In the News... New drug tested to prevent type 1, twiist pump integrates with Eversense CGM, Dexcom U is back, and more!

Episode Overview

Title: In the News... New drug tested to prevent type 1, twiist pump integrates with Eversense CGM, Dexcom U is back, and more!
Host: Stacey Simms
Date: May 2, 2025

This episode of Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes delivers a succinct, news-focused roundup of major recent developments in type 1 diabetes (T1D) care, technology, and research. Host Stacey Simms highlights a spectrum of updates from medical trials and tech innovation to organizational leadership changes and new educational tools. The episode is fast-paced, packed with concise reporting on the latest news relevant to families, individuals, and professionals in the T1D community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. World-First Human Trial for a Disease-Modifying T1D Drug

[00:14]

Researchers in Australia have begun a pioneering trial of a drug targeting the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes.
The treatment aims to "retrain the immune system so it no longer attacks the insulin producing cells known as beta cells."
The drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
If successful, initial use would be soon after diagnosis, with a long-term hope of moving to pre-emptive use if screening programs develop.
Scale: Currently a very small study – only 36 participants to start, focusing on safety.

"If effective, these researchers say the drug will initially be given to patients with type 1 as soon as possible after diagnosis. But eventually... it may be possible to prevent the progression of the disease altogether."
— Stacey Simms, [00:36]

2. Diabetes Mortality Rates Declining Post-Pandemic

[01:10]

Deaths from diabetes in the US have dropped to some of the lowest rates in years, per new CDC data.
This improvement reverses the spike seen during the COVID-19 pandemic (diabetes mortality peaked in 2021).
Pandemic challenges – such as disrupted medical care and reduced activity – contributed to the previous increase.

"The CDC says the link between COVID 19 and diabetes may be to blame for that increase."
— Stacey Simms, [01:19]

3. Eversense CGM and Twiist Pump Integration

[01:47]

Sequel Medtech’s Twiist pump will now integrate with the Eversense 365 CGM (the only 1-year CGM).
Integration efforts are underway, with a targeted public release in the third quarter of 2025.
This is Sequel's second CGM integration after their earlier partnership with Abbott’s Freestyle Libre platform.
Packaging and user experiences with Twiist are starting to emerge; follow-up stories are planned.

“They expect to make the integrated offering available in the third quarter of this year.”
— Stacey Simms, [02:12]

4. Medtronic’s Simplera Sync Sensor Approved for 780G

[02:32]

Medtronic announced FDA approval for the Simplera Sync sensor, a disposable, all-in-one CGM sensor with no finger sticks required.
Limited US launch will begin in Fall 2025.
The 780G system can still currently be used with the Guardian 4 sensor.

5. Leadership Changes at Insulet

[03:02]

Ashley McAvoy (former J&J Medtech global head) named President and CEO of Insulet, replacing Jim Hollingshead after a mutual agreement to part ways.

6. New Mobile Game for T1D Education: Level 1

[03:25]

Level 1: A new, free game to make T1D onboarding “faster, easier and less overwhelming,” created by Level X and in partnership with Beyond Type 1 and Breakthrough T1D.
Inspiration came from CEO Sam Glasenberg’s experience after his 5-year-old daughter’s diagnosis.

“He wanted to build a game that could train your brain to do it in a matter of hours.”
— Stacey Simms, [03:48]

Future episode teased with Sam Glasenberg.

7. 3D Bioprinting Breakthroughs in T1D Research

[04:05]

Carnegie Mellon researchers developed a 3D bioprinting technique for precise, living pancreatic-like tissues.
This technology could enhance disease study and therapy engineering for T1D.

8. Benefits of Post-Meal Walking for Glucose Control

[04:30]

Recent study confirms walking after meals helps reduce blood glucose, even without a strong insulin response.
No high-intensity exercise necessary; recommends starting within 30 minutes post-meal.

9. Dexcom U College Athlete Program Returns

[04:48]

Dexcom U, supporting college athletes with diabetes, returns for its fourth year.
Open nomination for “passionate and inspiring college athletes” through May 23.
Selected athletes will join others, including last year’s cohort, at Dexcom U Signing Day Camp with NFL star Mark Andrews.

“Those selected, along with the eight returning athletes from last year will be invited to attend Dexcom U Signing Day Camp this summer hosted by Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.”
— Stacey Simms, [05:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the potential to prevent type 1 with new drugs:
“It may be possible to prevent the progression of the disease altogether.” – Stacey Simms [00:36]
On personal impact and innovation in T1D education:
“He wanted to build a game that could train your brain to do it in a matter of hours.” – Stacey Simms [03:48]
On athletes and diabetes representation:
“Those selected, along with the eight returning athletes from last year will be invited to attend Dexcom U Signing Day Camp this summer hosted by Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.” – Stacey Simms [05:02]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:14] — World-first drug trial for T1D in Australia
[01:10] — CDC reports drop in diabetes mortality post-COVID
[01:47] — Eversense CGM and Twiist pump integration news
[02:32] — FDA approval of Medtronic’s Simplera Sync sensor
[03:02] — Insulet CEO leadership change
[03:25] — Launch of Level 1, a new T1D education game
[04:05] — 3D bioprinting advances for T1D
[04:30] — Study: Post-meal walking benefits
[04:48] — Dexcom U athlete program relaunch

Tone & Language

Stacey Simms’ style remains upbeat, concise, and focused on fact-based updates. She injects empathy—especially in segments about personal and family experiences with T1D—while maintaining journalistic objectivity in relaying medical and organizational news.

Conclusion

This episode is an invaluable, efficient roundup of everything currently making waves in the type 1 diabetes world: from innovation in drug development and tech to real-world tools and research that can immediately help families manage life with T1D. Listeners come away informed about new frontiers and with resources and news they can act on today.

Episode Overview

Title: In the News... New drug tested to prevent type 1, twiist pump integrates with Eversense CGM, Dexcom U is back, and more!
Host: Stacey Simms
Date: May 2, 2025

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. World-First Human Trial for a Disease-Modifying T1D Drug

[00:14]

Researchers in Australia have begun a pioneering trial of a drug targeting the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes.
The treatment aims to "retrain the immune system so it no longer attacks the insulin producing cells known as beta cells."
The drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
If successful, initial use would be soon after diagnosis, with a long-term hope of moving to pre-emptive use if screening programs develop.
Scale: Currently a very small study – only 36 participants to start, focusing on safety.

"If effective, these researchers say the drug will initially be given to patients with type 1 as soon as possible after diagnosis. But eventually... it may be possible to prevent the progression of the disease altogether."
— Stacey Simms, [00:36]

2. Diabetes Mortality Rates Declining Post-Pandemic

[01:10]

Deaths from diabetes in the US have dropped to some of the lowest rates in years, per new CDC data.
This improvement reverses the spike seen during the COVID-19 pandemic (diabetes mortality peaked in 2021).
Pandemic challenges – such as disrupted medical care and reduced activity – contributed to the previous increase.

"The CDC says the link between COVID 19 and diabetes may be to blame for that increase."
— Stacey Simms, [01:19]

3. Eversense CGM and Twiist Pump Integration

[01:47]

Sequel Medtech’s Twiist pump will now integrate with the Eversense 365 CGM (the only 1-year CGM).
Integration efforts are underway, with a targeted public release in the third quarter of 2025.
This is Sequel's second CGM integration after their earlier partnership with Abbott’s Freestyle Libre platform.
Packaging and user experiences with Twiist are starting to emerge; follow-up stories are planned.

“They expect to make the integrated offering available in the third quarter of this year.”
— Stacey Simms, [02:12]

4. Medtronic’s Simplera Sync Sensor Approved for 780G

[02:32]

Medtronic announced FDA approval for the Simplera Sync sensor, a disposable, all-in-one CGM sensor with no finger sticks required.
Limited US launch will begin in Fall 2025.
The 780G system can still currently be used with the Guardian 4 sensor.

5. Leadership Changes at Insulet

[03:02]

Ashley McAvoy (former J&J Medtech global head) named President and CEO of Insulet, replacing Jim Hollingshead after a mutual agreement to part ways.

6. New Mobile Game for T1D Education: Level 1

[03:25]

Level 1: A new, free game to make T1D onboarding “faster, easier and less overwhelming,” created by Level X and in partnership with Beyond Type 1 and Breakthrough T1D.
Inspiration came from CEO Sam Glasenberg’s experience after his 5-year-old daughter’s diagnosis.

“He wanted to build a game that could train your brain to do it in a matter of hours.”
— Stacey Simms, [03:48]

Future episode teased with Sam Glasenberg.

7. 3D Bioprinting Breakthroughs in T1D Research

[04:05]

Carnegie Mellon researchers developed a 3D bioprinting technique for precise, living pancreatic-like tissues.
This technology could enhance disease study and therapy engineering for T1D.

8. Benefits of Post-Meal Walking for Glucose Control

[04:30]

Recent study confirms walking after meals helps reduce blood glucose, even without a strong insulin response.
No high-intensity exercise necessary; recommends starting within 30 minutes post-meal.

9. Dexcom U College Athlete Program Returns

[04:48]

Dexcom U, supporting college athletes with diabetes, returns for its fourth year.
Open nomination for “passionate and inspiring college athletes” through May 23.
Selected athletes will join others, including last year’s cohort, at Dexcom U Signing Day Camp with NFL star Mark Andrews.

“Those selected, along with the eight returning athletes from last year will be invited to attend Dexcom U Signing Day Camp this summer hosted by Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.”
— Stacey Simms, [05:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the potential to prevent type 1 with new drugs:
“It may be possible to prevent the progression of the disease altogether.” – Stacey Simms [00:36]
On personal impact and innovation in T1D education:
“He wanted to build a game that could train your brain to do it in a matter of hours.” – Stacey Simms [03:48]
On athletes and diabetes representation:
“Those selected, along with the eight returning athletes from last year will be invited to attend Dexcom U Signing Day Camp this summer hosted by Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.” – Stacey Simms [05:02]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:14] — World-first drug trial for T1D in Australia
[01:10] — CDC reports drop in diabetes mortality post-COVID
[01:47] — Eversense CGM and Twiist pump integration news
[02:32] — FDA approval of Medtronic’s Simplera Sync sensor
[03:02] — Insulet CEO leadership change
[03:25] — Launch of Level 1, a new T1D education game
[04:05] — 3D bioprinting advances for T1D
[04:30] — Study: Post-meal walking benefits
[04:48] — Dexcom U athlete program relaunch

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. World-First Human Trial for a Disease-Modifying T1D Drug

2. Diabetes Mortality Rates Declining Post-Pandemic

3. Eversense CGM and Twiist Pump Integration

4. Medtronic’s Simplera Sync Sensor Approved for 780G

5. Leadership Changes at Insulet

6. New Mobile Game for T1D Education: Level 1

7. 3D Bioprinting Breakthroughs in T1D Research

8. Benefits of Post-Meal Walking for Glucose Control

9. Dexcom U College Athlete Program Returns

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Language

Conclusion

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. World-First Human Trial for a Disease-Modifying T1D Drug

2. Diabetes Mortality Rates Declining Post-Pandemic

3. Eversense CGM and Twiist Pump Integration

4. Medtronic’s Simplera Sync Sensor Approved for 780G

5. Leadership Changes at Insulet

6. New Mobile Game for T1D Education: Level 1

7. 3D Bioprinting Breakthroughs in T1D Research

8. Benefits of Post-Meal Walking for Glucose Control

9. Dexcom U College Athlete Program Returns

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Language

Conclusion