loop&life - the DCB Diabetes Tech Talk

In this episode of Loop & Life, we ask the question many people with type 1 diabetes are tired of hearing: is a cure really five years away?

We unpack what a cure would actually mean—from restoring beta cells and stopping the immune attack to living without insulin—and why being insulin-free is not automatically the same as being cured. We also look beyond the headlines to ask who would get access, what trade-offs might come with it, and whether the promise of a cure sometimes distracts from the care people need today.

A hypo is often reduced to one number: glucose is too low. But in reality, it can affect the whole body—and the brain. In this episode, we unpack what really happens during a low: why shaking, sweating, and a racing heart occur, why brain fog can make it hard to think or communicate, and why an insulin-related hypo in someone with type 1 diabetes is not the same as feeling shaky after skipping a meal in people without diabetes. 

We also explore hypo unawareness, the possible impact of repeated severe lows, and the technologies that could help people who no longer feel the warning signs.

What happens when exercise, insulin, adrenaline, and ambition collide? In this episode, we’re joined by Sam Scott, CEO and co-founder of enhance-d, to unpack the unpredictable relationship between sport and type 1 diabetes.

From everyday training to sports in extreme and unpredictable conditions, such as scuba diving and skydiving, we explore how different types of activity can affect glucose in unexpected ways. Sam shares insights from research, professional sport, and real-world data, as well as what could make movement safer and more accessible for people living with T1D.

Learn more about enhance-d on https://www.enhance-d.com

Teenage years are full of change—figuring out who you are, where you belong, and how to navigate growing independence. Add type 1 diabetes into the mix, and that journey becomes even more complex. Between managing a chronic condition and the pressure to fit in, it can feel like carrying a responsibility no one else can see.

In this episode of loop&life, we dive into the realities of living with type 1 diabetes as a teenager. From everyday challenges to deeper issues like stigma and the unspoken questions around topics like alcohol and nights out, we bring honest conversations to the surface—and explore how we can better support teens during this critical phase

How does the menstrual cycle affect diabetes management? In this episode of loop&life, we explore a topic that is still far too often overlooked in research and everyday care. We talk about glucose variability, insulin needs, the gender health data gap, and why women’s experiences with diabetes deserve much more attention.

Joining us are Laura Burlando, patient advocate living with type 1 diabetes for 18 years, and Martina Rothenbühler, Scientific Programme Manager at DCB. They share what we know from research, what’s still missing, and what’s coming next in the field — from new studies to real-world data that can finally help close this gap.

If you're interested in the TIMES study, you can find out more here:

https://www.dcberne.com/en/times-study/

Airport security standoffs, forgotten backup pens, time zone hypos—traveling with diabetes is a stress test for people and tech alike. In this episode of loop&life, Greta and Derek share real stories of wins, wipeouts and "left the insulin at home" moments, unpack why pumps/CGMs falter on the road, and deliver practical hacks that keep adventures safe(ish).

Non‑invasive glucose monitoring is the holy grail of diabetes tech...or is it? In this episode, Greta and Derek trace the rise and fall of “needle‑free” promises, walk through the graveyard of failed devices and overhyped wearables, and ask who actually needs non‑invasive CGM, what has really failed so far, and why the dream refuses to die.

“Trusted Until It Fails” dives into the messy reality behind diabetes technology. Greta and Derek share real‑world stories of algorithms misbehaving, pumps quietly failing, and digital pilots that never made it past the demo—and explore what these moments teach us about design, training, regulation, and the limits of hype.

If you have comments or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us on [email protected].