Podcast Summary: Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes

Episode: In the News... It's World Diabetes Day! Top stories and headlines for Nov 14, 2025
Host: Stacey Simms
Date: November 14, 2025

Overview

This special World Diabetes Day edition of "Diabetes Connections: In the News" brings the latest, most significant stories from the world of diabetes—particularly Type 1—anchored by longtime broadcaster and diabetes advocate Stacey Simms. The episode covers landmark research advances, important device and drug updates, advocacy milestones, and initiatives increasing awareness and community involvement around diabetes. While marking World Diabetes Day, Stacey weaves in her own community-focused campaign and maintains the quickfire, listener-friendly energy characteristic of her news episodes.

Key News & Discussion Points

1. World Diabetes Day Context [00:25]

• November 14th is World Diabetes Day, marking Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday—the co-discoverer of insulin.
• Established in 1991 by IDF and WHO; became a UN Day in 2006.
• Stacey encourages listeners to enjoy the influx of diabetes-related content and shares excitement for this special episode.

2. Major Research Developments

Oral Insulin Trial for At-Risk Children [01:13]

• Key Point: The Primary Oral Insulin Trial, a large multi-country study, tested if daily oral insulin could delay or prevent Type 1 diabetes in genetically at-risk children.
• Findings:
  • Oral insulin did not prevent early disease markers (islet autoantibodies) but was safe and well-tolerated.
  • Some children receiving oral insulin progressed to diabetes more slowly than those on placebo.
• Next Steps: Ongoing follow-up of participants to age 12 to monitor long-term effects.
• Quote:
  “While oral insulin did not prevent the development of islet autoantibodies… some children who got the oral insulin developed diabetes more slowly.” – Stacey Simms [02:02]

Stomach Cell Conversion to Insulin-Producing Cells [02:36]

• Summary: US-Chinese research team successfully converted human stomach cells into insulin-secreting cells in mice. These cells mimicked natural pancreatic beta cells and controlled blood sugar.
• Implication: Could pave the way for patient-specific, cell-based therapies for T1D.
• Caution: More studies are necessary before human use.

Maternal Transmission & Genetic/Epigenetic Studies [03:10]

• Nature Metabolism Study:

  • Children born to mothers with Type 1 diabetes are less likely to develop the disease early compared to those with T1D fathers or siblings.
  • This may be due to epigenetic changes in children’s DNA, possibly protective in nature.
  • Next steps involve validating results in more diverse cohorts.

• Vascular Dysfunction in Sons of T1D Mothers:

  • Sons appear to develop early vascular issues regardless of other health markers.
  • Researchers are focusing on why sons are affected more than daughters.

3. Drugs and Therapeutics

Phenarinone for T1D-Related Kidney Disease [04:23]

• Key Point: Phenarinone significantly decreased a biomarker for kidney damage in T1D patients with chronic kidney disease; 25% average reduction compared to placebo.
• Significance: First major breakthrough for this population in 30 years. Bayer to seek FDA approval in 2026.
• Timeline: Results observed within 3 months in a 242-person phase 3 trial.

Baricitinib Phase 3 Trials [13:38]

• Summary: Eli Lilly launches new trials for baricitinib, a daily oral pill, to assess if it can delay onset or progression of type 1 diabetes and extend the “honeymoon” period.

4. FDA, Devices, and Technology Updates

Tandem Diabetes Care: Mobi Pump & Pipeline [05:16]

• Mobi Pump: FDA approval received for the Android app.

  • Limited rollout in December 2025; full availability in early 2026.
  • Tubeless version submits to FDA by end of 2025; possible mid-2026 launch.
  • Closed-loop algorithm trials start 2026.
  • Siggy patch pump and larger-capacity durable pump (X2) in development.
  • Caregiver “Follow” app based on SugarMate coming “soon.”

• Shoutout:
  “Gotta shout out Dr. David Ahn... Tandem X2 is still in development… also confirmed that Tandem is far along in developing a Caregiver follow app.” – Stacey Simms [07:25]

Sensonics Eversense 365: Year-long Implantable CGM [08:35]

• Update: Eversense 365 being reviewed for European approval; integration with Sequel Twist pump expected “soon.” US users will start their first annual sensor changes.

Dexcom G6 Android App Recall [10:05]

• Issue: Software bug causes app termination; risks missing important alarms.
• Resolution: Mandatory app update; Class 1 recall by FDA, most severe class.
• Note:
  “The app and the sensors are still available, but Dexcom now requires that you update the app...” – Stacey Simms [10:31]

Tidepool x Oura Ring Collaboration [11:37]

• Goal: Combine biometric and diabetes device data for research, launching in 2026.
• User Consent: Data sharing is opt-in, deidentified, and aimed at broad research applications.

5. Community and Advocacy

Workplace Diabetes Awareness Campaign [12:50]

• Insulet's Survey: “The Day Diabetes Showed Up to Work”
  • Nearly 80% of people with diabetes face workplace bias; over 40% report anxiety.
  • A quarter worry diabetes may limit their career opportunities.

Dexcom’s Global Advocates for World Diabetes Day [17:27]

• Campaign: 16 advocates (age 6–68, from diverse continents and backgrounds) selected through an open call, representing both T1D and T2D.

Mannkind Centennial Al Mann Scholarship [18:35]

• $100,000 in scholarships for at least 10 young adults with diabetes pursuing life sciences.

6. Policy & Legal Developments

US Visa Policy and Health Conditions [15:27]

• Trump Administration Directive: Applicants for US visas may be rejected due to conditions like diabetes/obesity, citing potential public health costs.
• Concerns: Sparks debate as State Dept. guidelines prohibit “what if” medical exclusions; more updates expected.

7. Host Initiative: Community Commercials [End, 19:00]

• Stacey announces “Community Commercials”—listener-submitted, short promos for events, blogs, projects, or resources (not for big companies), to air from January 2026.
• Submission Details:
  “This is for anything you’d like to share… an event, a fundraiser, a local meetup, maybe a product you’ve created, a book you’ve got, any kind of helpful resource for the community…” – Stacey Simms [19:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “While oral insulin did not prevent the development of islet autoantibodies… some children who got the oral insulin developed diabetes more slowly.” – Stacey Simms [02:02]
• “Really important as they continue to roll out Mobi internationally…” – Stacey Simms on Tandem Mobi updates [05:38]
• “A lot more information this story. All these stories are linked up at diabetes-connections.com” – Stacey Simms [14:33]
• “It’s kind of a twist on, you know, ‘a word from our sponsors’ but it’s time for a word from our community.” – Stacey Simms [20:05]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:25] – World Diabetes Day history and significance
• [01:13] – Oral Insulin Trial results
• [02:36] – Stomach cells converted to insulin-producing cells
• [03:10] – Maternal influence & epigenetic study
• [04:23] – Phenarinone for T1D-CKD
• [05:16] – Tandem Mobi Android app approval and company pipeline
• [08:35] – Sensonics Eversense 365 (year-long CGM)
• [10:05] – Dexcom G6 Android app recall and FDA response
• [11:37] – Tidepool–Oura Ring research collaboration
• [12:50] – Insulet workplace bias survey findings
• [13:38] – Baricitinib new phase 3 trials by Eli Lilly
• [15:27] – US visa policy changes affecting people with diabetes
• [17:27] – Dexcom’s new worldwide diabetes advocates
• [18:35] – Mannkind Centennial Scholarship
• [19:00+] – Community Commercials initiative

In Summary:
This World Diabetes Day, Stacey Simms delivers big news—from breakthrough research and technological advances to advocacy and policy updates—all within a brisk, friendly format. Essential listening for anyone staying up-to-date with the latest in diabetes care, community, and innovation.