Episode Overview

Podcast: Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes
Episode: In the News... Trump RX, T1D at the Olympics & Superbowl, Ozempic pill launches soon, and more!
Host: Stacey Simms
Date: February 10, 2026

This "In the News" episode features host Stacey Simms as she delivers the latest developments in the world of diabetes. The episode covers major news stories impacting the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community, including legislative updates, drug pricing initiatives, cutting-edge research, technology announcements, and notable achievements by people with T1D in sports and pop culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Celebrating T1D Athletes at the Super Bowl and Olympics

[02:00]

• Two T1D athletes in Super Bowl: Chad Muma (New England Patriots) and Logan Brown (Seattle Seahawks).
• Two T1D competitors at the Winter Olympics:
  • Hannah Schmidt, ski cross for Canada, diagnosed at age 12.
  • Anna Fernstedt, Czech skeleton racer, diagnosed in 2022 after competing in previous Olympics.
• Stacey encourages listeners to share names of any additional T1D athletes.

"We had two in the Super Bowl this past weekend...and there are at least two athletes with Type one at the Winter Olympics. Do you know of any others? Let me know and we wish them all the best."
— Stacey Simms [02:04]

TrumpRX.gov: New Government Drug Pricing Resource

[03:00]

• TrumpRX.gov has launched: lets users compare drug prices but doesn’t directly sell medications.
• Targeted at people lacking insurance or facing high out-of-pocket costs.
• Only insulin listed is Lilly’s Insulin Lispro, same price as the Lilly Insulin Value Program.
• Warns that insured users may find better prices through their plans.
• Recommendation: Consult with pharmacists or HR for best pricing via coverage.

"As with most of our healthcare system, may be very good in some cases, not much help in others."
— Stacey Simms [04:05]

Ozempic Pill Launched for Diabetes

[04:17]

• Novo Nordisk to launch oral semaglutide (“Ozempic Pill”) in three FDA-approved doses.
• Intended to simplify recognition for patients and providers.
• Rybelsis (another oral semaglutide brand) has been available since 2019 but with different dosing.
• FDA approval is based on bioequivalence and previous clinical trial data.

Early T1D Detection: Microporous Scaffolds Research

[05:07]

• A mouse study published in Science Advances shows subcutaneous microporous scaffolds could identify immune changes preceding T1D onset.
• Scaffold technology has identified changes in cancer and multiple sclerosis.
• Still an early proof-of-concept in animal models only.

Major Study: Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes

[05:44]

• Global genetic study of 2.5 million people: many Type 2 diabetes drivers act outside the bloodstream.
• Compared seven distinct tissue patterns and four global ancestry groups.
• Stresses importance of diverse research cohorts.
• Lays groundwork for better understanding of Type 2 diabetes biology.

Insulin Pricing and Settlement with Express Scripts

[06:33]

• Express Scripts settles with FTC: must implement cost-lowering practices for insulin.
• 10-year agreement to restrict tactics driving up drug list prices, such as pocketing rebates.
• Ongoing FTC actions against other pharmacy benefit managers.
• Settlement could save patients up to $7 billion over a decade.

Special Diabetes Program Extended

[07:19]

• Congress passes, and President signs, bipartisan bill to extend the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) through December, boosting funding to $200 million/year.
• Since inception, $3.6 billion invested resulting in $50 billion projected healthcare savings.

Diabetes Technology Company Updates

[08:00]

• Dexcom: Nationwide launch of AI-enhanced Stelo platform (expanded meal logging, barcode/photo scanning, redesigned daily insights) in coming weeks.
• BetaBionics: FDA warning letter for quality management concerns; company says corrective actions underway.
• Sequel MedTech: Internal review of co-founder Dean Kamen’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein; external law firm engaged for recommendations. Kamen not accused of wrongdoing.
• Abbott: 860 serious injuries reported linked to Libre 3 sensor recall (FDA update). Fault traced to issues with one production line, now resolved.

Medtronic & Sensonics Announcements

[10:40]

• Medtronic: FDA clears MiniMed 780G pump with Abbott Instinct Sensor for Type 2, and Medicare approves coverage. Launching 30-day full-system trial program (excluding insulin).
• Sensonics: Eversense 365 CGM receives CE Mark (Europe); launch planned in Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden. Working towards FDA submission for next-gen “Gemini:” fully under-the-skin sensor (no transmitter).

T1D Community Highlights & Pop Culture

[12:30]

• Dr. Emily Blum rides 100 miles in Antarctica for Breakthrough T1D; working to achieve 100-mile rides on all continents.
• “My Type,” a short film about two young adults with T1D who met online (Elise and Zach), debuts at Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Features T1D actors, music, and creators.
• Nick Jonas becomes first artist to wear a CGM on an album cover (Sunday Best, released Feb 6). Stacey notes the importance:

"This marks a powerful step forward in normalizing diabetes and raising awareness for the condition on a global scale."
— Stacey Simms [13:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Dexcom G7
  "Highs and lows are still going to happen, of course, but with Dexcom G7 we're able to avoid those big unexpected swings."
  — Stacey Simms [00:42]

• Athlete highlight
  "Two in the Super Bowl this past weekend...Do you know of any others? Let me know and we wish them all the best."
  — Stacey Simms [02:04]

• On Express Scripts settlement
  "The FTC estimates the agreement could save patients as much as $7 billion over the next 10 years."
  — Stacey Simms [06:55]

• Pop culture first:
  "Nick Jonas becomes the first artist ever to wear a CGM on an album cover...a powerful step forward in normalizing diabetes and raising awareness for the condition on a global scale."
  — Stacey Simms [13:31]

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Time | Topic | |-------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:00 | T1D athletes in Super Bowl & Olympics | | 03:00 | TrumpRX.gov launch | | 04:17 | Oral Ozempic update | | 05:07 | New research: T1D early detection via microporous scaffolds | | 05:44 | Global type 2 diabetes genetic study | | 06:33 | Express Scripts FTC settlement | | 07:19 | Special Diabetes Program extension | | 08:00 | Dexcom, BetaBionics, Sequel MedTech, Abbott updates | | 10:40 | Medtronic 780G, Sensonics Eversense 365 launches | | 12:30 | Dr. Emily Blum’s Antarctica ride, “My Type” film debut, Nick Jonas CGM|

Episode Tone & Style

Stacey Simms keeps the tone informative, practical, and encouraging, balancing hard news with community spotlights and pop culture milestones. She offers practical advice (“consult your pharmacist or HR department”), celebrates community achievements, and maintains a sense of connection with listeners.

Conclusion

This rapid-fire news roundup delivers a comprehensive look at what’s happening across diabetes medications, technology, research, policy, and visibility—from insulin pricing tools and device recalls to Nick Jonas making diabetes history on his album cover. The episode’s mix of headlines, expertise, and community focus make it essential listening for everyone connected to Type 1 Diabetes.