Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes

Host: Stacey Simms
Episode: In the News… New islets study, Tzield for babies, MiniMed Go approved, Civica insulin launched, and more!
Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

Stacey Simms delivers the latest diabetes headlines affecting the Type 1 community, highlighting promising research, regulatory decisions, and new technology, all with her trademark practical and empathetic tone. This episode covers everything from innovative islet cell encapsulation trials, expanded use of Tzield in young children, new affordable insulin options, and updates on diabetes technology. Stacey also touches on the importance of emotional well-being for older adults with T1D and closes with news about influential individuals and fresh initiatives in the diabetes space.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Encapsulated Islets Clinical Trial by Encellin

• Summary: First-in-human phase 1 trial results for Encellin’s encapsulated islet device show encouraging outcomes for people with Type 1 diabetes.
• Details:
  • The trial removed devices from five participants after four months.
  • Minimal to no scarring, robust blood vessel growth around device, and viable islets observed.
  • Maintained sufficient oxygen and nutrient flow, crucial for islet survival and function.
  • Technology funded initially by Breakthrough T1D.
  • Quote:

    “Very early, but these results indicate the device has the potential to host islet cells while maintaining sufficient oxygen and nutrient flow for the cells to work effectively.” — Stacey Simms [03:00]

2. Tzield: Expanding Age Indication

• Summary: Tzield (teplizumab) could soon be available to delay progression to Stage 3 T1D in children as young as 1 year old; already approved in adults and kids 8+ in Europe.
• Details:
  • FDA accepted a priority review for Tzield, decision expected April 29.
  • Expansion follows positive phase 4 data.
  • European Commission approved Tzield for patients 8+ years with Stage 2 T1D.
  • Quote:

    “The US Food and Drug Administration has accepted Tzield for priority review to expand the current age indication from 8 years and above to as young as 1 year old." — Stacey Simms [04:25]

3. Affordable Insulin: Civica Launches Interchangeable Glargine

• Summary: Civica, in a partnership driven by Breakthrough T1D, launches its first insulin—Civica Insulin Glargine Yifgen—offering a cheaper, interchangeable alternative to Lantus.
• Details:
  • Available at US pharmacies; $55 for a box of five pens (could be less with insurance).
  • No new prescription needed for current Glargine users, but confirmation with providers is urged.
  • California label is Cal Rx.
  • Quote:

    “The maximum recommended price is $55 per box of five pens. The cost may be lower depending on your insurance.” — Stacey Simms [05:55]

4. Medtronic’s MiniMed Go App Cleared for Multiple Daily Injections

• Summary: The MiniMed Go platform gets FDA clearance for use with InPen users, integrating Medtronic and Abbott technology for a “smart MDI” experience.
• Details:
  • Integrates InPen with Abbott’s Instinct sensor.
  • For users with T1D or T2D age 7+, with supervision for children 2–6.
  • Spring launch expected in the US.
  • Medtronic’s Simplera sensor compatibility pending review.
  • Quote:

    “MiniMedGo has clearance for people with insulin-requiring type 1 and type 2 age 7 years and older. It also received a nod for kids 2 to 6 under the supervision of an adult caregiver.” — Stacey Simms [07:04]

5. Diabetes Distress in Older Adults: New UNC Study

• Summary: University of North Carolina study spotlights diabetes-related distress in people aged 65+.
• Key Findings:
  • Elderly experience less diabetes distress than younger groups, but 36% still report elevated levels.
  • Most common sources: financial concerns, management difficulties, fear of complications.
  • Notably, those with the longest duration of T1D had less distress.
  • Quote:

    “An unexpected finding: People who had been diagnosed with Type 1 at earlier ages or had lived with the condition the longest had lower levels of diabetes distress.” — Stacey Simms [08:35]

6. FDA: Loosening Regulation on Non-Medical Wearables

• Summary: FDA intends to relax oversight of low-risk digital wellness devices, creating opportunities and regulatory gray zones.
• Implications:
  • Could ease innovation for devices that stop short of diagnostic or therapeutic claims.
  • Diabetes-related uses likely to test boundaries in coming years.
  • Quote:

    “I’m really curious to see which will be the first diabetes-related product through the gate...you know somebody is gonna test the limits here.” — Stacey Simms [09:25]

7. Sensionics Eversense 365 & Sequel MedTech Launch

• Summary: The implantable Eversense 365 CGM pairs with Sequel MedTech’s Twist Pumpkin, rolling out with advanced delivery accuracy.
• Details:
  • Features four delivery checkpoints.
  • FDA-cleared for ages 6+ with T1D.
  • US rollout began in 2025.

8. GIP Studies in Men with Type 1

• Summary: Danish research tested GIP (from drugs like tirzepatide) via IV in men with T1D.
• Findings:
  • Did not prevent hypoglycemia but lowered after-meal blood sugar peaks.
  • Future potential remains an open question.

9. Marie Schiller's New Venture: Locasana and HealthSites

• Summary: Well-known diabetes leader Marie Schiller launches Locasana and the consumer brand HealthSites, targeting skin care around device insertion sites.
• Details:
  • HealthSites aims to help with redness, scarring, irritation—“few product level solutions” exist for this problem.
  • Schiller brings decades of T1D advocacy and industry experience.
  • Quote:

    “Shiller says: Healthy Sites is a consumer brand dedicated to helping people care for their skin before, during and after therapy.” (attributed by Stacey Simms [13:48])

10. In Memoriam: David Mitchell of Patients for Affordable Drugs

• Summary: Mourning the loss of David Mitchell, the influential founder and advocate for affordable drug pricing.
• Notable Quote:

  “I didn’t know David personally, but in our conversation and in everything I read, he was practical, passionate, and hopeful. Patients for Affordable Drugs has had some big victories and their work will go on.” — Stacey Simms [15:00]

• Link to 2020 Interview in Show Notes

11. MannKind Almancentennial Scholarship

• Summary: Applications open for the new scholarship for college students 18–22 with Type 1 or 2 diabetes, studying life sciences or related fields.
• More Info: Find application details at diabetes-connections.com.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Islet Trial:
  “Very early, but these results indicate the device has the potential to host islet cells while maintaining sufficient oxygen and nutrient flow...” — Stacey Simms [03:00]

• On Tzield’s Review for Young Children:
  “The US Food and Drug Administration has accepted Tzield for priority review to expand the current age indication from 8 years and above to as young as 1 year old.” — Stacey Simms [04:25]

• On Affordable Insulin:
  “The maximum recommended price is $55 per box of five pens. The cost may be lower depending on your insurance.” — Stacey Simms [05:55]

• On Diabetes Distress in Older Adults:
  “An unexpected finding: People who had been diagnosed with Type 1 at earlier ages or had lived with the condition the longest had lower levels of diabetes distress.” — Stacey Simms [08:35]

• On Loss of Patient Advocate:
  “I didn’t know David personally, but … he was practical, passionate, and hopeful. Patients for Affordable Drugs has had some big victories and their work will go on.” — Stacey Simms [15:00]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Encapsulated Islet Cell Trial: 02:25–03:40
• Tzield FDA/Europe Update: 03:40–05:10
• Civica Insulin Launch: 05:10–06:08
• MiniMed Go Approval: 06:08–07:40
• Diabetes Distress Study: 07:40–08:56
• FDA on Wearables: 08:56–09:37
• Eversense 365/Sequel MedTech: 09:37–10:40
• GIP Study: 10:40–11:28
• Marie Schiller’s HealthSites: 13:30–14:15
• David Mitchell Tribute: 14:15–15:50
• Scholarship Announcement: 15:50–16:30

Final Thoughts

This “in the News” episode distills critical developments for people with Type 1 diabetes and their families, blending regulatory and clinical updates with emotional reality and actionable resources. Stacey’s focus is unwaveringly on transparency, patient empowerment, and practical impact—with plenty of heart along the way.