It's In the News, a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community.

This week's top stories: Metformin may help stem macular degeneration, retatutride moves forward, T1D and demntia link studied, lots of news from ATTD and more!

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Omnipod - Simplify Life All about Dexcom All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

transcript with links:

Welcome! I'm your host Stacey Simms and this is an In The News episode.. where we bringing you the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. A reminder that you can find the sources and links and a transcript and more info for every story mentioned here in the show notes.

Who's in Vegas? I'll see you there at the Breakthrough T1D summit this weekend.

And we have two Club 1921 events for health care providers and patient leaders happening in April – head on over to the website for more.

Okay.. our top story this week:

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Metformin may be linked to the slower progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Among people with diabetes who were older than 55, those taking metformin had a 37% lower chance of developing intermediate AMD over a five-year period compared with individuals who were not using the medication.

It's one of the leading causes of vision loss in the US and many other western countries.

These researchers now say a clinical trial is the next step.

https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-surprising-eye-benefit-of-widely-used-diabetes-drug/

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new study suggests people with type 1 diabetes may be nearly three times as likely to develop dementia compared with people without diabetes.

Similarly, people with type 2 diabetes may have roughly twice the risk of dementia compared with those without diabetes.

However, the study found an association rather than proof of causation, meaning diabetes was linked to dementia risk but was not shown to directly cause it.

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2026-03-19/both-types-of-diabetes-increase-dementia-risk

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Researchers in Japan say they've developed an insulin pill… in mice. The study, published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, tested the delivery of oral insulin by building a carrier peptide called DNP-V. This peptide helps to transport insulin through the small intestine, where protein drug absorption is usually poor.

The result was a rapid and significant drop in blood glucose, as well as a sustained (longer-term) decrease. The mice's blood sugar was reduced to near-normal levels.

Although the researchers are optimistic about the findings translating to larger therapeutic models, they noted that the results in mice do not guarantee the same outcome in humans, and that more research is needed.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/needle-free-diabetes-management-could-horizon-study-suggests

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Lilly says it's next-generation obesity drug retatutride cleared its first late-stage trial on Type 2 diabetes patients. The drug lowered hemoglobin A1C by an average of 1.7% to 2% across different doses at 40 weeks compared with placebo, and helped patients lose an average of 16.8% of their weight.

Retatrutide also met the study's second goal, helping patients at the highest dose lose an average of 16.8% of their weight, or 36.6 pounds, at 40 weeks, when evaluating only patients who stayed on the drug. When analyzing all participants, including those who discontinued treatment, the highest dose of the drug helped patients lose 15.3% of their weight.

The company was also "very pleased" with the relatively low discontinuation rates due to side effects, which were up to 5%, he added.

But Lilly has yet to file for approval of the drug for obesity or diabetes. The company expects to report findings from seven additional phase three trials on the drug by the end of the year.

Still, retatrutide's A1C reduction doesn't appear to be the greatest Lilly has seen within its portfolio: The highest dose of Zepbound lowered the measure by more than 2% at 40 weeks in two separate trials on diabetes patients.

Dubbed the "triple G" drug, retatrutide works by mimicking three hunger-regulating hormones – GLP-1, GIP and glucagon – rather than just one or two like existing treatments. That appears to have more potent effects on a person's appetite and satisfaction with food than other treatments.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/19/eli-lillys-obesity-drug-retatrutide-clears-late-stage-diabetes-trial.html

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The MiniMed Flex gets FDA approval. Thi is a new design from the company formerly known as Medtronic. It's about half the size* of the MiniMed™ 780G pump, no screen – smartphone controlled – and has the SmartGuard™ algorithm with Meal Detection™ technolog. At commercial launch, MiniMed Flex™ will support the company's newest sensor portfolio, including Simplera Sync™ sensor and the Instinct sensor, made by Abbott.

MiniMed also announced the MiniMed™ Forward Program, which allows customers who start on the MiniMed™ 780G system to upgrade to the MiniMed Flex™ system for $0.

MiniMed Flex™ is cleared for individuals ages 7 and older with type 1 diabetes, and for individuals 18 years and older with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/minimed-announces-fda-clearance-of-minimed-flex-the-companys-smallest-insulin-pump-featuring-its-first-smartphone-controlled-design-302716864.html

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Lots of new out of the recent ATTD conference.. some headlines:

New study from the UK shows that Ketone Monitoring Could Significantly Reduce DKA Risks in people with type 1 and type 2. This was a study by Abbott which recently submitted a continuous dual glucose-ketone monitor to the FDA for clearance – if approved, it could be available in the U.S. later this year.

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The first modified insulin producing cells are still working 14 months after transplant – without the need for immunosuppressive drugs. This is from Sana which now plans a study of a new therapy.. same gene-editing strategy with lab-grown, stem-cell-derived insulin-producing cells.

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Protein looks like it helps avoid lows during exercise. Both high and low doses of whey protein before exercise were effective, significantly reducing the risk of hypoglycemia by five to 10 times.

Researchers noted that the body's response to protein was rapid (within 20 minutes), which suggests taking it close to the beginning of exercise could be beneficial for preventing hypoglycemia. Though more research is needed, there was also evidence showing protein intake could be beneficial for prolonged fasting and preventing overnight lows.

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More info about type 1 and GLP medications. Researchers at ATTD presented the results of a small, seven-month study assessing the effectiveness of semaglutide for people with type 1 diabetes and obesity. During the trial, 36% of participants taking semaglutide spent more than 70% of their time in range, less than 4% of their time below range, and lost more than 5% of their body weight compared to those not taking semaglutide.

Treatment with semaglutide was also associated with reductions in cholesterol and blood pressure. Based on all of these changes, the researchers calculated that the participants who received semaglutide had significantly reduced their risk of heart disease over the next 10 years.

Other studies show that since 2020, prescriptions of GLP-1 medications have grown exponentially for adults with type 1 diabetes between the ages of 18 and 85.

https://diatribe.org/diabetes-research/top-diabetes-news-attd-2026

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Lots of talk about fully closed loops.. CamDiab unveiled theirs.. called Liberty.. which the company says it's the world's first fully closed loop commercial launch.

CamDiab offers the FDA-approved mylife CamAPS FX app for automating insulin delivery in MyLife's (formerly Ypsomed Diabetes Care's) insulin delivery pumps. The mylife CamAPS FX on iOS has full compatibility with leading continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Those include the FreeStyle Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus from Abbott and the Dexcom G6 so customers can use their preferred device.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/camdiab-unveils-fully-closed-loop-insulin-feature/

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Insulet reported data on a fully closed-loop automated insulin delivery system in people with Type 2 diabetes.

The 24 people in the trial spent 24% more time in the target blood glucose range using the system than when receiving standard injection therapy.

Insulet plans to start a pivotal study this year and aims to launch in 2028. Rival insulin pump manufacturer Tandem is on a similar course. Tandem CEO John Sheridan told investors on an earnings call last month that his team plans to start a pivotal trial this year to support a filing with the Food and Drug Administration in 2027.

Medtronic disclosed the start of a pivotal trial of its Vivera fully closed-loop algorithm last month, shortly before spinning off the program as part of the MiniMed initial public offering. The algorithm, which is designed to eliminate carb counting and manual food bolusing, achieved a mean time in range of 73.8% without manual user input in a feasibility study.

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/insulet-posts-clinical-data-on-fully-closed-loop-insulin-delivery-system/814516/

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Congrats to all honored by the 2026 National Scientific and Health Care Achievement Awards from the American Diabetes Association! Shout out to Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES: 2026 Outstanding Educator in Diabetes Award and to Korey Hood who receives the Richard Rubin award. Dr. Rubin was a pioneer in behavioral science and committed to keeping the person with diabetes at the center of research and care.

We all know how important mental health is but unless you are VERY lucky, you're on your own.

There are the rare programs out there for pediatric endocrinology and we've got one of the best Dr. Taylor Stephens is a pediatric psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic who specializes in pediatric endocrinology conditions. She's here to share what we can all do, right after diagnosis, and years later to support our kids and ourselves, if you're a caregiver or an adult living with type 1

This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

Learn more about the Mental Health + Diabetes Conference here. Use promo code "dmhconnections" to save 15% off your ticket

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

Bonus episode! I had the opportunity to talk to the folks at Dexcom about their presentations at ATTD and I wanted to bring you the interview sooner rather than later.

ATTD is the Advanced Technology and Treatments for Diabetes conference, this year it took place in Barcelona. If you're new around here, there are a few big diabetes conferences where studies are presented and news is made. ATTD in spring, ADA and ADCES in summer and a few more scattered here and there.

We'll be sharing more from ATTD in upcoming interviews with other tech companies. But today I'm talking to Jessica Castle, VP of Medical Affairs at Dexcom – she's also an adult endocrinologist with a lot of clinical trial experience.

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

It's In the News, a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community.

This week's top stories: Stem Cell Islet Therapy Partnership, "Lyla's Law" Type 1 Testing Debate, Patient-Led Insulin Dosing for Gestational Diabetes, $3 Semaglutide Manufacturing, FDA GLP-1 Compounding Crackdown

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Omnipod - Simplify Life All about Dexcom All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

transcript with links:

Welcome! I'm your host Stacey Simms and this is an In The News episode.. where we bringing you the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. A reminder that you can find the sources and links and a transcript and more info for every story mentioned here in the show notes.

I am definitely feeling better – that lingering cold is gone – but whew still recovering from non stop travel for the past five weeks. I have a great strech of time her at home, then going to Vegas for Brekathorugh T1D at the end of the month and we have two club 1921 events in April – Atlanta and Philly.

Before we jump into the news – I need your community commercials! These have been a lot of fun, I announced them late last year – your voice on the show. All the instructions it's very easy in the show notes.

Okay.. our top story this week:

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A biotech company developing stem-cell treatments for type 1 diabetes has announced a new research partnership aimed at improving the survival of transplanted insulin-producing cells.

NewcelX, a clinical-stage company based in Switzerland, said it will work with Eledon Pharmaceuticals to study a combination approach.

The goal is to help transplanted cells survive longer in the body by reducing the immune response that often leads to transplant rejection. If successful, the strategy could support longer-lasting islet cell replacement and move the therapy closer to becoming a functional treatment for people with type 1 diabetes.

However, the companies have not yet released any safety or effectiveness data on the combination treatment, and financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

The research agreement is focused on exploring whether combining stem-cell-derived islets with targeted immune therapy can lead to longer-lasting cell transplants and improved outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes.

https://www.stocktitan.net/news/ELDN/newcel-x-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-eledon-d10l1vqdofls.html

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Debate this week in the UK on whether testing for type 1 diabetes should become mandatory when children present with symptoms. The Westminster Hall debate, scheduled for 9 March, will consider calls for routine testing of babies, toddlers and young children who show signs associated with the condition.

It follows a petition backing the move, dubbed 'Lyla's Law', which passed 121,000 signatures in December 2025. The campaign was launched by John Story after his two-year-old daughter, Lyla, died from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) on 3 May 2025, 16 hours after being diagnosed with tonsillitis.

https://www.nursinginpractice.com/clinical/diabetes-and-endocrinology/diabetes-community-urged-to-call-on-mps-to-attend-lylas-law-debate/

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A new study suggests that people with gestational diabetes who adjust their own insulin doses may reach healthy blood sugar levels faster than those whose doses are adjusted by clinicians.

Half of the participants were assigned to adjust their own insulin doses using a simple rule: increase the dose by two units if fasting blood glucose was above 95 mg/dL, decrease it by two units if it dropped below 70 mg/dL, and keep the same dose if levels fell in between. The other half had their insulin adjusted by clinicians through weekly reviews.

By the end of pregnancy, both groups had similar average fasting glucose levels before delivery: about 89 mg/dL in the patient-led group and 90 mg/dL in the clinician-led group.

However, those adjusting their own insulin reached their blood sugar targets more quickly, averaging 1.8 weeks compared with 2.5 weeks for those managed by clinicians.

The study also found lower risks of certain complications among the patient-led group.

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/self-insulin-dosing-leads-control-gestational-diabetes-2026a1000729

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A blockbuster anti-obesity and diabetes drug could cost as little as $3 per month to manufacture once it goes off patent later this month, researchers said Friday, providing a major opportunity to boost health in low and middle-income countries.

Semaglutide, the active molecule in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy will lose patent protection in countries such as Brazil, China, and India later this month, and researchers identified 150 countries where it was never patented.

These researchers estimated it will cost as little as $3 to produce a month's supply of semaglutide, which in its branded form sells for around $200 a month in the United States.

Another of the study's authors, Professor Francois Venter at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, said drugs to treat HIV, TB, malaria, and hepatitis are now available at prices close to production costs but still sufficient for generic manufacturers to operate.

https://www.sciencealert.com/weight-loss-drugs-could-cost-just-3-a-month-to-make-as-patents-end

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Here in the US the FDA is stepping up its efforts to combat widespread GLP-1 drug compounding. In its latest offensive, the agency has unleashed a fresh set of 30 warning letters targeting telehealth companies it says make "false or misleading" claims about compounded versions of popular obesity drugs.

The FDA says Compounded drugs can be important for overcoming shortages or meeting unique patient needs—but compounders should not try to compound drugs in a way that circumvents FDA's approval process."

https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/fda-ramps-crackdown-glp-1-drug-compounders-fresh-batch-30-warning-letters

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Check your infusion sets for an issue: Unomedical, a subsidiary of Convatec and a supplier of insulin infusion sets to diabetes tech firms, has received a warning letter from the FDA.

Inspectors raised concerns with leaking infusion sets, following a regulatory assessment of Unomedical's facility in Reynosa, Mexico, last summer.

Unomedical supplies infusion sets to insulin pump makers including Medtronic, Tandem Diabetes Care and Beta Bionics. In a Feb. 3 statement, Convatec said the letter focuses on reporting procedures and quality protocols and does not place restrictions on producing, marketing or distributing any of Unomedical's products.

Unomedical told the FDA in its responses that it plans to conduct a retrospective review of complaints involving serious injury or death by January and conduct additional training on complaint handling by May.

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/fda-warns-insulin-infusion-set-maker-unomedical-over-leaks-mishandled-comp/813503/

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Nearly four in ten people with type 2 diabetes do not take their medications as prescribed, according to a new research review published in Diabetologia in November 2025.

Researchers examined existing studies on medication adherence, including how often patients miss doses, why it happens, and what strategies may help. They estimated that about 38% of patients with type 2 diabetes are not fully adherent to their medications.

Adherence rates vary depending on the type of medication. About 63% to 68% of patients take oral glucose-lowering drugs as directed, while adherence drops to 43% to 54% for injectable GLP-1 medications and 41% to 64% for insulin.

Poor adherence can lead to serious consequences. One retrospective study cited in the review found that patients who consistently took their glucose-lowering medications had a 31% lower risk of hospitalization or emergency department visits.

The review also highlighted ways to improve adherence. Simplifying medication routines can help, such as using fixed-dose combination pills, which combine multiple drugs into a single tablet. Studies show these combinations are linked to better adherence and improved blood sugar control.

Pharmacists can also play an important role by providing education, reviewing medications, setting up reminders, and helping patients organize their treatment plans. The researchers noted that support should be tailored to each patient. Older adults may benefit from simpler systems and caregiver support, while younger patients may respond better to digital tools like app-based reminders.

The authors also found that measuring adherence is challenging and recommend using multiple methods, such as pharmacy records, patient interviews, and objective tests when possible.

Overall, the review concludes that personalized, multi-step approaches lasting at least three months are most effective in helping people with type 2 diabetes stay on track with their medications.

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/type-2-diabetes-medication-adherence-rates-remain-low-and-pharmacists-can-help

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New clinical trial shows metformin does not directly reverse insulin resistance in people with type 1 diabetes. Instead, it lowers the total amount of insulin required to keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range.

The findings, published in Nature Communications, challenge long-held assumptions about how metformin works in type 1 diabetes. The results may help physicians refine treatment strategies and reduce the daily demands placed on people who rely solely on insulin therapy.

"Insulin resistance is a growing problem in type 1 diabetes. Not only does it make regulating blood sugar levels difficult, but it is an underappreciated risk factor for heart disease, which is one of the biggest causes of health complications and deaths in those with type 1 diabetes," says Dr. Jennifer Snaith, endocrinologist and co-lead of the study.

https://scitechdaily.com/groundbreaking-trial-reveals-unexpected-benefit-of-metformin-in-type-1-diabetes/

Tech news ahead, including updates from Sensonics, Dexcom & Tandem.. right after this….

Back ot the wnews..

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Sensonics shares that it's secured FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) for its self-powered, battery-enabled Gemini sensor. It enrolled the first patients in the IDE trial and expects to complete that in the second half of 2026.

Gemini builds on the implanted CGM to put the transmitter under the skin as well as the sensor.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/senseonics-q4-2025-ide-gemini-cgm/

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Medtronic Diabetes is now officially MiniMid, a stand alone public company. Medtronic acquired MiniMed 25 years ago announed last May that it would spin its diabetes business off. In their statement the company points out that MiniMed is the only diabetes tech company to sell both insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/medtronics-diabetes-unit-minimed-valued-at-53-billion-as-shares-fall-in-nasdaq-debut-4547518

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Kevin Sayer heads back to Dexcom.. The former CEO is back in his position as executive chair of the Board, he'd stepped away for a medical leave.

Dexcom (Nasdaq:DXCM) announced today in an SEC filing that former CEO Kevin Sayer has returned from his leave of absence. Sayer's return to the board comes just days after Dexcom announced a new board member. Last week, the company announced that it added Google SVP, Platforms and Devices, Rick Osterloh, to its board as well.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/kevin-sayer-returns-dexcom-board-chair/

SAN DIEGO - DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM) announced the appointment of Rick Osterloh to its Board of Directors, effective today, according to a press release statement.

Osterloh serves as Senior Vice President, Platforms & Devices at Google, where he oversees Android, Google Play, Chrome, and Google's hardware portfolio including Pixel phones, Google Nest devices, and Fitbit wearables. He has held this position since 2016.

https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/dexcom-appoints-google-executive-rick-osterloh-to-board-93CH-4529662

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Sequel Med Tech announced broad national availability of its twiist™ Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System powered by Tidepool. After U.S. FDA clearance in 2024 and a controlled launch to optimize the twiist experience, the system is now fully available nationwide.

The release says: Built on Sequel's proprietary iiSure™ Technology, the system enables earlier detection of delivery issues, alerting users to blockages up to nine times faster than other AID systems1, potentially reducing the risk of unexplained high glucose and giving you time to take action before experiencing severe high blood sugar or DKA2.

Designed to expand access to automated insulin delivery, twiist is available through pharmacy channels with a flexible access model,

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Tandem Diabetes Care's Mobi automated insulin delivery system is now available with Android devices.

In November, Tandem announced that it received FDA approval for the Android version of its Mobi mobile app. The pump, which pairs with Tandem's Control-IQ+ algorithm, previously worked with iOS software. At the time of the clearance, it said it would commence a limited rollout before the full launch — now underway — this year.

Tandem launched Mobi in the U.S. in February 2024. It initially received FDA clearance for people with diabetes ages six and up in July 2023. The system then received expanded clearance for pediatric indications in April 2024, then later won CE mark in May 2025.

Mobi features a 200-unit insulin cartridge and an on-pump button to provide an alternative to phone control for insulin boluses. It comes in at less than half the size of the flagship Tandem pump system, the t:slim X2 pump. Mobi can fit in a coin pocket, clip to clothing or go on the body with an adhesive sleeve.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/tandem-diabetes-care-launches-mobi-android/

Why don't we talk about our skin more?!

When you or your child is diagnosed with diabetes, you quickly realize the skin is in for a rough time. Endless pokes from needles, infusion sets, CGM wires. You make it work, but what if there was a better way?

I'm talking Marie Schiller and Kent Manson – they've teamed up to help with a solution now and one they're working on for the future. The available now treatment is Site Hero – a recovery patch to help sites heal.. and – for the future - a way to scan an area and help identify better injection or infusion sites at home. This is a great and practical conversation.

This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

Learn more about Site Hero and Healthy Sites here

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: big updates for stem cell and islet transplants, new pen option for Zepbound, an implantable insulin pump moves forward and more!

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

T1D Screening info

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

Episode transcription with links:

Welcome! I'm your host Stacey Simms and this is an In The News episode.. where we bringing you the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. A reminder that you can find the sources and links and a transcript and more info for every story mentioned here in the show notes.

Quick reminder:

I'm just back from MNO DC and I'm exhausted. But it's the best kind of tired. We had an incredible time – hope you can join us in Nashville. With a reminder that we have our first Club 1921 in Nashville – that's our educational dinner series for HCPs and patient leaders.

All the info is over at diabetes-connections.com events/

Okay.. our top story this week:

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An "immune system reset" eliminated Type 1, diabetes in mice in a study conducted at Stanford Medicine without immune suppressant medications. This was a combined transplant of blood stem cells and insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells from a donor whose immune profile did not match the recipient.

The dual transplant approach both restored insulin production and retrained the immune system. For the full six months of the experiment, the animals did not need insulin injections or immune suppressive medications.

Challenges remain using this approach to treat Type 1 diabetes. Pancreatic islets can be obtained only after death of the donor, and the blood stem cells must come from the same person as the islets. It is also unclear whether the number of islet cells typically isolated from one donor would be enough to reverse established Type 1 diabetes.

But the researchers are working on solutions, which could include generating large numbers of islet cells in the laboratory from pluripotent human stem cells, or finding ways to increase the function and survival of transplanted donor islet cells.

https://scitechdaily.com/stanford-scientists-cure-type-1-diabetes-in-mice-without-insulin-or-immune-suppression/

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An electronic implant interlaced with islet cells is being looked at to treat type 1.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine worked with engineers at Harvard University to combine stem-cell biology with soft electronics.

They inserted an ultrathin, flexible mesh of conductive wires — thinner than a human hair — into developing pancreatic tissue. As the cells assembled into clusters, the mesh became woven through them.

The electronics can record the faint electrical signals produced by the cells that control insulin release. They can also deliver small pulses of electricity back to the cells.

After several days, the cells began to behave more like mature islets. Their internal signalling shifted, neighbouring cells started working in concert and insulin release became stronger and better timed.

Very early on here – and the transplanted cells still need to be protected from being attacked by the immune system.

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/first-cyborg-pancreas-implants-type-1-diabetes-nxkv8r0fp?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqeJYYUF9TMR-GgGUG92hPyog-ISeiqGIgdyaaIKKcpvhtoftGiUaaOtQeG0NWI%3D&gaa_ts=699c50d4&gaa_sig=w-PQ0ArosZSznYDSWEzt8aQg4WC0FF5ZFRt9NedO5sSTL2FyWzupH8eSG7RCy2S8TQnlHOeKCudANWm1MNI59w%3D%3D

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Katie Beth (hand) Eledon trial – aaron kowalski post linkedin.

Last fall we told you about promising results from Eledon's drug to prevent islet transplantation rejection in type 1 diabetes. The first six patients no longer had to inject or infuse insulin.. the trials continue and this month one of the patients – Katie Beth Hand – began posting about her experiences one month in, on social media, she says she's off basal insulin already and in range 99 percent of the time. She is also encouraging people to learn more about support the islet act

https://lnkd.in/e8pQ7_Y7

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This is a bill introduced last November which would change the wording on pancreatic cell transplants.

The problem is that islets are classified as drugs rather than organs, making transplantations difficult for medical teams and centers to preform due to accessibility.

Insurance companies are also less likely to provide reimbursements for treatment, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The official Journal of The Transplantation Society estimates the cost at about $140,000. The bill went to the senate committee of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in early November. No other action has been taken since then.

https://www.wtoc.com/2026/02/19/bluffton-family-advocates-islet-act-help-diabetic-son/

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Big change for the obesity drug Zepbound – now available in the multi dose KwikPen. This is a month's worth of doses in a single pen.. and it's multi dose – you can adjust it.

Cash-paying patients can get the multi-dose device, called KwikPen, on the company's direct-to-consumer website, LillyDirect. Prices start at $299 per month for the lowest dose level.

Until now, you could only get zepbound in a single dose auto injector or a sing dose vial.

In a release, Lilly said the Food and Drug Administration approved a label expansion for Zepbound to include the multi-dose device.

The KwikPen is already used for other drugs, such as Lilly's popular diabetes medication, Mounjaro – which is the same medication as zepbound, they're both tirzepitide.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/23/eli-lilly-launches-zepbound-obesity-drug-pen-one-month-doses.html

XX

For years, researchers have observed that people who live at high elevations, tend to develop diabetes less often than those at sea level. Although the trend was well documented, the biological explanation behind it was unclear.

Scientists now say they have identified the reason. Their research shows that in low oxygen environments, red blood cells begin absorbing large amounts of glucose from the bloodstream.

Their work showed that when oxygen is limited, red blood cells use glucose to generate a molecule that helps release oxygen to tissues. This process becomes especially important when oxygen is in short supply.

The researchers also found that the metabolic benefits of prolonged hypoxia lasted for weeks to months after mice were returned to normal oxygen levels.

They then evaluated HypoxyStat, a drug recently developed in Jain's lab that mimics low oxygen exposure. HypoxyStat is taken as a pill and works by causing hemoglobin in red blood cells to bind oxygen more tightly, limiting the amount delivered to tissues. In mouse models of diabetes, the medication completely reversed high blood sugar and outperformed existing treatments.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221060952.htm

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Watching this one closely – Portal Diabetes gets FDA breakthrough device designation for its implantable insulin pump system. This is a system that includes not just a device that's implanted into the abdomen, but also a new, temperature stable insulin. It will work with – quote – "modern" CGM technology with a fully closed loop - and aims to deliver a functional cure for type 1.

While reports say Portal's system is the first in the US – there was an implantable pump developed and used by about 500 people worldwide, including about 100 in the US – by MiniMed. Medtronic bought the company and in 2007 they stopped that program.

Portal Diabetes expects to begin clinical trials on its combination system around the fourth quarter of 2027.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/portal-diabetes-fda-breakthrough-implantable-insulin-pump/

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Sequel Med Tech and Senseonics (NYSE:SENS) today announced the full U.S. launch of their CGM and insulin pump integration.

That's the eversense cgm and twist pump.

Sequel said its full launch with Eversense 365 makes twiist available with two compatible CGMs. twiist also pairs with the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor.

Eversense 365, an implantable system, rests under the skin for the duration of a year. Users can change its external, silicone-based adhesive daily with almost no skin reactions.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/sequel-senseonics-full-launch-twiist-eversense/

XX

Right back with a Dexcom update, and a look at which type of diet reduces insulin use overall.. right after this:

--

Back to the news..

Dexcom is watching for expanded Medicare coverage of its continuous glucose monitors to people with Type 2 diabetes who don't take insulin. CEO Jake Leach told investors on Thursday that the company has been "sitting here waiting for a coverage decision" from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Dexcom started to see commercial coverage unlock for Type 2, non-insulin users toward the end of last year, Leach said. He expects broader Medicare coverage for that group would allow nearly 12 million people to access CGMs.

In the meantime, the American Diabetes Association updated its guidelines last year to recommend clinicians consider using CGMs for Type 2 diabetes when patients are taking glucose-lowering medications other than insulin. Leach said that real world data the company has been generating supports that decision, and that Dexcom has launched a registry for non-insulin users.

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-seeks-expanded-medicare-coverage-of-cgms-for-type-2-diabetes/812223/

XX

Medtronic's separation of MiniMed is not yet complete.. but continues to move forward. The company has submitted their next pump – MiniMed Flex – to the FDA. This is a pump smaller than the 780G but uses the same reservoirs and infusion sets. It will also work with both the Simplera Sync and Instinct sensors.

Medtronic also began a U.S. pivotal study for Vivera, its third-generation algorithm for automated insulin delivery. It also remains set to submit its MiniMed Fit patch pump system to the FDA by the coming fall.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/medtronic-submits-minimed-flex-fda-q3/

XX

A study modelling how genes may influence a child's body mass index over time has found that BMI at age 10 and overall growth rate between ages one and 18 might be important factors, as the two are more likely linked to diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease in later life.

Nearly 66,000 BMI measurements from around 6,300 children and adolescents aged one to 18 were analysed to understand the role of genes.

"Future research is needed to help identify the most effective ages to prevent obesity or poor growth for long-term benefit."

https://www.ndtv.com/health/bmi-at-age-10-growth-rate-up-to-age-18-are-important-factors-for-diabetes-heart-disease-study-11125146

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A low-fat vegan diet—without cutting calories or carbs—may help people with type 1 diabetes significantly reduce how much insulin they need. In a new analysis published in BMC Nutrition, participants following the plant-based plan lowered their daily insulin use by 28%, while those on a portion-controlled diet saw no meaningful change.

Researchers say the reduced insulin requirement likely reflects improved insulin sensitivity.

The original 2024 study reported additional benefits from the vegan diet. Participants lost an average of 11 pounds and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Cholesterol levels and kidney function also improved among those following the plant-based plan.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234212.htm

XX

Interesting little tidbit from the Winter Olympic Games.. the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was monitoring GLP drug use.

An advisory group that makes recommendations about WADA's list of prohibited substances discussed the status of GLP-1 medications, and added semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) to its monitoring program

That means patterns of use of these drugs will be tracked both in and out of competition. The finding will be used to make recommendations about whether GLP-1 agonists should be added to the prohibited list, the spokesperson explained.

While GLP-1 drug use is not currently prohibited, that could change before the next Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, he noted.

https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/cultureclinic/119770

XX

That's it for in the news!

Tidepool was founded in 2013, part of the incredible era of DIY diabetes progress, and has since helped change how hundreds of thousands of people with diabetes see and use their data.

I'm talking to CEO Brandon Artibter about how open-source innovation became FDA-cleared technology, and what's next.. including a new partnership with Oura Ring to study sleep, activity, and menstrual cycles, and continued work with Tidepool Loop.

This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

Our previous episodes with Tidepool, including the announcment of bringing Loop to the FDA back in 2018!

https://diabetes-connections.com/?s=tidepool

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: T1D in the Olympics & Superbowl, Trump RX goes live, Ozempic pill available soon, tech updates from Medtronic, Beta Bionics, Eversense 365 and more!

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

T1D Screening info

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

Episode transcription with links:

Welcome! I'm your host Stacey Simms and this is an In The News episode.. where we bringing you the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. A reminder that you can find the sources and links and a transcript and more info for every story mentioned here in the show notes.

Quick reminder:

We are just over one week from our first Moms' Night Out event of the year. While the plans are all set – the speakers, the vendors, the raffles and the fun is ready to go, it's always amazing how many people hear of these event last minute. That's fine, they're welcome! But if you're thinking of attending a future event – registration is open for We're going to Nashville next March 6-7 and Detroit in September – no need to wait. And we've got Club 1921 events for health care professionals and patient leaders in 6 cities this year! All the info is over at diabetes-connetionss.com events/

Okay.. our top story this week:

XX

Gotta be a quick shout out to some incredible T1D athletes – we had TWO in the super bowl this past weekend – Chad Muma of the New England Patriots and Logan Brown of the Seattle Seahawks

AND there are at least two athletes with type 1 competing at the Winter Olympics. Hannah Schmidt competes in ski cross for Canada – she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 12 years old. Anna FarnSchadt Fernstäd a Czech skeleton racer diagnosed in 2022 after she'd already been to several Olympics. We wish them all the best!

https://english.radio.cz/skeleton-racer-anna-fernstadtova-overcoming-adversity-headfirst-down-ice-8876699

XX

The government website TrumpRx.gov is live.. the website does not sell prescription drugs. Instead, it allows people to look up their drugs and then navigate to buy them elsewhere, either from a major drug company or a pharmacy. The 43 drugs listed on the site have prices ranging from $3 to over $5,500.

TrumpRx does include warnings that the site may not be the best option to save money on prescriptions. Each product page advises: "If you have insurance, check your co-pay first — it may be even lower."

For now, the website says its prices are for people paying with their own money, rather than going through insurance. The only insulin listed right now is Lilly's insulin lispro – and it's the same price as you'd find through Illy's insulin value program.

I looked up diabetes meds.. For example, if you have an insurance co-pay of $25 a month for Farxiga, a drug often used for diabetes, you would be paying $182 on TrumpRx.

As you can imagine, though ,this is complicated and as with most of our healthcare system, it may be good in some cases and not much help in other. I'd suggest calling your local pharmacist or checking with your human resource dept.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/health/trumprx-prescription-drug-prices-consumers.html

XX

Novo Nordisk will launch some doses of its oral semaglutide for diabetes under the brand name Ozempic pill in the second quarter of this year.

The company said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Ozempic tablets in three different doses.

Novo says The new Ozempic name is intended to help patients and health care professionals more easily recognize the available treatment options for type 2 diabetes

Semaglutide tablets have been available under the brand name Rybelsus Ruh BELL sis for diabetes since 2019 but with different dosing.

The pill is also approved to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular conditions in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for these events.

The FDA had approved the new doses based on a bioequivalence study and the clinical trial data for Rybelsus, Novo said.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-launch-ozempic-pill-diabetes-second-quarter-this-year-2026-02-04/

XX

https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/early-screening-for-type-1-diabetes-found-effective-in-children

XX

Possible new way to identify and track the progress of type 1 diabetes before clinical onset. A recent study published in Science Advances described the application of subcutaneous microporous scaffolds. These are inserted and have been shown to identify changes in cancer, multiple sclerosis, and T1D by capturing changes of immune cells over the course of a disease.

This is a proof of concept study in mice.. so very early days.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260204/Implantable-immune-scaffold-predicts-type-1-diabetes-weeks-before-symptoms.aspx

XX

A large global genetics study shows that many key drivers of Type 2 diabetes operate outside the bloodstream.

In a major international project led in part by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Helmholtz Munich in Germany, researchers linked hundreds of genes and proteins to the disease.

The work, published in Nature Metabolism, points to a key challenge in diabetes research: the biology behind rising blood sugar does not play out the same way in every part of the body. It also shows why including people from many backgrounds matters, since genetic clues that stand out in one population may be faint or invisible in another.

Huge study, 2.5 million people worldwide comparing patterns across seven tissues tied to diabetes and four global ancestry groups, then asked a simple question: what do you miss if you only measure blood?

Across the seven tissues, the researchers found causal evidence pointing to 676 genes. Yet overlap with blood was limited: only 18% of genes with a causal effect in a primary diabetes tissue, such as the pancreas, showed a matching signal in blood. At the same time, 85% of genetic effects observed in diabetes-relevant tissues were completely absent from blood-based analyses.

The findings lay out a roadmap for future research aimed at understanding the biological pathways underlying Type 2 diabetes and developing more effective treatments.

https://scitechdaily.com/massive-global-study-rewrites-the-biology-of-type-2-diabetes/

XX

Express Scripts settled the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's claims its insulin pricing practices violated antitrust and consumer protection laws, and agreed to changes aimed at lowering costs for patients, insurers and small pharmacies

The settlement, first reported by Reuters, fits with that goal, and allows the FTC to pare down a case brought by the former Biden administration against Cigna's Express Scripts, UnitedHealth Group Inc's (UNH.N), Optum unit and CVS Health Corp's (CVS.N), CVS Caremark. The case against Optum and Caremark is ongoing.

Pharmacy benefit managers, which set how drugs are covered by health insurance, have faced a decade of scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over pricing practices. While the industry has already made reforms, the settlement gives the FTC power to enforce broader changes at Express Scripts.

The 10-year agreement restricts Express Scripts' ability to engage in practices critics say contribute to high costs, like pocketing rebate payments from drugmakers based on the list price of drugs. The FTC estimates the agreement could save patients as much as $7 billion over a decade.

https://www.reuters.com/world/cigna-settles-ftc-insulin-case-commits-overhauling-drug-pricing-2026-02-04/

XX

Audio?

Congress has passed bipartisan legislation to extend and strengthen the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), a cornerstone of Federal investment in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The President signed the legislation and it is now law.

Extends the SDP through December 31, 2026, and increases funding from $160 million to $200 million annually. Strengthens overall funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $415 million. Increases diabetes research funding at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) by $10 million.

Created by Congress and administered by the NIH, the SDP has contributed nearly $3.6 billion to T1D research and has played a role in nearly every major breakthrough in the field.

A recent study conducted by Avalere Health shows that of the nearly 3.6 billion invested into the SDP by Congress since the establishment of the program, the Federal Government has realized $50 billion in healthcare savings through improved health outcomes from the use of SDP driven therapies and devices

https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/congress-passes-bipartisan-extension-of-the-special-diabetes-program-securing-critical-t1d-research-funding/

XX

Dexcom is rolling out what they're calling AI-enabled enhancements to Stelo, further transforming how users track and understand their glucose health.

Expanded Smart Food Logging including a comprehensive nutrition database of more than 1M meals that provides a breakdown of calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, dietary fibers, and more.

More ways to meal track including text search, barcode scanning or taking a photo of the meal, creating a seamless and intuitive meal tracking solution.

A redesigned Daily Insights feature which will introduce a new interface with more personalized recommendations.

The newest features will launch nationwide in the coming weeks.

XX

Beta Bionics has received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration following an inspection last year, the company disclosed on Friday.

The diabetes technology company said in a securities filing that the warning letter concerns non-conformities with the company's quality management system, medical device reporting, and correction and removals. The warning letter has not yet been posted by the FDA.

The company said in the filing that it has already taken actions to improve the processes described in the warning letter, and it is working on a written response to the FDA.

The firm does not expect the warning letter to affect the planned launch of a new insulin patch pump by the end of 2027. Beta Bionics unveiled a prototype of the device, called Mint, last year at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions. The company also does not expect the warning letter to affect its financial results.

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/beta-bionics-receives-fda-warning-letter/811140/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue%3A+2026-02-04+MedTech+Dive+%5Bissue%3A81423%5D&utm_term=MedTech+Dive&fbclid=IwY2xjawPwhDZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaUUcyYmNQWldjZ2xudElic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHouF8M3IstTyslPRgeHWUWVVdOAGOtzPWt_yNFcj9eYruqSPz3e86Iwcbpt8_aem_7q4D97vJVjHKfEwvoyUpgw

XX

Sequel Med Tech is reviewing co-founder Dean Kamen's ties to Jeffrey Epstein after recently released documents revealed new details about the longstanding relationship between the two men.

The documents show that Kamen visited Epstein's island, and remained in contact with him for years after Epstein was convicted of sex crimes involving minors. Kamen has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

In a statement, Sequel Med Tech said the Manchester-based company is aware of the documents pertaining to Kamen and – quote -

"Sequel's Board of Directors has unanimously decided to engage an external law firm to review these disclosures and provide recommendations aligned with our mission to serve people living with diabetes,"

Kamen has not issued a statement regarding his reported connection to Epstein.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/metro/nh-dean-kamen-jeffrey-epstein-review/

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/metro/nh-dean-kamen-jeffrey-epstein-review/

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/nh-inventor-placed-on-leave-after-epstein-messages-surface-report-says/3888569/

XX

Abbot reports 860 serious injuries linked to the recall of some of its glucose monitoring sensors. We told you about this recall late last year, these numbers are an FDA update.

Abbott said the sensors can provide incorrect glucose readings over extended periods, which could lead to users making dangerous treatment decisions, including eating excessive carbohydrates along with skipping or delaying insulin doses, potentially leading to serious health risks.

The company said it has identified and resolved the cause of the issue, which relates to one production line among several that make Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus sensors.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/abbott-recalls-glucose-sensors-after-seven-deaths-linked-faulty-readings-2026-02-04/

XX

Updates from Medtronic & Senseonics – and a first from Nick Jonas.. right after this..

I'm excited to share that the FDA has cleared the MiniMed 780G system with the Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for people with type 2 diabetes. Medicare has also now approved coverage for the Instinct sensor for use with the MiniMed 780G system.

This clearance and expanded coverage mean more people will have access to pairing our most advanced automated insulin delivery technology with the Instinct sensor, that offers a smaller, 15-day sensor experience.

They're also launching the MiniMed 780G system Pump Evaluation Program.

This program gives individuals living with diabetes the ability to try the full MiniMed 780G system at no cost for 30 days.† This includes the pump, the sensor of their choice, one month of infusion sets and reservoirs, everything but the insulin. They'll contact your doctor for you to get a prescription and get the process rolling.

https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/pump-evaluation-program

XX

Senseonics announced today that its Eversense 365 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) system received CE mark approval – that's European clearance.

This comes on the heels of the launch of Eversense 365 with Sequel Med Tech's twiist pump, marking the first pump integration for the CGM.

Senseonics plans to launch Eversense 365 in Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden in the coming months. Meanwhile, Senseonics continues to work toward an FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) submission for its next-generation Gemini transmitter-less CGM by the end of this year.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/senseonics-ce-mark-eversense-365-cgm/

XX

A huge shout out to Dr. Emily Blum, who just accomplished riding 100 miles in Antarctica for Breakthrough T1D! Despite having no direct connection to Type 1 Diabetes, Emily has been riding and fundraising for BreakthroughT1D for 10 years now. She is an integral part of the Georgia Ride team, training and riding many miles, and most importantly has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the cause of ridding the world of T1D. She is surgeon and deeply involved with medical innovation, with an incredibly busy schedule, but jumped at the chance to take on the challenge of riding a century on every continent. Having already completed North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and now Antarctica, only Africa and South America remain. Emily rides on and continues to be an inspiration to everyone who meets her.

XX

https://diabetes-connections.com/t1d-connection-and-people-magazine-elise-zach-share-their-story/

XX

Nick Jonas's becomes the first artist ever to wear a CGM on an album cover - new upcoming solo album Sunday Best, releasing Feb. 6.

The release says:

This marks a powerful step forward in normalizing diabetes and raising awareness for the condition on a global scale. This moment adds to the growing visibility of diabetes in pop culture, alongside milestones like a Type 1 diabetes Barbie and Pixar characters wearing diabetes technology.

Two years ago the FDA pulled down just about every insulin calculator app. A lot of them just disappeared, rather than seek official approval, but one of them – created by a teenager with type 1 – is back.

I'm talking with Drew and Mike Mendelow about the relaunch of T1D1, a free and ad-free insulin-dose calculator app. They share what it was like to navigate the FDA process, how they go international help, and what's next.

This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: UK looks at starting universal T1D screening, Dexcom's CEO mentions a new product, bariatric sugery vs GLP medications, FDA approves update to prescribing info for inhaled insulin, miscroplastic and diabetes link studied, and more!

Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

Omnipod - Simplify Life

All about Dexcom

T1D Screening info

All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

Episode transcription with links:

(Stacey Track)

Welcome! I'm your host Stacey Simms and this is an In The News episode.. where we bringing you the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now.

We are less than one month from our first MNO of 2026. Please join us in Silver Spring MD Feb 20 and 21. It's going to be amazing. We're going to Nashville next March 6-7 and we're going to have a great event a Club 1921 we just added on Thursday March 5th for health care providers and patient leaders. All the info is over at diabetes-connetionss.com events/

Okay.. our top story this week:

XX

All UK children could be offered screening for type 1 diabetes using a simple finger-prick blood test, say researchers who have been running a large study.

This is the ELSA study - Early Surveillance for Autoimmune diabetes, a first of its kind UK study. They tested blood samples from 17,931 children aged 3-13 for autoantibodies, markers of type 1 diabetes that can appear years before symptoms.

Families of children found to have early-stage type 1 diabetes received tailored education and ongoing support to prepare for the eventual onset of type 1 diabetes symptoms and to ensure insulin therapy can begin promptly when needed, reducing the chances of needing emergency treatment. Those with one autoantibody also received ongoing support and monitoring.

Some families were also offered teplizumab, the first ever immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes, which can delay the need for insulin by around three years in people with early-stage type 1 diabetes.

The second phase has launched and will expand screening to all children in the UK aged 2-17 years, with a focus on younger children (2-3 years) and older teenagers (14-17 years). The research team aims to recruit 30,000 additional children across these new age groups.

ELSA 2 will assess how screening can be scaled across the NHS and evaluate its cost-effectiveness.

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2026/childhood-type-1-diabetes-screening-is-effective-and-could-prevent-thousands-of-emergency-diagnoses

XX

At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Dexcom CEO Jake Leach says they're going to launch a new product outside the US. I'll link up that interview,

The full quote: "When you look at the outside the U.S., there are a lot of structures that are tiered. Patients have access to different types of products, so we've got a new one that we want to introduce that will add flexibility there. It's based on the G7 platform, just like Dexcom ONE+, but it has a unique experience that's tailored for a subset of users that, today, don't have access to Dexcom."

Your guess is as good as mine, but sounds more like a pricing or ordering issue than a new bit of hardware or software. Dexcom will also bring Stelo to some international markets this year. And plans a new mobile app experience for the wearable biosensor meant for people who don't dose insulin.

Leach also says G8 will be much smaller and with more capability. but is a few years away.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/dexcom-ceo-jake-leach-2026-roadmap-jpm/

XX

A new international consensus statement provides guidance for the use of diabetes technology during pregnancy for women with type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), or gestational diabetes (GD).

Organized by the diaTribe Foundation, the document was based on evidence where available, as well as opinion from an international group of experts in endocrinology, diabetes technology, and obstetrics & gynecology, among others.

This is the first set of recommendations specifically addressing the use of diabetes technology in pregnancy – and we'll link it up.

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-consensus-statement-addresses-diabetes-tech-pregnancy-2026a100020d

XX

Bariatric surgery beats GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes across income levels. This study was published this month, looking at nearly 300 patients are 4 medical centers.

Success here is measured by lower blood glucose levels, higher weight loss (28% vs. 10%), less use of diabetes medications, remission of diabetes to the point of no longer needing to inject insulin, and reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Bariatric surgery was better than medical therapy across all social backgrounds, they found, and not just in areas of higher deprivation. The ancillary study was smaller, and some of the participants randomized in earlier stages crossed over from medical to surgical treatment, and the reverse. The authors acknowledged and accounted for these limitations, along with the rapid development of more powerful obesity drugs not fully captured in the study. This was a long term study – more than 12 years – and by the end of the study more people were choosing GLP1 medications.

One dividing line: If someone hopes to lose 100 pounds, that's more likely with surgery than with medications.

"Ultimately, we need large, long-term, well-designed studies to clarify the best strategy for a given patient."

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/19/diabetes-study-bariatric-surgery-better-than-glp-1s/

XX

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have reported for the first time that a father's exposure to microplastics (MPs) can lead to metabolic problems in his children, including diabetes.

This is a mouse study, but it looks at a previously unrecognized way in which environmental pollution may influence the health of future generations.

MPs are extremely small plastic fragments, measuring less than 5 millimeters, that form as consumer products and industrial materials break down. Metabolic disorders describe a group of conditions that include elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess body fat, all of which raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The team found that female offspring of male mice exposed to MPs were far more prone to metabolic disorders than offspring of unexposed fathers, even though all offspring received the same high fat diet.

The research team hopes the findings will guide future investigation into how MPs and even smaller nanoplastics affect human development.

https://scitechdaily.com/microplastics-can-rewire-sperm-triggering-diabetes-in-the-next-generation/

XX

The FDA has finalized four new recalls for certain lots of Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors due to ongoing safety concerns. We told you about this in November when Abbott says some of its continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors were providing incorrect low glucose warnings. Internal testing identified the issue—carbon building up in the sensors during the manufacturing process—and determined that approximately 3 million CGM sensors were affected. The sensors were distributed in the United States, Canada and several European countries.

When Abbott shared that announcement, the FDA was still reviewing the situation. No recalls had yet been finalized. Now, however, the agency has announced four new Class I recalls.

https://cardiovascularbusiness.com/topics/clinical/heart-health/fda-confirms-recalls-abbott-cgm-sensors-new-lawsuit-alleges-company-concealed-information

XX

Insulet brings back it's U.S. Pod recycling program, now making it available to all U.S. customers.

The Pod recycling program, offered at no cost to customers, enables users to request a recycling kit online. This allows them to return their used Omnipods. Insulet then decontaminates the returned Pods before transporting them to a company specializing in recycling for electronics and medical products.

Insulet began recycling pilot programs in Mass and California and are rolling it out nationwide.

Insulet also has "Pod takeback" programs outside the U.S. in several international markets. These programs enable customers to request a takeback kit by contacting their local customer support team.

https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/insulet-expands-us-pod-recycling-program/

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Up next a new resource for a population at three times the risk for diabetes, but without a lot of access to health information. I

The first diabetes information website primarily in ASL has launched.

The site includes GIFs and videos on diabetes management and an ASL glossary of diabetes-related terms.

This is from University of Utah Health – Called Deaf Diabetes Can Together.

Deaf and hard of hearing people are at three times higher risk for diabetes, but access to health information in ASL is limited.

https://healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/news/2026/01/first-diabetes-information-website-asl-launches

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Novo Nordisk ended all work on cell therapies, including a Type 1 diabetes program, in October – and now has found a buyer. Aspect has acquired rights to the assets and giving Novo an option to reengage for later-stage development and commercialization.

Novo is helping bankroll Aspect's development of the assets, investing in the company and providing research funding. The arrangement gives Novo a chance to profit from the programs down the line. Novo is eligible for royalties and milestone payments on future product sales and, having handed the reins to Aspect for now, can expand its role in later-stage development and commercialization.

The integration will involve the transfer of capabilities and expertise from Novo sites in Denmark and the U.S. to Aspect's Canadian operations.

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novo-nordisk-offloads-diabetes-assets-aspect-amid-cell-therapy-retreat

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Lucas Escobar has carved a role by proving that healthcare marketing can be culturally resonant, commercially powerful and deeply human. As director and head of U.S. consumer marketing at Insulet, he has redefined how the Omnipod tubeless insulin pump shows up in culture, transforming a medical device into a symbol of identity, inclusion and empowerment.

Under Escobar's leadership, Insulet launched three breakthrough initiatives: Dyasonic: Sound of Strength, a Marvel comic collaboration introducing a superhero who uses Omnipod; The Pod Drop, which turned the sound of a pod change into a celebratory music track; and Omnipod Mango x Pantone, medtech's first color partnership, honoring the vibrancy of the diabetes community. Each blended creativity with purpose while driving results, helping fuel Omnipod's consistent double-digit growth and its position as the most prescribed insulin pump in the U.S.

Living with type 1 diabetes himself, Escobar brings lived experience to his work, using storytelling not just to sell, but to make people feel seen.

Click here to return to the 2026 MM+M 40 Under 40 homepage.

From the January 01, 2026 Issue of MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media

https://www.mmm-online.com/40-under-40/40-under-40-lucas-escobar-insulet/

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FDA approves an update to the prescribing info for Afrezza inhaled insulin. This is a revision to the recommendations for the starting mealtime dosage when patients switch from shots or insulin pumps. This is aimed at healthcare providers - the updated labeling was supported by results from the INHALE-3 trial. The FDA is still considering approval of Afrezza for kids – a decision there expect by summer.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/01/26/3225442/29517/en/MannKind-Announces-FDA-Approval-of-Updated-Afrezza-Label-Providing-Starting-Dose-Guidance-when-Switching-from-Multiple-Daily-Injections-MDI-or-Insulin-Pump-Mealtime-Therapy.html

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UK researchers have developed a calculator to predict whether someone is at risk for type 1 diabetes. They're hoping this helps in screening and in preventing DKA at diagnosis.

They used the TEDDY study to create this calculator, which right now is in beta form and only for kids and teens ages 8-18.

The current beta form of the calculator asks users to answer questions about four factors necessary to estimate a child's risk of developing type 1 diabetes: age, family history, number of confirmed autoantibodies, and genetic risk score.

The calculator has been given regulatory approval as a diagnostic in the U.K., and he's working with a company that's hoping to bring it to the U.S. in the next few months in the form of a home genetic test kit.

https://www.healthcentral.com/news/type-1-diabetes/new-calculator-might-help-predict-type-1-diabetes-before-symptoms-appear