Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes

Episode: In the News... top diabetes stories and headlines happening now!
Host: Stacey Simms
Date: September 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This biweekly “In the News” edition of Diabetes Connections delivers a concise roundup of the latest stories and research impacting the type 1 diabetes community. Host Stacey Simms touches on developments in technology access, treatment advances, scientific studies, company news, and highlights noteworthy personal stories from the T1D world. Designed for parents of T1D children, adults with type 1, and anyone touched by diabetes, Stacey brings an experienced journalist’s focus to timely diabetes news headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Technology Access Directly Impacts A1C Outcomes Globally

[00:26]

• Major multinational study (81 centers, 56 countries) found that greater access and reimbursement for diabetes tech (CGMs, insulin pumps, meters, insulin) is directly correlated with lower A1Cs in kids with T1D worldwide.
• Experts weigh in:
  • Dr. Partha Kar (NHS England):

    “If policymakers are serious about bringing A1C at a population level to sub 7.5% levels, then without technology it would be incredibly difficult to achieve in my experience and opinion.” (00:55)

  • Dr. Elizabeth Seaquist (Univ. of Minnesota):

    “It was striking that access to technology in and of itself was associated with improved glycemic control. Given that, multidisciplinary team care is also needed to provide education and behavioral or psychological support.” (referenced at 01:11)

2. Landmark: First Patient Receives FDA-Approved Islet Cell Replacement—Lantidra

[01:30]

• Illinois man becomes the first to get Lantidra, an FDA-approved islet cell therapy. He is now producing his own insulin.
• How Lantidra works: Restores insulin-producing beta cells using donor cells. Requires lifelong immunosuppression.
• Study findings: Majority in trials reached some level of insulin independence, but 87% reported infection-related side effects. Researchers are still evaluating if benefits outweigh risks.

3. First Generic GLP-1 for Weight Loss Hits US Market

[02:21]

• Teva Pharmaceuticals launches generic of Saxenda (liraglutide), previously only offered by Novo Nordisk, for weight management.
• Who it's for: Adults with obesity (or overweight with health problems); also approved for youth (12–17) with obesity.
• Notable context: Demand for newer injectables such as Ozempic and Mounjaro has led to a drop-off in Saxenda and Victoza sales.

4. Metformin May Greatly Reduce Long COVID Risk

[03:10]

• Large UK study (600,000+ records) found that starting Metformin within 90 days of COVID-19 infection cut long COVID risk by 64% in overweight/obese adults.
• Those starting Metformin soon after diagnosis were much less likely to have persistent symptoms 90+ days later.

5. Global Diabetes Data: Massive Rates of Undiagnosis

[03:53]

• Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology study: 44% of people over age 15 with diabetes are undiagnosed, with young adults (under 35) especially at risk—only 20% are aware they have it.

6. Innovative Treatment for Diabetic Foot Complications in Development

[04:37]

• Hong Kong researchers are developing an injectable to improve blood flow in diabetic feet, potentially reducing amputation risk. Applies to peripheral artery disease as well.
• Treatment still several years from market.

7. Tandem t:slim Mobile App Gets Health Canada Green Light

[05:09]

• The t:slim mobile app (bolusing via phone, cloud uploads) will soon be available in Canada for both Android and iPhone users.
• Expected timeline: Later this year; instructions to come by email to eligible users.

8. Sensonics to Take Back Eversense CGM Rollout

[05:44]

• Eversense implantable CGM’s commercial control in the US will return to Sensonics in January 2026, with expansion worldwide after.
• Sensonics will integrate staff from current distributor Ascencia; leadership shifts included.

9. Kaleido 2 Patch Pump Eyes US Entry

[06:35]

• Kaleido 2: Colorful, customizable patch pump that works with Dexcom sensor and hybrid closed-loop algorithms. Now well-funded for US entry after meeting European demand.

10. Luna Diabetes: Nighttime-Only Pump Raises $23M

[07:10]

• Innovative approach: Tiny, temporary insulin pump used only at night to supplement pen therapy. Company claims 80% of closed-loop system benefits come during sleep.

11. Bob Delp Celebrates 66 Years with T1D

[07:43]

• Heartwarming profile: Bob Delp, age 90, lives independently after 66 years with T1D.
  • Article notes, “Fewer than 90 people in the world have lived more than 70 years with type 1 diabetes,” but the source is unclear.
  • Stacey's reaction:

    “Where does that information come from and is it true? If you have the answer, please reach out. I would really like to know more about that.” (08:12)

12. Dexcom Seeks Advocates for World Diabetes Day

[08:38]

• Dexcom is running a global campaign looking for “the next Diabetes advocates”—self- or peer-nomination is open; all types of diabetes are eligible.

  “Selected candidates will embody strength, advocacy, and pride in living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.” (08:54)

• Deadline: September 19.

13. Big Event Note: EASD Conference

[09:19]

• European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting is September 15-19. Stacey will report major developments in the next news episode.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On tech access and A1C:

  “If policymakers are serious about bringing A1C at a population level to sub 7.5% levels, then without technology it would be incredibly difficult to achieve in my experience and opinion.”
  — Dr. Partha Kar (00:55)

• On multidisciplinary support:

  “It was striking that access to technology in and of itself was associated with improved glycemic control. Given that, multidisciplinary team care is also needed to provide education and behavioral or psychological support.”
  — Dr. Elizabeth Seaquist via Stacey Simms (01:11)

• Bob Delp’s remarkable life:

  “Where does that information come from and is it true? If you have the answer, please reach out. I would really like to know more about that.”
  — Stacey Simms questioning long-term survivorship data (08:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Top Story: Tech Access & Outcomes — [00:26]
• FDA-Approved Islet Cell Replacement News — [01:30]
• First Generic GLP-1 for Weight Loss in US — [02:21]
• Metformin & Reduced Long COVID Risk — [03:10]
• Global Diabetes Undiagnosis Data — [03:53]
• Injectable for Diabetic Feet in Development — [04:37]
• Tandem t:slim App in Canada — [05:09]
• Eversense CGM Distribution Changes — [05:44]
• Kaleido 2 Patch Pump US Entry — [06:35]
• Luna Diabetes Night-Only Pump — [07:10]
• Bob Delp’s 66 Years With T1D — [07:43]
• Dexcom Advocates Search — [08:38]
• EASD Conference Preview — [09:19]

Episode Tone & Style

• Informative, fast-moving, trustworthy—blends a news anchor’s crisp delivery with a compassionate, community-focused touch.
• Stacey’s narration is confident, clear, and direct, with brief personal asides that connect to listeners’ real lives.

Final Note

This “In the News” episode is a packed briefing—essential listening (or reading) for those wanting to keep pace with the changing landscape of type 1 diabetes technology, research, and real-world stories. With expert commentary, vigilant reporting, and a sense of community, Stacey Simms provides an invaluable service to the T1D community.