational diabetes risk, dried beans and bean soup had no significant effect, even among women who ate them more frequently. Some studies suggest that diets high in beans and legumes, including the Mediterranean diet, reduce GDM risk. While studies link beans to lower diabetes risk, their specific impact on GDM remains unclear. This study analyzed data from 1,397 U.S. pregnant women who participated in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, conducted between 2005 and 2007. Chili consumption varied significantly by race, education, household size, income, supplemental nutrition status, and region. Non-Hispanic Black mothers consumed the most (0.33 cups/week), while those with higher income and education levels consumed less. Regional differences also influenced chili intake. One possible mechanism for chili’s effect is capsaicin, a bioactive compound found in chili peppers, which has been linked to metabolic benefits in other studies. However, further research is needed to confirm this potential role in GDM prevention. Dried bean and bean soup consumption had no clear association with GDM. The study highlights limitations due to self-reported dietary data and the need for more detailed dietary measures. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250317/Could-a-little-spice-in-your-diet-prevent-gestational-diabetes.aspx XX
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504 Plans Under Fire: What Parents Need to Know Right Now
03/25/2025
504 Plans Under Fire: What Parents Need to Know Right Now
Disability rights – particularly those spelled out in 504 plans – are being questioned right now, in a way we haven’t seen since the federal Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. There’s a lot of uncertainty, but there are some things you can do to protect your children. We’re going to talk about 504 plans – we’ll go over the basic, talk about the lawsuits, the dept of education situation, and much more. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. More issued after our episode was produced Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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Tandem Releases Control IQ+ Software - What's new? (Bonus Episode)
03/19/2025
Tandem Releases Control IQ+ Software - What's new? (Bonus Episode)
Some changes coming to Tandem’s Control IQ software… which will now be called Control IQ Plus. What have they added? I’m talking with Dr. Laurel Messer, senior director of Medical Affairs at Tandem to answer your questions about this software update, type 2 indication, whatever happened to Tandem’s new infusion sets and reusable patch pump, and lots more. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Important Safety Information: RX ONLY. Indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes, 2 years and older and for patients with type 2 diabetes, 18 years and older. BOXED WARNING: Control-IQ+ technology should not be used in anyone under the age of 2 years old with type 1 diabetes or under the age of 18 years old with type 2 diabetes. It should also not be used in patients who require less than a total daily insulin dose of 5 units of insulin per day or who weigh less than 20 pounds, as those are the required minimum values needed for Control-IQ+ to operate safely. Safety info: . Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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Teeing It Up with T1D: Meet PGA Pro Morgan Reimler
03/18/2025
Teeing It Up with T1D: Meet PGA Pro Morgan Reimler
People with type 1 can be found in just about every professional, sport, hobby, you name it. But just because more and more people are living their dream with T1D, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do that! I’m talking to this week – a PGA teaching professional who was playing golf in college when she was diagnosed. Morgan’s mom also lives with type 1- we’ll talk about how they’ve learned from each other, how Morgan manages during practice, tournament play and teaching, and of course as a recreational golfer myself, I had to get some advice Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News... Ozempic for T1D, aging and type 1, new help for diabetes and eating disorders, and more!
03/14/2025
In the News... Ozempic for T1D, aging and type 1, new help for diabetes and eating disorders, and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures Learn more about Drive The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links:
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RV Life with T1D: Chris & Amanda on Full-Time Family Travel
03/11/2025
RV Life with T1D: Chris & Amanda on Full-Time Family Travel
This week on Diabetes Connections, a look into the RV Life... with type 1. I’m talking to Chris and Amanda Stocker – Chris lives with T1D as does one of two children – and they’ve been living the RV Life since 2021. If you’ve ever thought about living full time in an RV… with diabetes.. we are answering all those questions. What does it look like? How do you visit the doctor? Where do you store everything? And why do they love it. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Learn more Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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T1D, Connection, and People Magazine: Elise & Zach share their story
03/04/2025
T1D, Connection, and People Magazine: Elise & Zach share their story
A story from People Magazine was all over my feed in February.. you may have seen the headline: "Young Couple with Diabetes Meet Online from 3,000 Miles Away." It’s a very cute story, but it speaks to the larger diabetes community – issues of connection, positive depictions of T1D in media, and the idea that googling diabetes doesn’t have to bring up depressing or outdated medical advice. I’m talking to Elise and Zach about the rest of their story. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. More about More about Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News... New research in T1D prevention, fast-acting biosimilar insulin approved, Lilly lowers Zepbound price, and more!
02/28/2025
In the News... New research in T1D prevention, fast-acting biosimilar insulin approved, Lilly lowers Zepbound price, and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: New drug is looked at for T1D prevention, a new stem cell method is tested for beta cell transplanation without immunosuppresion drugs, the FDA okays the first fast-acting biosimilar insulin, Lilly lowers price of Zepbound, and more! Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures Learn more about Drive The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links: 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. XX New research in type 1 diabetes prevention launches. Nektar Therapeutics and TrialNet will evaluate a drug currently used for exzema for patients with new onset stage 3 type 1 diabetes The drug is RezPeg – that’s a shortened version of the name (rezpegaldesleukin) This will be a study of about 70 adults and children and will launch this year. The new study will use a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) to measure the efficacy of rezpegaldesleukin or placebo for preserving C-peptide area under the curve over a 12-month duration comprised of a 6-month treatment period and a 6-month follow-up. Secondary objectives include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and additional disease assessments including HbA1c levels and patient insulin requirements. Rezpegaldesleukin is being developed as a self-administered injection for a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nektar-announces-clinical-trial-agreement-to-evaluate-rezpegaldesleukin-in-patients-with-new-onset-type-1-diabetes-mellitus-302383052.html XX NLS Pharmaceutics (NLSP) and Kadimastem announced successful completion of a pre-IND meeting with the FDA for iTOL-102, a potential diabetes treatment. iTOL-102 combines Kadimastem's IsletRx cells (stem cell-derived pancreatic islets) with iTolerance's immunomodulator iTOL-100, aiming to cure Type 1 Diabetes without requiring life-long immune suppression. The treatment was evaluated at the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, where it demonstrated functional insulin release and disease reversal in animal models. Based on FDA feedback, the companies are updating plans for safety toxicology studies and First-in-Human clinical trials. IsletRx is a clinical-grade product comprising human pancreatic islet-like cells capable of secreting insulin, offering a scalable source of insulin-producing cells to address donor islet shortages. The technology can detect glucose levels and produce required amounts of insulin and glucagon. XX FDA has signed off on a rapid-acting insulin biosimilar for the first time. The agency has given a thumbs up to Sanofi’s Merilog (insulin-aspart-szjj) as the first biosimilar to Novo Nordisk’s NovoLog for patients with diabetes. Merilog will be provided by prefilled pen in a 3 mL dose or in a multiple-dose 10 mL vial. It is for adults and pediatric patients age 6 and older. NovoLog and Novo Nordisk’s other rapid-acting insulin follow-on Fiasp are among the drugs subject to government price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act. The new prices will be enacted at the start of next year. In July 2021, the FDA approved Biocon and Viatris’ Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) as the first biosimilar to Lantus. Five months later, the U.S. regulator endorsed Eli Lilly’s version of the drug, called Rezvoglar (insulin glargine-aglr). https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/fda-signs-sanofis-biosimilar-first-novo-nordisks-rapid-acting-novolog XX Eli Lilly said Tuesday that it will offer more doses of its obesity drug Zepbound in vials and lower the prices of the doses it already sells, as the pharma giant seeks to draw patients away from cheap, compounded copies of weight loss medications. The company launched 7.5 mg and 10 mg vials of tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, which typically cost $599 and $699, respectively. However, they are now available for $499 per month for patients paying without insurance. This applies to the first fill and all refills that are delivered every 45 days. Additionally, the company lowered the prices of the 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials to $349 and $499 per month, respectively. The company, which has seen a significant boost in profits from Zepbound and Mounjaro – essentially the same drug with different FDA-approved uses – announced that the new vials and pricing are exclusively available through the company’s self-pay pharmacy, LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions. XX Medicare spending on 10 diabetes drugs, including popular GLP-1s, more than quadrupled over a five-year period and could reach $102 billion next year, an analysis by Health and Human Services' inspector general found. The findings also come as the Trump administration weighs the fate of a Biden administration proposal that would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover GLP-1s for weight loss. The biggest spikes in usage were for Rybelsus, Novo Nordisk's once-daily GLP-1 tablet, and for the company's weekly injectable Ozempic, whose spending about doubled every year under review. https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/medicare-spending-surge-diabetes-drugs XX Tandem Diabetes Care has secured a new FDA clearance for its insulin dose-calculating algorithm, opening up Control IQ for use in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The expanded label was based on data from a pivotal, randomized trial of more than 300 people with Type 2 diabetes, comparing its use to manual multiple daily injections. Tandem said it plans to present the study’s results at the annual Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes meeting scheduled for next month in Amsterdam. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/tandem-diabetes-care-insulin-dosing-algorithm-nets-fda-clearance-type-2-diabetes XX Drugs approved for diabetes and obesity might be useful for the treatment of cognitive and mental health disorders, according to a new paper published in Nature Mental Health. The study reviewed and integrated data from both preclinical and clinical studies to gather evidence on the possible effects of these drugs GLP1s and semaglutide in conditions such as dementia, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. The study found promising but still preliminary evidence that GLP-1RAs could be beneficial over a range of cognitive and mental health disorders. These drugs have shown potential in improving cognition, reducing addictive behavior, and alleviating depression and anxiety. More data from robustly designed studies (i.e., randomized controlled trials) are needed to better understand GLP-1RAs' prospective efficacy and safety profile, especially with long-term use. XX The FDA issued draft guidance that includes recommendations to support the development and marketing of safe and effective AI-enabled The guidance, if finalized, would be the first guidance to provide comprehensive recommendations for AI-enabled devices throughout the total product lifecycle, providing developers with an accessible set of considerations that tie together design, development, maintenance, and documentation recommendations to help ensure the safety and effectiveness of AI-enabled devices. FDA is requesting public comment on this draft guidance by April 7. The agency also for the use of AI to support regulatory decision-making for drug and biological products. https://www.mddionline.com/artificial-intelligence/fda-issues-draft-guidance-for-ai-enabled-devices-seeks-public-feedback XX Congrats to Mila Clarke who some of you may know better as Hangry Woman on social. She has developed a great app called Glucose Guide and the Nutrition Assistant portion of that app went live this week. Glucose Guide is a web and mobile app that offers diabetes meal tracking, coaching, resources, recipes and community to those looking for help managing diabetes. MEAL AND BLOOD SUGAR TRACKING FEATURES. 📢 🗓️Mark your calendars for our launch on February 26! 📰 Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter, so you know when these features go live: https://hangrywoman.myflodesk.com/subscribe 💥Plus, if you are one of the first 100 people to sign up on launch day, you'll get a VERY special deal. 📲I'll be sharing some sneak peeks of our new tools. I'm over the moon. FINALLY a tracker that keeps blood sugar tracking aligned with meal tracking, exercise, sleep, mood, and more. Oh, and did I mention it'll analyze your fridge? You can scan photos of your plate and it will give you recommendations on what to adjust for better blood sugar balance? https://nutrition.glucoseguide.app/ XX And finally, gold medal Olympian Jordan Chiles is speaking out about diabetes. The gymnast’s aunt lives with type 1. Chiles is teaming up with Sanofi to talk about auto antibody screening https://beyondtype1.org/gymnast-jordan-chiles-personal-reason-for-type-1-diabetes-advocacy/
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“Above the Bias” - How Diabetes Stigma Hurts Health & What We Can Do
02/25/2025
“Above the Bias” - How Diabetes Stigma Hurts Health & What We Can Do
This week on Diabetes Connections, an episode we want you to share with family and friends who don't have any kind of diabetes. We all know that bias and stereotypes about diabetes can be bad for your health. Diabetes stigma is an ongoing issue.. and a new survey and campaign looks to spotlight just how it impacts health. I’m talking about Abbott’s recent Above the Bias campaign… with a diabetes clinical psychologist.. what needs to change how can we make things better Here's the More about This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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Bonus Episode: AMA Panel with Kerri Sparling & Kenny Rodenheiser – Honest, Smart & Funny Conversations About Life with T1D
02/21/2025
Bonus Episode: AMA Panel with Kerri Sparling & Kenny Rodenheiser – Honest, Smart & Funny Conversations About Life with T1D
It’s a bonus episode of Diabetes Connections! We’ve got an Ask Me Anything panel with two incredible advocates. Kerri Sparling and Kenny Rodenheiser talk about everything from independence, to their support systems, communication around type 1, mental health, burnout and more. It’s smart and honest and funny – and even after 18 years of parenting a child with type 1 – I find these talks incredible helpful. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Learn Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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Diabetes Camp in 2025: What Parents Need to Know
02/18/2025
Diabetes Camp in 2025: What Parents Need to Know
Let’s talk about camp! It’s February but signups for most diabetes summer camps are open now and I know parents have a lot of questions. I’m talking with two camp directors, both with the American Diabetes Association, about keeping up with technology changes, misconceptions around diabetes camp, the top questions they get from parents, and lots more. My guests this week are Emily Madison and Monica Montgomery, both camp directors for the ADA. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Our Other Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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Diabetes Tech Hype vs. Reality: A Candid Talk with David Kliff
02/11/2025
Diabetes Tech Hype vs. Reality: A Candid Talk with David Kliff
When we hear about exciting diabetes tech and groundbreaking advances, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. But what’s really coming, and what’s just wishful thinking? This week, we’re talking to David Kliff, publisher of Diabetic Investor and host of The Wacky World of Diabetes podcast. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult in 1996, David has spent decades analyzing the business of diabetes, consulting with top industry players, and contributing to outlets like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. Known for his sharp analysis—and sometimes brutal honesty—David shares his insights on what’s truly game-changing in diabetes care, what’s just marketing, and how patients can keep their expectations in check. I jokingly call him the dream killer, but he’s not entirely cynical! Tune in for a lively and eye-opening conversation about the future of diabetes technology. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News... FDA warns about smartphone medical alerts, new tubeless pumps in the works, T1D at the Super Bowl... and more!
02/07/2025
In the News... FDA warns about smartphone medical alerts, new tubeless pumps in the works, T1D at the Super Bowl... and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: the FDA has a warning about smart phones and medical alerts, a few companies turn their attention to patch pumps, a new study looks at costs/benefits of CGM vs Fingerstick during pregnancy, T1D in the Super Bowl.. and more! Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures Learn more about Drive The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links: 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. XX Big warning from the FDA about medical alerts from smart phones. They’re warning that they’ve received multiple reports of users missing or not hearing important medical alerts from their phones, leading to cases of dangerously low blood sugar and even death. But the FDA warns that certain phone settings, such as pausing notifications, may cause patients to miss critical updates. In other cases, connecting the phone to a new audio source, such as a car stereo, could change the volume of the alerts users are accustomed to hearing. They have some recommendations to help, mostly just confirming alarms are working before you need them.. and I’ll link up the full story in the show notes. Reading between the lines here, it seems like the problem here may be the thousands of unregulated apps that make health claims – not just for people with diabetes. So it’s a good idea to check the apps you’re using and the companies that make them. XX What costs less during pregnancy? CGM or finger sticks? In the real word, a new study says CGM costs less… Okay, first keep in mind that the cost savings here wasn’t about the glucose monitoring supplies, it was about a lower rate of neonatal ICU admissions. In a base-case analysis in which researchers assumed all women would use seven finger sticks per day as dictated by the American Diabetes Association’s guidelines for diabetes management in pregnancy, CGM had a higher per-person cost than SMBG. However, in a real-world analysis in which women with a CGM used three finger sticks per day and those performing SMBG used five finger sticks daily, CGM was more cost-effective. In the real-world analysis, CGM users had a per-person cost of $2,747 for the CGM, $988 for finger sticks and $9,973 for neonatal ICU admissions. For SMBG, finger sticks cost $1,647 and neonatal ICU admission costs were $12,876. The reduction in neonatal ICU admission rates with CGM use led to a mean cost savings of $2,903 in the real-world analysis. “These findings justify paying for CGM devices in type 1 diabetes pregnancies, even in the U.S., which has an expensive health care system,” Polsky said future research should focus on the cost-effectiveness of automated insulin delivery systems in pregnancy. “Automated insulin delivery use has been shown to improve glycemic outcomes in type 1 diabetes pregnancies, but it is still unclear if it improves maternal or neonatal health outcomes and if it would be cost-beneficial,” Polsky said. https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20250205/cgm-may-lead-to-lower-health-care-costs-for-pregnant-women-with-type-1-diabetes XX Couple of interesting comments from Medtronic at the recent JP Morgan Chase conference. The CEO says he company is “mainly a type 1 business, moving into type 2,” He says stated that their patch pumps program remains dynamic.. Medtronic expects its 800-series pump to come in at around half the size of the latest-generation 780G. The post says the company plans for a pivotal study in 2025. Potential features could include extended reservoirs and extended-wear sets, plus a brand-new Android/iOS app. XX Beta Bionics also says they’re working on a tubeless patch that they plan to launch in 2027. The company the device has two parts. One reusable component holds the electronics that operate the device and motor. A second disposable part includes an adhesive patch, insulin reservoir, insertion device, and the cannula used to deliver insulin. Beta Bionics said the pump is planned for use in people with type 1 diabetes and later will expand its use for people with type 2. The company also reported it is continuing work on an AID system that would, in addition to using insulin to lower blood sugar, also contain glucagon to raise blood sugar. is being conducted into systems, but none are available yet for people with diabetes. https://diatribe.org/diabetes-technology/tech-watch-diabetes-tech-news XX New approval for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Susvimo is the “first and only FDA-approved treatment shown to maintain vision in people with DME with fewer treatments than standard-of-care eye injections,” the release said. This is the second indication for Susvimo, which is also approved for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20250204/fda-approves-susvimo-for-diabetic-macular-edema XX How about this one… drinking ketones improves heart health, a new small-scale study from the University of Portsmouth has found. This is the first time people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been given a drink with ketone esters - a supplement that is meant to plunge your system into ketosis - to monitor the effect on the heart. Ketosis is the metabolic state where your body is forced to burn fats instead of carbohydrates. but more research is needed because we only assessed participants on the day, which means we have no idea what the chronic impact of drinking ketones would be." The study was carried out after research showed The drug SGLT2i was used to lower glucose in patients with diabetes and longitudinal studies were showing that it was inadvertently protecting the heart. The hypothesis was that the drug induces ketosis and the heart was using ketones, which improved heart health, but the evidence for this was limited so our research set out to prove the connection." https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250205/Drinking-ketones-improves-heart-health-for-people-with-type-2-diabetes.aspx XX Another pump wants into the EU. Modular Medical looks to obtain a CE mark in the first quarter of 2026. The patch pump, MODD1, got FDA clearance last fall. The company says it will be available early this year.. but I haven’t heard much about it since the approval. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/modular-medical-step-forward-ce-mark/ XX New CGM system with a reusable applicator and rechargeable wearable transmitter moves forward. Trinity Biotech announced new pre-pivotal clinical data. This company is based in Ireland and is looking for iCGM approval down the road.. hoping to file with the FDA in 2026. XX Body-weight cycling (also known as yo-yo dieting) has been shown to significantly increase the risk of kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes, regardless of body mass index (BMI) and other traditional risk factors. This is a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Participants with greater weight fluctuations experienced a 40% decline in kidney health from baseline values XX Eli Lilly’s profit doubled in the fourth quarter, propelled by its hot-selling diabetes and obesity treatments, and the drugmaker came out with a mostly better-than-expected 2025 forecast. Overall, Lilly’s quarterly profit swelled to $4.41 billion. https://apnews.com/article/eli-lilly-fourth-quarter-mounjaro-zepbound-ca026922525a9e3abb1b75d329628bef XX Abbott starts a new campaign all about bias and misconceptions when it comes to diabetes. I’m excited that they seem to have worked here with the Behavioral Diabetes Institute. Nearly 70% believe there is stigma associated with their condition.1 Diabetes as a Punchline: 85% of people living with diabetes say they have seen inaccuracies about diabetes in the media, including on TV shows, movies, and social media, and 40% of people felt that diabetes is often used as the punchline of a joke.1 Abbott's new Above the Bias initiative aims to help others see the world from the perspective of someone living with diabetes. The initiative builds upon efforts by several diabetes organizations, patient advocacy groups, and experts that continue to work to reduce .3 People can learn more about Above the Bias and watch the film at . https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbotts-above-the-bias-film-reveals-misconceptions-can-impact-diabetes-care-302367723.html -- When you watch the Super Bowl this weekend, watch for Noah Grey. .he’s the Kansas City Chiefs tight end who backs up Travis Kelce and he’s lived with type 1 since age 18. Grey spoke to media this week about how he loves to interact with kids who have T1D and their shared love of fruit gummies to treat lows. (sound here) Grey has been an ambassador for Tandem Diabetes and has talked about how he unhooks the pump but keeps his Dexcom on for games. -- I want to take a moment to personally send my love and sympathy to the Gaskins family. These are the folks behind the amazing Macey’s Believer’s charity. Janice Gaskins passed away this week after a long fight with breast cancer. I’ve been reading all of the posts on her Facebook page – this is a woman who touched and changed a lot of lives.. so much for the better. May her memory be a blessing. Her life certainly was.
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The Power of Giving: Can Helping Others Improve YOUR Diabetes Health?
02/04/2025
The Power of Giving: Can Helping Others Improve YOUR Diabetes Health?
This week on Diabetes Connections, we’re exploring a groundbreaking approach to diabetes care that’s not just about providing treatment—but also about understanding the impact of giving. Unbound is leading a unique study to see if generosity and connection can improve health outcomes for both the donor and the recipient. I’m talking to Dan Pearson, Chief International Program Officer, about the study, who they’re looking for, and what they hope to learn Learn This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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Type 1 Diabetes and Down Syndrome: Navigating A Double Diagnosis
01/28/2025
Type 1 Diabetes and Down Syndrome: Navigating A Double Diagnosis
This week on Diabetes Connections… people with Down Syndrome are more likely to develop diabetes than the general population. It’s not really known why.. but having that double diagnosis brings unique challenges. I’m talking to Rhonda Gray – her son Trevor was diagnosed at age 8 (2010) and is now in his early 20s. What does T1D management look like with Down syndeom s? What does it mean for independence, holding a job, all the usual concerns. And How did Nick Jonas spark a big change for Trevor? This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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In the News.. Dexcom 15-day sensor update, TrialNet milestone, Beta Bionic IPO, and more!
01/24/2025
In the News.. Dexcom 15-day sensor update, TrialNet milestone, Beta Bionic IPO, and more!
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: Dexcom updates investors on its 15-day sensor, TrialNet marks a big anniversary, Beta Bionics goes public, NFL fans support Mark Andrews and much more! Find out more about Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures Learn more about Drive The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: Episode transcription with links: 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. XX Couple of quick updates from the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference. Dexcom’s CEO Kevin Sayer expects to launch a 15-day sensor in the second half of the year. That’s in front of the FDA right now. Competitor Abbott currently has 15-day sensors with its Freestyle Libre 2 Plus and Freestyle Libre 3 Plus devices, which the FDA cleared in 2023. Sayer also talked about expanded insurance coverage for the G7, to include more people with type 2. They haven’t pursued that with Stelo, the OTC version of their sensors. The company has begun work on a next-generation CGM. Sayer said the sensor will be smaller, less expensive and include better electronics. Dexcom is also studying new sensor probes, one of which can support multiple analytes, such as measuring lactate or ketones in addition to insulin. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-ceo-stelo-otc-strategy-jp-morgan/737424/ XX TrialNet reaches a big milestone – more than a quarter million people have learned their risk of developing T1D through screening. TrialNet screening is available to family members of those diagnosed with T1D. Having a family history of the disease places individuals at a 15 times greater risk than those with no family members with T1D. Over the course of VUMC’s 18 years participating in the program, the community of T1D patients has become increasingly more engaged with research efforts. More than ever, there is an eagerness to give back to others by participating in clinical trials that could help revolutionize care for those diagnosed with or at risk of developing T1D. In such trials, TrialNet typically takes drugs already shown to be effective in treating other autoimmune diseases and seeks to determine their efficacy in treating, delaying or preventing T1D. Spencer Mannahan, a 10-year-old patient at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, is participating in a TrialNet study that is looking to determine whether a treatment regimen using both rituximab and abatacept can preserve insulin production in patients newly diagnosed with T1D. Russell, one of the PIs for the study (Protocol TN-25), also treated Spencer’s father, Zach, when he was diagnosed with T1D as a child. She enrolled in a different TrialNet study (Protocol TN-31) examining the effect of abrocitinib and ritlecitinib on insulin production in newly diagnosed individuals. While the possibility exists that her insulin production could be preserved, O’Neal joined the study because it presented an opportunity to make a positive impact on future patients. These clinical trials support TrialNet’s goal of a future without T1D. Research is underway on new methods of blocking the advance of T1D in patients with diabetes-related antibodies. One study will investigate whether T cells that have been activated against insulin can be specifically targeted, rather than issuing a treatment that targets all the body’s T cells (thus rendering the patient immunocompromised). TrialNet, the largest clinical trial network assembled to change the course of Type 1 diabetes, is funded by the National Institutes of Health through grant number NCT00097292. For more information about screening for Type 1 diabetes risk if it runs in your family, contact [email protected], visit www.trialnet.org, or contact the Vanderbilt Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Program at 615-936-8638. https://news.vumc.org/2025/01/22/milestone-in-vumc-affiliated-diabetes-screening-and-research-program-underscores-impact-of-clinical-trials/ XX Another study links air pollution to type 2 diabetes. This is from Wayne State University, and established a robust association between exposure to benzene, a prevalent airborne volatile organic compound, and insulin resistance in humans across all ages. “In this study, we exposed mice to benzene to see how it affects their blood glucose levels and energy expenditure,” she explained. “Our research revealed that within seven days of exposure, they developed high blood glucose insulin levels.” https://today.wayne.edu/medicine/news/2025/01/23/study-links-air-pollution-exposure-to-type-2-diabetes-susceptibility-65321 XX Adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes who are given the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor drug dapagliflozin alongside moderate calorie restriction achieve much higher rates of remission compared with calorie restriction alone. The researchers say this study provides a practical strategy to achieve remission for patients with early type 2 diabetes. As well as helping to lower blood sugar levels, SGLT-2 inhibitors can also lead to weight loss, but their effect alongside calorie restriction on diabetes remission has not yet been investigated in a randomised controlled trial. To address this, researchers carried out a trial involving 328 patients with type 2 diabetes of less than six years' duration at 16 centres in mainland China from 12 June 2020 to 31 January 2023. Participants were aged 20-70 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 and were not taking any anti-diabetic medication other than metformin. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250123/Dapagliflozin-and-calorie-restriction-show-higher-remission-rates-in-type-2-diabetes.aspx XX Beta Bionics has set the terms for its plan to go public, with a goal of raising at least $114 million to support its artificial pancreas system for people with Type 1 diabetes. That’s as we’re recroding, it’s likely they will have begun trading on the NASDAQ by now.. the ticker is BBNX. Beta Bionics’ iLet system was first cleared by the FDA for people ages six and up with Type 1 diabetes in May 2023. The Fierce Medtech Fierce 15 winner has since expanded its blood sugar sensor compatibility to include Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom’s G6 and G7 platforms. The company also said it plans to pursue new clinical studies and an FDA clearance that would enable the iLet’s use among people with Type 2 diabetes. The ultmite goal is to have a dual-chambered pump with both insulin and glucagon.. but I didn’t find anything about that in the articles about this IPO.. I followed up with Beta Bionics and they told me that the dual chambered pump is still very much the goal. Not sure why most of the publications left that out.. but good to hear. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/artificial-pancreas-maker-beta-bionics-aims-raise-120m-nasdaq-ipo XX Large new study estimates the size of the current US population with type 1 diabetes and project growth over the next ten years. They say about 2 million live with type 1.. about 1.79 million adults and 290-thousand children. Growth in the ten years is predicted to be about 10% https://jheor.org/article/124604 XX The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) teams up with Xeris Pharmaceuticals® makers of Gvoke – ready to use emergency glucagon. It is estimated that up to 46% of people with type 1 diabetes and 21% of those with type 2 diabetes using insulin experience at least one severe hypoglycemia event each year.2 The ADA, with support from Xeris, seeks to rectify the low rates of appropriate glucagon prescriptions by developing education materials and training resources for health care professionals and people living with diabetes, as well as through a national awareness campaign to educate people on who is at risk for severe hypoglycemia and should have glucagon, preferably ready-to-use, as a safety net. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-american-diabetes-association-and-xeris-pharmaceuticals-announce-national-collaboration-to-provide-life-saving-hypoglycemia-education-and-awareness-302355703.html XX XX Wearing a CGM makes pharmacy students better at counseling patients. New study randomly assigned students to wear a CGM during lab sessions.. those who did had a higher average counseling score during the encounter with a patient and a higher overall confidence score. There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between average confidence and average empathy, and empathy and counseling performance. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hands-on-cgm-training-helps-student-pharmacists-prepare-for-career XX Mark Andrews Bills Mafia Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews received a host of negative attention after flubbing a potential game-tying two-point conversion in Sunday night's loss to the Buffalo Bills. In the face of the online rage, Bills Mafia is again showing some support. Bills fan Nicholas Howard kicked off a GoFundMe to back Breakthrough T1D, a global Type 1 diabetes research organization that Andrews has supported. "As many of you know, Ravens TE wasn't able to catch the game-tying 2-point conversion and upset Ravens fans," Howard wrote. "On top of that, the TE has been receiving death threats and nasty comments after his performance last night. We want Bills Mafia to donate to Marks charity for [Type 1] diabetes." As of Wednesday morning, the fund raised more than $50,000 for the charity. Related Links Lamar Jackson, Ravens bemoan missed opportunities in loss to Bills, defend Mark Andrews Ravens WR Zay Flowers: Missing 2024 playoff run due to injury 'took a little toll on me' Biggest winners and losers from Sunday's Divisional Round NFL playoff games The Ravens thanked Bills fans for supporting Andrews. "Shout out to Bills Mafia for showing support to our guy Mark Andrews and donating to the [BreakthroughT1D] organization, which works towards curing and improving the lives of those dealing with Type 1 diabetes," the club posted. Andrews was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child, an autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure. He's one of several NFL players diagnosed with Type 1 -- Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray is another. "Breakthrough T1D [formerly JDRF] greatly appreciates the generosity of the Buffalo Bills community and the many fans who were compelled to donate after Sunday's game," the organization said in a statement to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. "These donations will support research and advocacy on behalf of the 1.6 million Americans who, like Mark Andrews, live with type 1 diabetes." It's not the first time that Bills fans have donated to the cause of a non-Buffalo player. Back in January 2018, Buffalo fans famously donated to the charity of former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton after his win over Baltimore helped Buffalo make its first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. Over and over again, Bills Mafia has shown it will support a good cause when some spew hate. https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-fans-supporting-ravens-te-mark-andrews-after-drop-by-donating-to-type-1-diabetes-research
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Pregnancy, T1D, and Unexpected Challenges: Lauren Bongiorno shares her story
01/21/2025
Pregnancy, T1D, and Unexpected Challenges: Lauren Bongiorno shares her story
Lauren Bongiorno has spent years helping others thrive with diabetes through her company, Risely Health. Now, as she approaches motherhood, she’s sharing what it’s been like to navigate pregnancy with type 1 diabetes. From expectations vs. reality to a major stress event with her husband and even clashing with her doctors, Lauren opens up about this incredible and challenging chapter in her life. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Join us at Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Here's where to find us: Learn more about everything at our home page Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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