Episode Overview

Podcast: Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes
Host: Stacey Simms
Episode Title: In the News... Libre Freestyle recall, Dexcom 15 day launch, Omnipod & Tandem updates, Medicare price adjustments and more!
Date: December 5, 2025

Stacey Simms delivers a concise roundup of the latest developments in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes technology, pharmaceutical advancements, and policy changes. This episode covers notable product updates, recalls, medical study results, and legislative shifts affecting people with diabetes—providing essential information for families, adults with T1D, healthcare professionals, and advocates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Recall: Abbott Freestyle Libre 3 Sensors

• What happened:
  • The FDA has issued an alert related to several Abbott Freestyle Libre 3 CGM sensors, citing incorrect glucose readings.
  • This error is linked to at least 7 deaths and over 700 serious injuries worldwide.
  • Approximately 3 million Libre 3 sensors affected (other Libre products not impacted).
  • Users should immediately discontinue use if affected and obtain a free replacement. The full list and instructions are available on the FDA website and in the Diabetes Connections show notes.
• Quote:
  • "They say they consider this to be a, quote, potentially high risk issue and will continue to update the website as information becomes available." (02:10)
• Timestamp: [00:06] – [02:40]

2. Omnipod 5 and 6 System Enhancements

• Update:
  • Omnipod 5:
    • FDA-cleared updates include a new lower 100 mg/dL target glucose option.
    • More precise insulin delivery with 6 settings between 100 and 150 (10 mg/dL increments).
    • Enhancements aim for a more seamless, automated experience and fewer mode interruptions.
    • Updates launching in the first half of 2026.
  • Omnipod 6:
    • Announced with minimal details; designed for a fully closed-loop system, including applications for Type 2 diabetes.
• Quote:
  • "Insulet says this is the most significant algorithm advancement for Omnipod 5 since it launched in 2022." (02:53)
• Timestamp: [02:40] – [03:32]

3. Dexcom 15-Day CGM and New Features

• Product Release:
  • Dexcom’s new 15.5-day CGM launched December 1 for durable medical equipment providers. Pharmacy/retail launch to follow.
  • Covered for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Smart Basal Innovation:
  • FDA cleared Dexcom’s Smart Basal, a first-of-its-kind, CGM-integrated optimizer for basal dosing (Type 2s using long-acting insulin).
  • Smart Basal provides personalized, daily insulin dose recommendations.
• Integration Updates:
  • Dexcom G7 15-day will connect with Islet Bionic Pancreas and Omnipod 5 upon launch.
• Community Engagement:
  • Stacey invites listener questions for an upcoming Dexcom interview.
• Quote:
  • "The company says this is the first and only CGM integrated basal insulin dosing optimizer designed for adults 18 and over with type 2 diabetes using long acting insulin." (04:12)
• Timestamp: [03:32] – [05:06]

4. Tandem “Freedom” Fully Closed Loop Insulin System

• Clinical Study Results:
  • Small study with 10 adults with T1D eating high-carb, high-fat meals.
  • No meal announcements or mealtime insulin boluses given.
  • Closed-loop mode maintained 97% of the time.
  • Time-in-range:
    • Overall: 61% (vs. 56% at home).
    • Overnight: 96% (vs. ~70% at home).
  • Closed-loop system handled unusual meal patterns safely.
• Quote:
  • “The fully automated Tandem system is safe and effective even with unannounced high impact meals.” (05:42)
• Timestamp: [05:06] – [05:55]

5. Pharmaceutical Pipeline: GLP-1 and Amylin Combo Therapies

• Novo Nordisk:
  • Amocretin (targets GLP-1 and amylin).
  • Weekly injections: up to 14.5% weight loss over 36 weeks.
  • Oral version: up to 10.1% weight loss.
• Eli Lilly:
  • Advancing amylin-based drug to late-stage testing.
  • Results: up to 20% weight loss for patients.
• Timestamp: [05:55] – [06:26]

6. Medicare Drug Price Negotiation (Wegovy/Ozempic)

• What’s New:
  • Medicare’s newly negotiated prices on 15 costly drugs will save 36%, totaling about $8.5 billion.
  • Examples: Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) capped at $274/month from 2027.
  • Price negotiation authority stems from the Inflation Reduction Act (2022).
• Quote:
  • "Previously, Medicare was barred by law from negotiating with drug makers." (06:30)
• Timestamp: [06:26] – [06:48]

7. LifeScan Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

• Update:
  • LifeScan’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan is approved.
  • On track for financial recovery by year’s end.
• Timestamp: [06:48] – [06:57]

8. Artificial Intelligence in Diabetes Prevention

• Study Outcome:
  • AI-led diabetes prevention program (app with push notifications, education, gamification) matched human-led program in:
    • Weight loss
    • A1C reduction
    • Physical activity
  • 1/3 of participants in both groups met the primary outcome.
  • Personalization matters: AI isn’t for everyone; future research should match patient preference to approach.
• Sample push notification:
  • "Looks like you're at the grocery store. Rita want a quick list of high fiber snacks or smart swaps to stay on track?"
• Timestamp: [06:57] – [07:24]

9. Metformin for Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Reduction

• Study Finding:
  • In T1D, metformin did not improve insulin resistance or blood sugars, but did reduce overall insulin need to maintain stable glucose.
• Timestamp: [07:24] – [07:36]

10. Beyond Type 1 Launches Campaign to Fight Stigma in India

• Initiative:
  • Beyond Type 1 (with Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas) launches “Beyond Type” campaign in India.
  • India has the most young people with T1D globally, but there’s heavy stigma and lack of information.
  • Focus on storytelling, building community networks, and increasing support/education.
• Quote:
  • “India has more young people living with type 1 than any other nation, yet understanding of the condition remains limited.” (07:46)
• Timestamp: [07:36] – [07:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Libre Recall:
  "Please verify if your sensor is impacted, discontinue use immediately, get rid of it and call them for a replacement." ([02:26])
• On new Omnipod update:
  "This flexibility allows healthcare providers to tailor insulin delivery more precisely." ([03:08])
• On Dexcom/Integration:
  "At launch, the Dexcom G7 15 day is going to connect with the Islet Bionic Pancreas and with the Omnipod 5." ([04:24])
• On AI in Prevention:
  "An AI led approach will not suit everybody. An all human approach will not suit everybody. Future research should focus on best matching patients to to the modalities they prefer." ([07:13])

Useful Information by Segment (with Timestamps)

| Segment | Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------| | Freestyle Libre 3 Recall | Safety alert, errors, instructions | 00:06 – 02:40 | | Omnipod 5 & 6 Updates | New features, future development | 02:40 – 03:32 | | Dexcom 15-Day & Smart Basal | Product launch, Medicare coverage, integrations | 03:32 – 05:06 | | Tandem Freedom Study | Closed loop results, overnight gains | 05:06 – 05:55 | | GLP-1/Amylin Drug Pipeline | Weight loss medication breakthroughs | 05:55 – 06:26 | | Medicare Drug Price Negotiation | Wegovy/Ozempic price cap and impact | 06:26 – 06:48 | | LifeScan Bankruptcy | Financial restructuring update | 06:48 – 06:57 | | AI-Led Diabetes Prevention Program | Study results, real-world application | 06:57 – 07:24 | | Metformin in T1D | Reduced insulin need in Type 1 | 07:24 – 07:36 | | Beyond Type 1 in India | Anti-stigma campaign, awareness drive | 07:36 – 07:49 |

Final Thoughts

In this news-packed episode, Stacey Simms synthesizes the fast-moving landscape of diabetes care, including urgent recalls, breakthroughs in automated insulin delivery, drug development milestones, policy wins, and innovative educational strategies—ensuring listeners are informed, prepared, and empowered.