Podcast Summary: Diabetes Connections | In the News – October 3, 2025

Host: Stacey Simms
Episode Theme:
This episode of Diabetes Connections: In the News delivers a focused roundup of major stories and breaking developments in the world of type 1 diabetes. From pivotal shifts in insulin pricing and new drug studies to advances in tech and complications with diagnosis, Stacey brings listeners up-to-date on key issues affecting people living with diabetes and those who care for them.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Insulin Pricing Updates

• Sanofi Cuts Insulin Costs:
  • Sanofi extends its $35/month price cap for all insulin products in the US, regardless of insurance status, starting January 1st, 2026 ([00:23]).
  • This follows similar programs from Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
  • Stacey’s Note: “There is no law at work here…The only legislation that has changed the price of insulin came with the Inflation reduction act in 2022.” ([01:05])
  • Market pressures, introduction of biosimilars, and GLP1 drug profitability are factors influencing these moves.

2. Drug Development & Clinical Trials

• Baricitinib for T1D Progression:
  • Already used for rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia, Baricitinib shows promise in slowing T1D progression during use, according to a new (not yet peer-reviewed) study ([02:05]).
  • Larger phase 3 trials are underway for both newly diagnosed and at-risk individuals.
• ATG Transplant Drug Research:
  • ATG, commonly used to prevent organ rejection, is showing effectiveness at a lower dose in slowing beta cell loss among 5–25-year-olds with recent T1D diagnoses ([03:08]).
  • Lower dosing reduces side effects, improving practicality.
• Sotagliflozin (Xinquista) FDA Delay:
  • Decision on sotagliflozin for T1D postponed to Q4 as FDA reviews new data ([04:04]).
  • Already approved for heart failure, but concerns over DKA risk in T1D remain.

3. Diagnosis Complications in Diverse Populations

• Genetic Variant (G6PD Deficiency) and Artificially Low A1C:
  • One in seven Black and one in 63 South Asian men (UK) carry this variant, which makes A1C tests artificially low, leading to later diagnosis and greater risk of complications ([05:15]).
  • Key Insight: “Men with a deficiency are at a 37% higher risk of developing diabetes-related microvascular complications…because their diabetes is diagnosed later.” ([05:40])
  • Emphasis on the need for targeted preventative measures in these populations.

4. New and Pending Diabetes Treatments & Technology

• Weekly Basal Insulin (Awiqly):

  • Novo Nordisk resubmits application to FDA for Awiqly (insulin icodec), a once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 ([06:21]).
  • Approved in EU and 12 other countries; would be a US first if approved.
  • Stacey laughs: “Terrific drug name!” ([06:22])

• Ultra Rapid, Ultra Concentrated Insulin (AT278):

  • Sequel Medtech and Recor partner on Twist pump and AT278 insulin, aiming for longer-wear, smaller pumps ([07:12]).
  • Insulin is five times stronger than current fast-acting; clinical trials start next year.

• Tandem Diabetes + Lilly’s Lyumjev:

  • The T:slim X2 pump is cleared for use with Lyumjev ultra-rapid insulin in the US for people with T1D (ages 2+) and T2D adults ([08:00]).
  • Approvals for the Tandem Mobi pump are in progress.

• Medtronic MiniMed 780G with Abbott Instinct Sensor:

  • Orders now open for the 780G system paired with Instinct sensor (15-day wear, no overtape/transmitter; proprietary) ([08:31]).
  • Shipments begin in November.

5. Global T1D Trends: Good News, Bad News

• Increasing Prevalence with Longer Life:
  • Global T1D burden is rising—9.5 million in 2025 (up 13% since 2021)—mainly due to longer life expectancies and improved diagnosis ([09:10]).
  • However, 4 million people “missing” globally due to poor diagnosis/access, especially in India.
  • Guest Quote: Renza Schabelia, Breakthrough T1D:
    “Early diagnosis, access to insulin and diabetes supply and proper healthcare can bring enormous benefits with the potential to save millions of lives…” ([10:04])

6. Semaglutide and Eye Protection

• Possible Role in Diabetic Retinopathy:
  • Early research suggests semaglutide (“the GLP1 med”) may repair damage and improve vision in diabetic retinopathy, but clinical trials are needed ([10:44]).

7. Tech Watch: Non-Invasive Monitoring

• BioLink Shine CGM Patch:
  • Receives FDA de novo classification ([11:09]).
  • Real-time, color-coded LED display visible with/without a phone.
  • Marketed as “needle-free,” but does use micro-needles—notable lack of performance data.
  • Stacey notes the FDA de novo process is less stringent:
    “Not exactly the same as what we think of for FDA approval for medical devices… a streamlined route for novel low to moderate risk devices.” ([12:01])
  • Non-invasive glucose monitoring remains a field to watch.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Insulin Pricing:

  "There is no law at work here. The only legislation that has changed the price of insulin came with the Inflation reduction act in 2022."
  – Stacey Simms ([01:05])

• On A1C Issues in Black and South Asian Populations:

  "Men with a deficiency are at a 37% higher risk of developing diabetes-related microvascular complications like eye, kidney and nerve damage compared to other men with diabetes, because their diabetes is diagnosed later."
  – Stacey Simms ([05:40])

• On T1D Global Burden:

  "Early diagnosis, access to insulin and diabetes supply and proper healthcare can bring enormous benefits… with the potential to save millions of lives..."
  – Renza Schabelia, Breakthrough T1D ([10:04])

• On Device Innovation:

  “Non-invasive glucose monitoring is coming. We all know that. Is this the one? We shall see.”
  – Stacey Simms ([12:39])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Sanofi $35 Insulin Price: 00:23–01:15
• Baricitinib (Oral T1D Prevention): 02:05–02:54
• ATG Transplant Drug for T1D: 03:08–04:00
• Sotagliflozin/FDA Update: 04:04–04:54
• G6PD Deficiency and A1C Issues: 05:15–06:07
• Awiqly Weekly Insulin: 06:21–07:06
• Ultra Rapid Insulin/Pump Innovation: 07:12–08:00
• Tandem/Lilly Lyumjev Approval: 08:00–08:31
• Medtronic 780G/Abbott Instinct: 08:31–09:05
• Type 1 Diabetes Global Trends: 09:10–10:47
• Semaglutide for Eye Health: 10:44–11:05
• BioLink Shine Patch: 11:09–12:39

Tone & Style

Stacey’s tone is brisk, factual, and occasionally wry—balancing concise reporting with a warm, “insider” feel. The episode is highly informative, favoring practical detail and real-world implications for listeners.

Summary Takeaway

This packed news episode equips listeners with actionable insights into diabetes treatments, tech, access, and disparities. The evolving market for insulin, ongoing innovation in diabetes tech, and emerging recognition of diagnostic challenges in diverse groups signal both progress and ongoing challenges in the field.