Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes

Host: Stacey Simms
Episode: In the News… Universal T1D screening studied, Dexcom new product, Afrezza prescribing guidelines update, and more!
Date: January 27, 2026

Episode Overview

This week’s "In the News" episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of recent developments in diabetes research, technology, advocacy, and community initiatives. Stacey Simms provides concise updates on universal screening studies, medical device launches, regulatory news, resources for underserved communities, and notable achievements within the diabetes space. The episode is packed with essential information for parents of T1D kids, adults with type 1, healthcare providers, and anyone invested in latest diabetes news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Universal Type 1 Diabetes Screening: The ELSA Study

• [02:03] The UK is moving towards offering all children finger-prick blood tests to screen for T1D autoantibodies.
  • The ELSA Study (Early Surveillance for Autoimmune Diabetes) has tested nearly 18,000 kids (ages 3-13).
  • If early-stage T1D is detected, families get education, support, and (for some) Toplizumab (tzl), which can delay insulin need by about three years.
  • ELSA 2, the new phase, aims to expand this to all UK children ages 2-17, assessing nationwide scaling and cost-effectiveness.

2. Dexcom’s Upcoming Technologies and International Expansion

• [03:11] CEO Jake Leach explained at JP Morgan Healthcare Conference about Dexcom's plan to launch a new product outside the US.
  • It’s built on the G7 platform, like OnePlus, with a unique experience for users who don't currently have Dexcom access—possibly a pricing or ordering model, not a new device.
  • Stelo wearable biosensor: Coming to more international markets; designed for non-insulin-dosing populations.
  • G8 CGM in development: “Much smaller and more capable, but still several years away.”
    • Quote:

      "When you look outside the US there are a lot of structures that are tiered. Patients have access to different types of products. So we’ve got a new one we want to introduce that will add flexibility there.” — Jake Leach, [03:15]

3. International Consensus on Diabetes Tech in Pregnancy

• [04:13] New guidance from the Diatribe Foundation focusing on diabetes technology for pregnant women (T1D, T2D, gestational).
• It’s the first consensus to target the use of devices and technology specifically in pregnancy.
• Link provided in show notes.

4. Bariatric Surgery versus GLP-1 Medications for Type 2 Diabetes

• [04:35] Long-term study: Bariatric surgery outperforms GLP-1-based therapies in various socio-economic groups.
  • Outcomes: better glucose control, greater weight loss, diabetes remission, less need for injectable insulin, reduced cardiovascular risk.
  • Despite new meds, surgery had more robust results—larger studies recommended for patient strategy.

5. Afrezza Inhaled Insulin: Labeling Update

• [05:18] FDA approves revised prescribing info for Afrezza focusing on mealtime starting doses when switching from shots/pumps.
  • Change is aimed at providers; based on the INHALE-3 trial.
  • Approval for pediatric use expected by summer.

6. T1D Risk Calculator Launched in UK

• [05:46] UK researchers create a predictive calculator for type 1 risk (ages 8-18).
  • Uses TEDDY study data: age, family history, autoantibody count, genetic score.
  • Has regulatory approval in the UK; US launch planned (as a home genetic kit).

7. Microplastics, Paternal Exposure, and Diabetes Risk

• [06:25] California researchers show in mice that fathers’ exposure to microplastics can elevate metabolic and diabetes risk in daughters.
  • Highlights new environmental risk factors for future generations.

8. Freestyle Libre 3 CGM: FDA Issues Four Recalls

• [07:11] Four Class I recalls finalized for Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 3 sensors, due to incorrect low warnings linked to carbon buildup in sensors.
  • 3 million sensors impacted in US, Canada, Europe.
  • Recalls and affected lot details in show notes.

9. Health Resource: Diabetes Information in ASL

• [08:20] University of Utah launches the first diabetes information site primarily in American Sign Language (ASL): Deaf Diabetes Can Together.
  • Includes GIFs/videos, an ASL glossary.
  • Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities face 3x higher diabetes risk with limited access to resources.

10. Insulet Pod Recycling Program Goes National

• [09:17] Insulet (Omnipod) expands its pod recycling—the program is now available to all US customers.
  • Order kits online, send used pods for decontamination and recycling.
  • Previously only in Massachusetts and California.

11. Novo Nordisk Sells Cell Therapy Assets for T1D

• [10:05] Novo Nordisk’s cell therapy programs (inc. for T1D) acquired by Aspect.
  • Novo retains option to participate in later-stage development.

12. Community Spotlight: Lucas Escobar of Insulet

• [10:43] Lucas Escobar, Insulet’s Head of US Consumer Marketing (and T1D), named "40 under 40" by Medical Marketing and Media.
  • Projects: Diasonic (with Marvel), pod drop music track, Omnipod Mango Pantone color.
  • Quote:

    “He’s responsible for Diasonic, the Marvel comic collaboration, introducing a superhero who uses Omnipod… and the Omnipod Mango Pantone, the first color partnership in Medtech honoring the vibrancy of the diabetes community.” — Stacey Simms [10:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On universal T1D screening:

  “Families of kids found to have early stage type one received education and ongoing support. Some families were also offered Toplizumab, just the brand name, the medication that can delay the need for insulin by around three years in people with early early stage type 1.” — Stacey Simms [02:23]

• On Dexcom’s plans:

  “It’s based on the G7 platform, just like Dexcom One Plus, but it has a unique experience tailored for a subset of users that today don’t have access to Dexcom. That’s the quote. Your guess is as good as mine…” — Stacey Simms [03:25]

• On the ASL Diabetes Resource:

  “Deaf and hard of hearing people are at three times higher risk for diabetes, but access to health information in ASL is limited.” — Stacey Simms [08:36]
  “The site includes GIFs and videos on diabetes management and an ASL glossary of diabetes related terms. It’s called Deaf Diabetes Can Together.” — Stacey Simms [08:25]

• Congratulating Lucas Escobar:

  “Full disclosure, we’ve worked together for years. I consider him a friend. So congratulations Lucas. Happy to pass that along.” — Stacey Simms [11:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Topic | |--------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:03 | UK Universal T1D Screening, ELSA Study | | 03:11 | Dexcom product launches, international expansion, G8 | | 04:13 | Diabetes tech in pregnancy guidelines | | 04:35 | Bariatric surgery vs. GLP-1s for T2D | | 05:18 | Afrezza inhaled insulin prescribing update | | 05:46 | UK T1D risk calculator via TEDDY study | | 06:25 | Microplastics in fathers—pediatric diabetes risk | | 07:11 | Abbott Freestyle Libre 3 FDA recalls | | 08:20 | Diabetes resource in ASL launched | | 09:17 | Insulet Pod recycling goes national | | 10:05 | Novo Nordisk cell therapy acquisition | | 10:43 | Lucas Escobar “40 under 40” recognition |

Episode Tone & Takeaway

Stacey Simms brings warmth, clarity, and urgency to the news, underscoring a genuine sense of community and advocacy. Her style is direct, knowledgeable, and encouraging—always centering the lived experience of people with diabetes while holding industry and research stakeholders to high standards.

This episode is essential listening for anyone connected to T1D, providing a week’s worth of developments in one accessible, well-explained package.