It's It’s “In the News…” a look at the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days. This week: Provention Bio hopes to get FDA approval of Teplizumab next month and partners with Sanofi on this T1D prevention drug, new type 2 studies show that younger people who develop it generally have worse health outcomes, Medicare considers expanded coverage of CGMs and more
Learn more about the T1D Exchange: www.T1Dexchange.org/Stacey
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
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In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
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Provention Bio partners with Sanofi to help bring teplizumab to market. Teplizumab isn’t yet approved, the FDA is expected to give it the thumbs up later this year.. this is the drug shown to prevent type 1 diabetes for up to three years. Among other things, Sanofi will get exclusive global marketing rights for the drug. The FDA had asked for more information the last time teplizumab was up for approval.. the three month period for that closes in November.. and a ruling is expected then.
https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/proventions-regulatory-odyssey-diabetes-nears-its-end-company-taps-sanofi-marketing-assist
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New research has found that the age at which people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of developing serious complications.
The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed health data from more than 36,000 Americans aged 50 and above.
The researchers found that those who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between the ages of 50 and 59 had “elevated risks” of heart disease, stroke, disability, cognitive impairment, and early death. But when people were diagnosed with diabetes later in life, the risks were reduced.1 No obvious reason for that.. but the researchers say it does point to the need for more screening and better prevention and treatment.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-diagnosis-age-6747897
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed new draft coverage guidelines for continuous glucose monitors.
Under the proposal, the CMS would cover CGMs for diabetes patients who are treated with insulin or “have a history of problematic hypoglycemia,” as defined by the frequency or severity of low blood sugar events, seemingly regardless of whether they have Type 1 or 2 diabetes.
Analysts at J.P. Morgan said the proposal reads “very favorably” for Abbott and Dexcom, leading CGM manufacturers that are targeting the “massive and highly under-penetrated Type 2 market opportunity.”
https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-abbot-CGM-diabetes-coverage/633577/
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Mark cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs has joined with
@RocheDiabetesUS
to provide our patients with their line of Accu-ChekⓇ test strips, lancets, & meters!
This partnership will allow anyone to access what they need to check their blood sugar, at a low price.
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Researchers who study Type 2 diabetes have reached a stark conclusion: There is no device, no drug powerful enough to counter the effects of poverty, pollution, stress, a broken food system, cities that are hard to navigate on foot and inequitable access to health care, particularly in minority communities. This is a long and complicated article published in the New York Times.. I’ll link it up and I urge you to read it. I can’t really to it justice in a short excerpt here.
“Our entire society is perfectly designed to create Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Dean Schillinger, a professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco. “We have to disrupt that.”
Dr. Schillinger and nearly two dozen other experts laid out a road-map for doing so earlier this year in a comprehensive national report to Congress on diabetes, the first of its kind since 1975.
It calls for reframing the epidemic as a social, economic and environmental problem, and offers a series of detailed fixes, ranging from improving access to healthy food and clean water to rethinking the designs of communities, housing and transportation networks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/05/health/diabetes-prevention-diet.html
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Back to the news in a moment but first..
The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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The Diabetes Design initiative is looking for college age people with type 1 to help them design the ultimate alarm for an extreme low. I’ll put the contact info in the show notes, along with a link to the website. By the way, I had never heard of the Diabetes Design Initiative but boy do I know these names and you probably do too. Ben West, Dana Lewis and a few others from the history of we are not waiting
http://ddi.ucsd.edu/about.html
Grace Zheng gzheng@ucsd.edu
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On the podcast next week.. teens and type 1 – a deep dive into why teen retreats work from the people who organize a great one.. and how adults with type 1 still use the lessons they learned as teens.
This past episode is all about Dexcom design.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
Hey for you parents, we’ve got a webinar on Halloween, link in the show notes and on my social media.
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
It’s “In the News…” a look at the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days. This week: Michigan joins California in exploring producing and distributing insulin made in-state, new study looks at why girls have a harder time with T1D than boys, weekly basal insulin moves forward, Dexcom puts G7 in wider release (but not yet in the US) and more!
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
XX
In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
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Michigan following California when it comes to exploring making and distributing insulin. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive this week to establish a Michigan-based insulin manufacturing facility, and facilitate the development, in conjunction with a partner or partners, of a low-cost insulin product for distribution in Michigan. Whitmer already announced a plan to cap insulin costs in her State of the State address in January.
https://michiganadvance.com/blog/whitmer-signs-directive-seeking-to-lower-insulin-costs-wins-bipartisan-praise/
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Novo Nordisk plans to move forward with its once a week insulin icodec. Recent studies show it worked as well or better than daily basal insulin, reducing A1C after 52 weeks.
Novo Nordisk’s ONWARDS program for once-weekly insulin icodec comprises six phase 3a global clinical trials, including a trial with RWE involving more than 4,000 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
It is expected that Novo Nordisk will file for regulatory approval of the once-weekly insulin icodec in the first half of 2023 in the US, the EU, and in China.
There is a separate and additional study for people with type 1 – looking at weekly insulin icodec wth mealtime insulin. That’s expected to conclude in about six months.
https://pharmaphorum.com/news/novo-nordisk-achieve-headline-results-with-icodec-insulin/
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Big new study shows that girls tend to have more serious issues with type 1 diabetes than boys. This is physical, quantifiable stuff, including higher blood sugar levels, weight issues, and higher cholesterol. This was a review of 90 previous studies at Amsterdam University Medical Centers. that women and girls have typically not received as much attention as study subjects as men. These researchers say more study is needed including finding ways to help doctors treat girls with type I diabetes differently than boys
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-type-1-diabetes-can-be-tougher-on-girls-than-boys
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Alarming new study says that cases of type 1 worldwide could double by 2040. Tracking has improved in recent years, but Type 1 diabetes is underrepresented. In addition, because many countries don’t collect Type 1 diabetes data, the numbers have historically skewed toward North America and Europe. About 175,000 people worldwide died because of Type 1 diabetes in 2021, they believe, and 63 to 70 percent of the deaths in those under age 25 occurred because the disease wasn’t diagnosed. This study is in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/10/03/diabetes-type-one-surge/
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Big new study looking at which drugs paired with Metformin work the best for type 2. The trial was conducted at 36 study centers nationwide with more than 5000 people. Three groups took metformin plus a medicine that increased insulin levels: sitagliptin or Januvia, liraglutide or Victoza, or glimepiride or Amaryl. The fourth group took metformin and a long acting insulin.
After about five years of follow-up, the researchers found that all four drugs improved blood glucose levels when added to metformin. But those taking metformin plus liraglutide or the long-acting insulin achieved and maintained their target blood levels for the longest time. The effects of treatment did not differ with age, sex, race, or ethnicity.
However, none of the combinations overwhelmingly outperformed the others.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/popular-diabetes-drugs-compared-large-trial
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Dexcom’s G7 is getting a wider rollout: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Hong Kong, with launches in New Zealand and South Africa in the coming weeks. I’ll link up the promotional video.. no news yet from the US FDA on when the G7 will be approved in the US. I am talking to Dexcom’s Senior Director of Global Product Design for Tuesday’s podcast episode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYqNUf0paAU
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Tandem’s t:connect mobile app is now compatible with the latest iOS operating system on version 2.3 of the t:connect mobile app. Until this update, you could lose the mobile bolus if you updated your phone. Tandem also added a new iPhone and nine new android devices to their compatibility list. We’ll link that up in the show notes.
: https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/.../device-compatibility
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Back to the news in a moment but first..
The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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The College Diabetes Network announces a name change – they’ll now be known as the Diabetes Link. The groups says this new name reflects a commitment to expand support to the larger young adult diabetes community, whatever the type of diabetes they live with and whether they’re in school or in the workforce. Currently, there are 3 million young adults (ages 17-30) living with diabetes in the U.S. and that number continues to increase every day. The Diabetes Link is the only national organization that focuses specifically on people in their teens and twenties, in recognition that this time of their lives is full of enough change and challenges without a chronic disease added to the mix.
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And finally, another zoo animal with a CGM. Tiana is a lemur in New Zeleand. The zoo’s education officer, has diabetes and recommended the Dexcom for the lemur. Interestingly, they aren’t using insulin here, but rather a hypoglycemia medication and are altering the lemur’s diet. Apparently lemurs are prone to something more like type 2 diabetes due to some iron issues or if they eat too much sugar, but Tiana’s case more resembles type 1.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130016440/meet-tiana-the-diabetic-lemur-with-a-glucose-monitor-stuck-to-her-back#:~:text=Hamilton%20Zoo%20resident%20lemur%2C%20Tiana,with%20diabetes%20in%20the%20zoo.&text=Zoo%20vet%20Tori%20Turner%20says,Hamilton%20has%20joined%20the%20club.
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On the podcast next week.. Dexcom’s Senior Director of Global Product Design – Very We’ll talk about what goes into designing a comletley new product like the G7. He lives with type 1 himself.
This past episode is all about how diabetes communities around the world stayed connected during the early days of the pandemic,
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
Hey for you parents, we’ve got a webinar on Halloween, link in the show notes and on my social media.
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
It's "In the News..." a look at the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days. This week: new information about COVID and type 1 in kids, a new way to look for diabetes before symptoms appear, Medtronic may be ready to ship their 7-day infusion set, approved more than a year ago, and more.
Thanks to our sponsor, T1D Exchange: www.t1dexchange.org/Stacey
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
XX
In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
XX
A pair of studies released within days of one another have produced conflicting reports related to the apparent increase in type 1 diabetes diagnoses following a COVID-19 infection in younger patients. one of the studies suggests a COVID-19 infection was associated with up to a 72% increase in new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes, the second, suggests while overall rates of diagnoses may be elevated, COVID-19 may not be the cause of increased prevalence.
The second group says we need to consider what has happened regarding the spread of viruses such as enteroviruses during the pandemic, and whether there are any other environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure and vitamin D levels, that might have altered during lockdown that might also be relevant.” The group whose findings suggest covid is the link are asking families with any family history of type 1 to watch for symptoms in the year following a child’s Covid diagnosis. Both groups are pushing for more study,
https://www.endocrinologynetwork.com/view/studies-debate-link-between-covid-19-and-increased-type-1-diabetes-diagnoses
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Insulin pricing legislation might get another look this year.. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, are working to update a draft bill that would cap consumer copays for insulin in the commercial market and incentivize drugmakers to lower list prices. One of the bill’s provisions capping Medicare copays at $35 a month was enacted as part of the Democrats’ budget bill in August.
The bill would extend the $35 Medicare copay cap to the commercial market. It would also ban health plans from requiring doctors’ approval before prescribing a drug and prohibit manufacturer rebates when drugmakers freeze their list prices at 2021 Medicare net rates.
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer has repeatedly voiced plans to bring the bill to the floor but the timeline keeps slipping. It’s not expected this would make it in front of lawmakers again until after the midterms.
https://rollcall.com/2022/09/28/lawmakers-eye-lame-duck-for-unfinished-business-on-insulin/
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The Medtronic Extended infusion set (EIS) is the newest insulin pump infusion set from Medtronic and the first and only set that can be worn for twice the wear time!
With the Extended infusion set and reservoir, patients can keep the infusion sites they prefer working longer while also benefiting from the easy insertion process currently available with the MiniMedTM MioTM Advance infusion set (which also means training is a breeze).
The Medtronic Extended Insuion set worn on the arm.
Components of the Medtronic Extended infusion set
We know you're wondering how does this work? The EIS introduces innovative technology that allows for longer wear by mitigating the insulin degradation and preservative loss seen in 2–3-day infusion sets. Specifically, it is designed with tubing that features advanced materials to help reduce insulin preservative loss and maintain insulin flow and stability. It also has a new tubing connector that improves the physical and chemical stability of insulin by filtering out insulin fibrils. Fibrils are strands of destabilized insulin that clump together and can contribute to poor glycemia due to infusion set occlusion and immune response at the infusion site.1 Lastly, the EIS has an improved adhesive patch that extends wear-time and provides comfort, keeping the infusion set in place for up to 7 days. All these elements help to further reduce the burden on the patient.
What if a patient uses more than 300 units of U-100 insulin in a 7-day period? No problem. Patients with increased insulin needs will also be able to benefit from using the Extended infusion set by simply changing their reservoir mid-way through their use of the set. To support these patients, innovative and simple training resources will be made available.
Stay tuned for more details regarding the Medtronic Extended infusion set and reservoir product launch later this year! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact your local Medtronic Diabetes representative.
https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/therapies-procedures/diabetes/education/diabetes-digest/extended-infusion-set-and-reservoir.html?fbclid=IwAR0HntZBo0NuYSH_hqPAVHQTJrvkZdXK3-pSooS5UOqPuK_S3-AM8cheYqk
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A possible new way to test for type 1 diabetes way before symptoms.. very early here but new research is trying to pinpoint the start of the auto-immune process. These researchers at Boston University say
"Previous studies have focused on the triggers, genes and proteins that differentiate individuals with T1D from those without diabetes with a focus on the b-cell (b-cells create antibodies) as a target of immune destruction and blood glucose as the main abnormality
Their focus is on metabolic communication as an early instigator with the b-cell as an active participant together with the immune cells," explains corresponding author Barbara Corkey, Ph.D., professor emeritus of medicine and biochemistry at BUSM.
According to Corkey, her research led her to generate the testable hypothesis that the induction of autoimmunity is a consequence of one or more major inflammatory events in susceptible individuals. It’s al ot more complicated than that.. I’ll ink up the research published in the journal Diabetes.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-09-hypothesis-autoimmunity-patients-diabetes.html
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Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery for women in the United States. About 600,000 hysterectomies — the surgical removal of part or all of a woman’s uterusTrusted Source — are performed in the U.S. each year.
Previous research has linked hysterectomies to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseaseTrusted Source, incident hypertension, and thyroid cancer.
Now, researchers from CHU de Rennes in Renne, France, have discovered a correlation between hysterectomy and increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, especially among women under 45 years of age.
The research, which has not yet been peer reviewed and published, was recently presented at the 2022 European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/women-face-increased-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-following-hysterectomy
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Gotta love this creative and possibly very useful question: when bear hibernate, why don’t they get diabetes? They eat tens of thousands of calories a day, balloon in size, then barely move for months.
To answer that question, Washington state University researchers went to work.
To find out how, researchers drew blood serum from six captive grizzly bears—aged between five and 13 years—at the WSU Bear Center, a research facility in Pullman, Washington. They also collected bear fat tissue that they used to grow cell cultures in the lab.
This experiment helped the team narrow down the bears' secret to controlling their insulin: Eight key proteins that seem to have a unique role in bear biology, working either independently or together to regulate insulin during hibernation.
Because humans share most of our genes with bears, understanding the role of these eight proteins could teach scientists more about human insulin resistance, Perry says.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/hibernating-bears-could-hold-a-clue-to-treating-diabetes
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Back to the news in a moment but first..
The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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Couple of events coming up next week:
Hope you are doing well! I’m reaching out about an upcoming virtual streaming event hosted by Dexcom on Tuesday, Oct. 4 that will feature an exciting OUS (outside the U.S.) announcement from Dexcom leadership and Dexcom Warriors around the globe.
The diabetes community will have access to the event beginning at 8 a.m. BT / 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT on Oct. 4 at DexcomEvent.com.
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Do you want to learn how to think differently about your life with type 1 diabetes?
Click this link to register now! ==> www.reimaginet1d.com
Join Dr. Mark Heyman for the 2nd Annual ReImagine T1D virtual workshop on October 6 from 7:30p - 9:30p Eastern!
ReImagine T1D will challenge you to reimagine what is possible in your life with T1D and give you a roadmap to help them get there. After attending this ReImagine T1D, you'll have practical tools and actionable strategies that will empower you to live a full, flexible life without letting the emotional burden of T1D hold you back.
If you cannot attend the event live a replay will be available, but you MUST register!
Click this link to register now! ==> www.reimaginet1d.com
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On the podcast next week.. I’ll have more about Dexcom’s announcement and you’ll hear about how diabetes communities around the world pivoted during covid to better reach their people. Very cool stories from a recent conference featuring diabetes online and offline communities.
This past episode is all about
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
It's In the News! This week's top diabetes headlines and stories include: with more cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in US kids, researchers look into whether more screenings should take place. There's a new injectable on the market that some studies show can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight and obese people, Medtronic faces a shareholder lawsuit and a 92-yar old Long Island woman, diagnosed as a child, may be one of the oldest living people with type 1. She has some great things to say about what helps her manage well all this time!
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
It’s in the news! The top stories and headlines around the diabetes community this week include: A new way to sneak islet cells into the body without needing immunosuppressive drugs, routinely checking young children for T1D markets before symptoms show up, a non invasive way to measure blood glucose uses Radio Frequency, a DIY movement publishes in the New England Journal of Medicine and more!
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
XX
In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
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French biopharma company Adocia has established a first proof of concept for its AdoShell Islets implant. This was in rats.. but they achieved glycemic control without insulin injections and without immunosuppressive drugs for four months.
AdoShell Islets is an immuno-protective synthetic biomaterial that secrets insulin in response to blood glucose levels. The physical barrier formed by the AdoShell biomaterial allows the implanted cells to be invisible to the host’s immune system while allowing the necessary physiological exchanges to occur for the survival and function of the islets.
These researchers are optimistic that their unique approach can be translated from one species to another.
https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/adocia-implants-diabetes/
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Can starting a closed loop system right away help keep kids with type 1 in the honeymoon stage longer? New study says.. probably not.
The latest findings are from the Closed Loop From Onset in Type 1 Diabetes (CLOuD) trial, a multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, randomized study, published online September 7 in the New England Journal of Medicine by Charlotte K. Boughton, PhD, and colleagues.
In CLOuD, 97 youths aged 10-17 years were randomized to hybrid closed-loop therapy or standard insulin therapy (control) within 21 days of type 1 diabetes diagnosis. I found this a bit confusing, in the standard insulin therapy groups, participants could switch to insulin pump therapy or use flash or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or approved closed-loop systems if clinically indicated. So this isn’t comparing an AID system to MDI.
At 12 months, there were no differences after a mixed-meal tolerance test, with levels declining in both groups and dropping further by 24 months. Interestingly, they said glycemic control didn’t differ significantly between the two groups.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/980356
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Moving closer to a non-invasive way to measure blood glucose. The GlucoRx BioXensor uses radio frequency technology alongside a multiple sensor approach to measure blood glucose levels every minute. This looks to be about the size of a Libre 3 or Dexcom G7..
It’s said to have smart alarms and remote monitoring capability and just sticks on the skin. The MARD is 10 point 4, which is less accurate than CGMs on the market now, but much better than any other noninvasive device to make it this far. In addition to measuring blood glucose the makers say it can measure oxygen levels, ECG, respiration rate, heart rate, temperature, activity, sleep, and early fall detection.
Pivotal clinical study later this year and then the say they’ll submit for European approval.
https://www.med-technews.com/news/latest-medtech-news/glucorx-and-cardiff-university-to-bring-out-non-invasive-con/
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RESEARCHERS in Oxford have launched the first UK study in the general population to test for early markers of type 1 diabetes, before children develop symptoms or need insulin. They’re offering a finger stick test when children have their pre-school vaccination. Very small start, only 60 kids, but these researchers say with a recent, more accurate test to check for markers early on, they hope to find more children before DKA sets in.
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/20977659.oxford-scientists-launch-study-early-markers-type-1-diabetes-children/
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The first Randomized Controlled Trial on open source automated insulin delivery (AID) is now published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. Big news for and from the we are not waiting crowd.
The CREATE Trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of an open-source system using the OpenAPS algorithm in a modified version of AndroidAPS. This study included children and adults and found that across all ages, time in range was 14 percent higher than those who used commercial hybrid closed loop systems. There’s more to it, and I”ll link it up, but this study concluded that a widely used open-source AID solution, works and is safe. Congrats to Dana Lewis and all the researchers involved.
https://diyps.org/2022/09/07/nejm-publishes-rct-on-open-source-automated-insulin-delivery-openaps-algorithm-in-androidaps-in-the-create-trial/
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Back to the news in a moment but first..
The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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Medtronic is waiting for FDA clearing of the new 780G.. already approved in Europe. New study results published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Medtronic announced Thursday put the AID pump up against multiple daily injections plus CGM. Small study, 82 people, all with an A1C over 8. After using the 780G for six months, the group saw a reduction of 1.4 percent in their levels with a quarter of that group dropping their A1C below 7. None of the MDI group dropped to that level. Time in range saw most improvement overnight.
The MiniMed 780G system has been cleared in Europe since 2020. Medtronic submitted it to the FDA for U.S. approval in the spring of 2021 but is still awaiting a decision, slowed down by the roadblocks caused by a late 2021 warning letter from the agency that called out quality control issues at the California headquarters of its diabetes business.
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/medtronics-new-minimed-insulin-pump-adds-27-boost-time-range-study-finds
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Change at one of the top posts at Dexcom. Jake Leach moves from Chief Technology Officer to Chief operating officer. He’s been at the company since 2004 to work on the first commercial Dexcom CGM system. He’s been a frequent guest of the show and we hope that continues.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220831005236/en/DexCom-Promotes-Jake-Leach-to-Chief-Operating-Officer
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Next week we’re looking ahead to the New York City Marthong. Beyond Type 1 puts together a gret team each year and I’m taking to one of the runners. He’s also nabbed a spot in the world series of poker – which do you think is tougher on his type 1 diabetes? This past episode is all about Omnipod 5 – a panel of people who’ve sued it for a few weeks now.. and the director of medical affairs to answer your questions.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
It’s in the news! The top stories and headlines around the diabetes community this week include new progress in the quest for oral insulin to treat type 1, a new study says a common type 2 diabetes drug may help those with serious heart condition, a look at teen brains and T1D, NSAID and type 2 and more!
Learn about the T1d Exchange: www.t1dexchange.org/stacey
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
-----
Use this link to get one free download and one free month of Audible, available to Diabetes Connections listeners!
-----
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
XX
In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
XX
Our top story.. very early on here, but some progress in oral insulin for type 1. A team at University of British Columbia has developed a different kind of tablet that isn't made for swallowing, but instead dissolves when placed between the gum and cheek. This method delivered all the insulin to the liver without wasting or decomposing any insulin along the way. That’s a big change from earlier studies and methods. The oral tablets absorb after about half an hour and last for up to four hours.. long way to go, no human trials yet. The the lead researcher on this project has a father with type 1 .
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220830093215.htm?fbclid=IwAR1AzjI5UJma9I6g4hST044FS0MbJnUA0EXCmKXyhcOiOKL-ckIQTO4h8dY
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The type 2 diabetes drug dapagliflozin might also be used to help people with heart failure. A new study at Brigham and Women's Hospital showed that dapagliflozin – sold under the brand name Farxiga - reduced the risk of a cardiovascular death, or worsening heart failure, regardless of ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is a term that basically refers to how much blood is pumped out by the left ventricle of the heart each time it contracts. That’s important because this drug has already been shown to help people who have the reduced pumping. And that’s a lot more people. Big study here, more than 12-thousand people with lots of ages and races, benefits consistent throughout.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/29/business/brigham-womens-researchers-say-diabetes-drug-helps-reduce-heart-failure/
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I hesitate to bring this study up, but it’s gotten a lot of attention this week. It shows tight control of blood sugar in teens with Type 1 diabetes may help reduce the disease’s damaging effects on the brain. But this small study from Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville and Stanford University School of Medicine didn’t release any numbers, n other words, it’s not clear what they mean by tight control or at what level they’re referring to for brain issues. Their findings to indicate that automated hybrid closed loop systems work really well and that better glucose control can actually improve brain structure and function in teens with type 1. I’ve reached out to this group and we’re working on getting more information in a future episode.
https://neurosciencenews.com/blood-sugar-brain-diabetes-21328/
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Very early on here.. but an Indiana startup says they have a potentially game changing type 1 drug in development. In T1D, the body’s immune system causes destruction of beta cells, and as a result, they eventually stop producing insulin. These researchers say their models show thy can take what were thought to be dead beta cells, which are actually sleeping beta cells, and increase their insulin secretion and, basically, get them back to a functional state.” They’re focusing on a calcium imbalance within the beta cell and designing molecules to correct that calcium imbalance, ultimately returning the pancreas to a healthy state. JDRF has given them a big grant for a two year project, hopefully getting them to clinical trials.
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/startup-awarded-nearly-1m-to-advance-diabetes-drug
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People with type 2 diabetes might face a substantially increased risk of heart failure if they take ibuprofen or some other type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), accord to a new Danish study.
Short-term NSAID use increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure by 43% in people with type 2 but no previous heart problems. This was a large but preliminary study presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual meeting. NSAIDs increased the risk of heart failure even more in type 2 diabetics who were 80 or older (78%) or who had high blood sugar levels (68%), the results showed. Those who'd never used an NSAID before had the worst reaction, with their heart failure risk nearly tripling. Type 2 diabetics should consult with their doctor before taking any pain medicine, the doctors said. Other types of pain meds -- specifically acetaminophen (Tylenol) -- should be safe for them to use.
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-08-24/certain-painkillers-raise-heart-failure-risk-in-people-with-type-2-diabetes
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Back to the news in a moment but first..
The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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We told you about The Human Trial, Watch this gripping new documentary about the brave men and women who volunteer to test a radical new treatment for type 1 diabetes. n 2011, Lisa Hepner and her husband Guy Mossman heard about a radical stem cell treatment for diabetes, a disease that shockingly kills more than five million people each year. Driven by a desire to cure Lisa of her own type 1 diabetes (T1D), the filmmakers were given unprecedented, real-time access to a clinical trial — only the sixth-ever embryonic stem cell trial in the world. What follows is an intimate journey with the patients and scientists who put themselves on the line to be first.
Now, in partnership with Beyond Type 1 & JDRF , they’re offering the film for free. You are urged to make a donation to JDRF when you click over, there is an option to select zero,
https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/the-human-trial-beyond-type-1
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Next week we’ve got a great episode all about Omnipod 5 in the real world. I spoke to a panel of moms and a young adult using the system. And we’ve got Insulet’s Director of Medical affairs addressing the questions that come up. This past episode is with my son Benny, talking about what it was like to spend 8 weeks away at non diabetes camp without any remote monitoring from us.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
It’s in the news! The top stories and headlines around the diabetes community this week include a new attempt to have fewer misdiagnoses of type 2 (when it's really type 1) diabetes, a new approval for Omnipod 5 down to two years old, a look at the endocrinologist shortage in the US, a milestone for Tandem and more!
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
-----
Use this link to get one free download and one free month of Audible, available to Diabetes Connections listeners!
-----
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
XX
In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
XX
New effort to avoid the very common misdiagnosis of type 2 when it’s actually type 1. JDRF and a a company called IQVIA are seeing if artificial intelligence can be used here. IQVIA used machine learning to look at data from individuals diagnosed with T2D and then, later, diagnosed with T1D within a specific time frame. The big problem, the company says, is that medical records are often incomplete and are compiled using different standards and formats. They call it a good starting point though. Earlier studies have shown that possibly 40-percent of adults with new onset type 1 are first misdiagnosed with type 2.
https://www.jdrf.org/blog/2022/08/11/iqvia-algorithm-for-misdiagnoses/
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New UK study about COVID, diabetes and kids.. shows there was an increase in new cases and in DKA. This was from March 2020 to February of 2021, compared to same time the previous year. This was a large study, looking back at cases across 49 sites.
There was a 17% increase in new-onset diabetes from Year 1 to Year 2, mostly of type 1 diabetes. ED visits for DKA dropped by 31.9% during the pandemic year among patients with existing diabetes. There was a 43% increase in severity of new-onset disease from Year 1 to Year 2, with severe DKA increasing by 79% (P < .001) and intensive care admissions by 89% (P < .05 There were limitations to this study, the biggest is that data was only captured for those who went to the emergency room. The question of whether SARS-CoV-2 can trigger new-onset diabetes remains unanswered.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/979381#:~:text=There%20was%20a%2017%25%20increase,by%2079%25%20(P%20%3C%20.
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Omipod 5 is now FDA approved for kids as young as two.
Omnipod 5, the first tubeless automated insulin delivery (AID) system in the U.S., was originally cleared for use in individuals aged six and older in January 2022. That makes Omnipod 5 the only AID approved for the toddler set. Tandem’s Control IQ ia approved down to age 6 and Medtronic 780G down to age 7
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220822005158/en/Insulet-Announces-FDA-Clearance-of-Omnipod%C2%AE-5-for-Children-Aged-Two-Years-and-Older-with-Type-1-Diabetes
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Milestone from Tandem they say that in the first month since the new mobile bolus feature was released, users have delivered more than 1 million insulin boluses. The company said in a news release that it is the first-ever FDA-cleared smartphone application capable of initiating insulin delivery on both iOS and Android operating systems. The company added that it is now available on approximately 30 different devices.
https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/tandem-diabetes-app-insulin-bolus-million/
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What looks like an editorial in a publication called Stability Health caught my eye. It’s all about the shortage of endocrinologists in the US. Right now there are only 8-thousand in practice across the whole country.
Endocrinologists receive the lowest compensation of all internal medicine (IM) specialties — lower even than practicing general internists — and 76–89% of medical students graduate with astronomical debt.
Additionally, these clinicians often make themselves available outside of their office hours. But since this time may not be billable, it is often not supported in salaried compensation.
Separately (but related), in 2016, 71% of entrants to the field of endocrinology were female. Due to America’s long-standing gender wage gap, this may be a contributing factor in wage stagnation.
Roughly 85% of Americans with diabetes rely on a general practitioner for their care. I’ll link up the column so you can take a look.
https://stabilityhealth.com/endocrinologist-shortage/?fbclid=IwAR0jx-nSiOL2UccmoJ9H74SnC6l3M5CCppecGcQ2t2M_zc7U-ydOj4JxfQ4#:~:text=Today%2C%2034.2%20million%20Americans%20are,currently%20practice%20in%20the%20U.S
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Update on one of the CGM smartwatches we’ve been keeping an eye on.. the K-Watch Glucose CGM watch is being tested by a French Company. They had their first clinical trials last year and got results this summer. the first run had a MARD of 29-percent.. brought down to a much better 16-percent. MARD is of course Mean Absolute Relative Difference to a calibrated meter and the gold standard right now is under 10 with Dexcom and Libre’s next offerings closer to 8.. so a way to go here.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Painless-K-Watch-Glucose-blood-free-CGM-smartwatch-produces-positive-first-in-human-trial-results-as-PKvitality-targets-2024-for-availability.642380.0.html
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Back to the news in a moment but first..
The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists gave their lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Kenneth Moritsugu, former surgeon general of the United States. Many of you may know him as the Chairman of the Board of Children with Diabetes you see him at Friends for Life and other events. He’s been involved with lot of national diabetes groups and effort – he was diagnosed with LADA at age 55. He’s also been a guest of this show.. so congrats Dr. Moritsugu.
https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20220814/a-lifetime-of-service-a-conversation-with-kenneth-moritsugu-md-mph-facpm-faade?fbclid=IwAR2DyFSAyxCqeGMpmGHAi1FG1swihxFAPe-WveCaCP6NJrcUd0rFioBedQU
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Next week we’re talking back to school! The wonderful diabetes educator Anna Sabino from Finding Smiles coaching will join me to talk 504, remote monitoring, supplies and lots more. The long format episode out right now is with Patients For Affordable Drugs about the bill that passed the Senate this week. The insulin copay cap was removed, but what does it really mean for medication prices?
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
It's in the news! The top stories and headlines around the diabetes community this week include: People on Medicare should see insulin prices capped, A look at whether the tuberculosis vaccine prevented Covid in people with type 1 diabetes, Tandem's CEO has some news about their tiny Mobi pump, students create non-invasive glucose monitoring, and some progress on smart insulin.
Learn more about the T1D Exchange: https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
-----
Use this link to get one free download and one free month of Audible, available to Diabetes Connections listeners!
-----
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
XX
In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
XX
The Inflation Reduction act is now law.. and that means a big change for Medicare patients. Among other things, it limits insulin copays to $35 per month for Medicare Part D beneficiaries starting in 2023 and caps annual out-of-pocket cap on Part D prescription drugs at 2-thousand dollars starting in 2025. Medicare will also now have the ability to negotiate the costs of certain prescription drugs. Democrats say they will try to bring a stand alone proposal to ap the price of insulin for a broader population this fall.
XXDid the Tuberculosis vaccine protect people with type 1 from Covid and other infectious diseases? Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital have published a new paper looking at the BCG or tuberculosis vaccine. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with type 1 diabetes conducted at the start of the pandemic, before COVID vaccines were available, only 12.5 percent of placebo-treated individuals and 1 percent of BCG-treated individuals had confirmed COVID-19, yielding a vaccine effectiveness of 92 percent.
The BCG-vaccinated group also displayed protective effects against other infectious diseases, including fewer symptoms, lesser severity and fewer infectious disease events per patient. No BCG-related systemic adverse events occurred.
The participants in the COVID trial had previously enrolled in a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of the BCG vaccine for type 1 diabetes. Participants in the test group had received multiple vaccinations before the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.
https://hms.harvard.edu/news/tb-drug-vs-covid
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Students at the American University in Cairo have developed a device that non-invasively measures blood glucose levels, winning first place in 2022 Johns Hopkins Healthcare Design Competition. The device uses near-infrared spectroscopy (speck-troh-sku-pee). It’s called GlucoClip and there’s also a mobile app. . The project took a year, with the team having designed a prototype and testing it on more than 100 people. Amazing that this took students less than a year.. we’ll see if the large commercial companies can accomplish getting something like this to the marketplace.
https://www.egyptindependent.com/auc-students-win-first-place-at-johns-hopkins-healthcare-design-competition-2022/
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Interesting progress on glucose-responsive insulin, also called smart insulin. These researchers envision ultra-stable proteins containing a glucagon analog “stapled” to an insulin analog. Preliminary studies are moving along at Indiana University. As the name indicates, this would be insulin that only responds when there is too much glucose in the blood, making the risk of low blood sugar much less likely. Nice to see some options may be possible, last year Lilly bought Protomer Technologies which had smart insulin in pre-clinical development.
https://diabetesresearchconnection.org/projects/fusion-protein/
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New CEO over at Beta Bionics – the company behind the iLet Bionic Pancreas, currently in front of the FDA. Sean Saint will be the new CEO, Martha Goldberg Aronson was interim, we talked to her for the podcast a few months ago, will remain on the Beta Bionics Board of Directors. Saint is an engineer, entrepreneur, diabetes technologist and innovator, and lives with type 1. He started at Medtronic and ahs also been at Dexcom and Tandem. It was after working at all those diabetes companies that he developed type 1 as an adult.. and founded Companion Medical, maker of the InPen. Really interesting story and I hope he’ll come on the podcast soon.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/08/15/2498485/0/en/Beta-Bionics-Appoints-Sean-Saint-as-CEO-and-Board-Member.html
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But with the troubles of the second quarter solidly in the rearview mirror, Tandem is back in optimist mode, with a rosy outlook toward sales of both existing and upcoming technologies.
Chief among the latter category is the Mobi insulin pump. The device is about half the size of Tandem’s flagship t:slim pump and can be fully controlled by a user’s smartphone. It’ll also represent “the first novel form factor launched in our space since we introduced t:slim a decade ago,” Sheridan said on the call.
“We are in the final stages of testing, as well as drafting the submission, and intend to submit a 510(k) to the FDA this quarter,” the chief executive said. He noted that Tandem is already preparing for the pint-sized pump’s commercial launch following FDA clearance, which it’s tentatively expecting to snag in the first half of 2023.
In the meantime, Sheridan said Tandem is also working closely with partners Dexcom and Abbott to integrate its insulin pumps with their newest continuous glucose monitors: Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3, which was cleared by the FDA just a few months ago, and Dexcom’s G7 device, whose own FDA review is still underway after an agency request for more information.
RELATED
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/tandem-lines-fda-review-new-pint-sized-insulin-pump-amid-lower-expected-sales
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Possible new way to look for type 2 diabetes before there are any severe symptoms. Researchers from the University of Geneva found that a decline in one molecule indicates a loss of functional beta cells. This molecule, which can be easily detected by a blood test, may be utilized to detect the onset of diabetes in at-risk individuals.
These researchers say this discovery opens new avenues for preventing diabetes, particularly for at-risk people. A simple blood sampling followed by an inexpensive specific test could identify a potential diabetes onset in these people, prompting actions to be taken before the situation becomes irreversible.”
https://www.techexplorist.com/molecule-identify-development-diabetes/53106/
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The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
XX
Abbott and Weight Watchers are teaming up. They’ve set up what they call a “strategic partnership” that will help people living with diabetes better understand and manage both their condition and their weight. The release says both companies are bringing their marketed products together to help patients, while also boosting their use. The partnership will start in earnest from next year and initially focus on the U.S.
https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/abbott-teams-weightwatchers-digital-diabetes-journey-health
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Next week we’re talking back to school! The wonderful diabetes educator Anna Sabino from Finding Smiles coaching will join me to talk 504, remote monitoring, supplies and lots more. The long format episode out right now is with Patients For Affordable Drugs about the bill that passed the Senate this week. The insulin copay cap was removed, but what does it really mean for medication prices?
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
Get caught up on the news and headlines around the diabetes community! The top stories in the last seven days: Senate Republicans nixed an insulin copay cap, but Democrats say they will revisit this issue in a few weeks, Dexcom pushed back their G7 timeline in the USA after the FDA asks for changes, once weekly basal insulin moves forward in trials. Plus, Beyond Type 1 is back in the NYC Marathon and much more!
Learn more about the T1D Exchange: https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom!
Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group!
Sign up for our newsletter here
-----
Use this link to get one free download and one free month of Audible, available to Diabetes Connections listeners!
-----
Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
XX
In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
XX
The copay cap on insulin may come back before the Senate in a few weeks. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer say he’ll bring tht issue back up.. after Republicans blocked it in a sweeping climate, inflation and health care package passed by the Senate on Monday. Speaking on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show.” Schumer said, “We’re going to come back and make them vote on that again.” Seven Republicans still voted with all 50 Democrats, three short of the 60 votes needed, and it is possible more Republicans would support it if it came up as a standalone measure. It’s not clear if this would again be a copay cap or in fact a cap on the actual price of insulin for all, including the uninsured.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/3594003-schumer-senate-will-vote-again-on-35-insulin-cap-after-gop-blocked-it/
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Dexcom is pushing back the timeline for a U.S. launch the G7. That’s after the FDA raised questions about the device’s software during a review. This has something to do with how the G7 and it’s smartphone apps deliver alarms to users. Looks like maybe a limited release in the 4th quarter of this year and full rollout in 2023 if there aren’t any other hiccups. As you likely know, the G7 is nearly 60-percent smaller than the G6, it’s transmitter and sensor all in one and has a much shorter warmup period. It’s been approved in Europe since March.
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/dexcom-resubmit-g7-glucose-monitor-software-fda-review-pushing-back-us-launch
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One type of once-a-week basal insulin gets the go ahead to move forward with clinical trials in the US. Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals says it’s investigation drug called GZR4 is more stable with less day to day variation than once a day basal insulin. There are a few of these weekly insulins in trials, none yet approved. Gan & Lee is also doing trials of the drug in China where they are already a big player in the insulin market.
https://www.ganlee.com/detail/668.html
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Good news for Senseonics, makers of the Eversense implantable CGM. Shares were up on second quarter earnings and future expectations. I don’t generally report on stock market moves of diabetes companies, but the past few years have been a bit iffy for Senseonics and there was speculation on whether this CGM option might not be available in the US. They partnered with Ascensia Diabetes Care and got the six month approval for Eversense earlier this year.
https://www.massdevice.com/senseonics-stock-q2-2022/
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A new call for comments to the FDA but the deadline is TODAY august 15 at midnight eastern time. I’m going to read directly from a post by Joanne Milo in the CGM in the Cloud off topic group. Joanne’s been a guest of the show and leads the loop and learn group – she writes. “We have until August 15, 2022 to provide comments on FDA changes to the way CGM display and alarm systems are regulated. This has implications for remote monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems, both commercial and DIY.
We request your assistance in helping the FDA and device providers (FDA considers software for treatment of disease to be a device) understand the benefits of real-time CGM access and the risks we carry by not having ubiquitous real-time access to our diabetes device data.
We hope you will choose to spend a moment to add your voice to the #WeAreNotWaiting chorus.
They provide some text which I’ll link up in the show notes as well as the links to this post and the FDA comment portal.
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FDA-2018-N-1910-0047?fbclid=IwAR2WAtGl3vjTUonamNdlBtAu_pg2-xQOVy8bSqG2peLCUz2eq8R8OgLqtHQ
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CGMITCOFFTOPIC
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The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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Team of 50 individuals living with type 1 diabetes will raise awareness and funds for their chronic illness
SAN MATEO, Calif., (Aug. 3, 2022) – Going the extra mile this year, global diabetes nonprofit Beyond Type 1 was named an Official Charity Partner for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, taking place on November 6. Beyond Type 1 will be among the 500 official charity partners providing thousands of runners the opportunity to run in the world’s most popular marathon.
This year’s Beyond Type Run team includes nearly 50 runners across the United States, Canada, Ecuador and Australia, who are raising awareness and funds for type 1 diabetes as ambassadors for Beyond Type 1, showcasing how they live beyond their diagnoses and supporting crucial efforts and programs for others affected by this condition. First-time Marathon Runner Kyle Banks, known for his tour with the Broadway cast of The Lion King, is the team captain.
“The Beyond Type Run team displays the ultimate resilience and strength as they run the marathon. If it weren’t for the team jerseys or the technology attached to their bodies, you’d never know they were living with a chronic illness,” said Beyond Type 1 CEO Deborah Dugan. “We are grateful to them for helping us raise awareness, and we thank all of our sponsors for their generous support and donations to the team.”
Since 2017, Beyond Type 1 has had roughly 150 people with type 1 diabetes run the TCS New York City Marathon through the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Official Charity Partner Program.
“The TCS New York City Marathon serves as one of the world’s largest fundraising platforms supporting hundreds of charities and philanthropic efforts,” said Christine Burke, Senior VP of Strategic Partnerships, NYRR. “We are very proud to support Beyond Type 1 and the incredible impact they have made to the diabetes community as they raise important funds to support people with diabetes.”
The NYRR Official Charity Partner Program offers an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to raise funds to support their missions and services. Participating charities can offer guaranteed entry to runners who fundraise on their behalf.
Since its inception in 2006, the TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program has raised more than $400 million for more than 1,000 worthy nonprofit organizations across the globe. Prior to the start of the official program, the New York City Marathon had served as an outlet for individual philanthropic runners since the 1980s.
https://beyondtype1.org/beyond-type-1-nyc-marathon-2022/
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Morgan Shepard book Morgan Shepherd
So happy to announce my book “ T1D Looks Like Us! A Type 1 Diabetes Story” is now available to order! I am so excited to share this piece of my heart with you ❤️ Rose was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) when she was seven years old. Now she is nine and at times feels lonely because she doesn't know any other kids with T1D. With help from her mom, Rose meets people from all over the world who also live with T1D and have their own unique stories to share!
This book is intended to spark conversations about empathy, differences, and self-compassion. Through the text children will learn not only about Type 1 Diabetes but also about the diversity of people who are living bravely with T1D. The book is perfect for newly diagnosed children, siblings, and classrooms that have a student living with T1D.
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Next week I’m talking to the folks at Patients For Affordable Drugs about the bill that passed the Senate this week. The insulin copay cap was removed, but what does it really mean for medication prices? The episode out right now is our special 500th episode where I’m interviewed by news anchor Cristina Frank, who hosts the morning show at WMTW in Maine lives with type 1.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.
It's In the News! The tops diabetes stories this week include: Australian scientists say they have a new way to restore insulin production using an existing and approved drug, Tandem rolls out bolus by phone for wider release and acquires Capillary Biomedical, an infusion set maker. Dexcom adds Spanish as a language option for the G6, a necklace is said to be able to monitor glucose levels and Netflix's Purple Hearts focuses on type 1 medical costs as a plot point.
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Episode Transcription Below (or coming soon!)
Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and these are the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past seven days.
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In the news is brought to you by T1D Exchange! T1D Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for the entire T1D population.
https://t1dexchange.org/stacey/
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Australian scientists say they have a new way to restore insulin
production in pancreatic cells, using a drug that’s already approved for use in humans. In lab experiments on pancreatic stem cells from donors with type 1 diabetes, the team was able to activate them to begin expressing insulin by exposing them to a drug compound known as GSK126. These cells don’t normally produce insulin, but the drug let them functionally step into the shoes of the beta cells that had stopped working. In principle, a single course of this kind of drug over a few days could replace the need for regular insulin shots in diabetics.
The new treatment would work much faster, within a matter of days, and without the need for surgery. But perhaps the biggest advantage is that GSK126 is already approved by the US FDA and elsewhere in the world as a treatment for cancer. Its safety profile is already being assessed in clinical trials, which could reduce hurdles down the road for its use against diabetes.
That said, the scientists caution that it is still very early days. These experiments were conducted on cells in culture – not even in animals yet – so there’s still plenty of work to do. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing new possible tool.
https://newatlas.com/medical/diabetes-breakthrough-insulin-production-existing-drug/
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Couple of big announcements from Tandem Diabetes this week. They’ve widened the roll out of their Mobile Bolus feature, now open to all customers with in-warranty tslim x2 pumps and compatible smart phones. Approved earlier this year, it has been available for a few weeks to a small group of users.
https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/products/software-apps/tconnect-mobile
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Tandem also announced it acquired infusion set developer Capillary Biomedical, an infusion set maker. To quote the press release: Capillary Biomedical’s unique extended wear infusion set technology is currently in development and not commercially available. The company designed its SteadiFlow seven-day-wear infusion set technology to significantly extend patient wear time to a week and maintain insulin stability. Capillary Biomedical received FDA investigational device exemption for the platform in January of this year.
https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/tandem-diabetes-acquires-capillary-biomedical-infusion/
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Dexcom is launching their G6 mobile app in Spanish. It is estimated that 11.8% of U.S. Latino adults have diagnosed diabetes. Dexcom says, “
“Launching the Dexcom G6 app in Spanish is a positive step toward improving health equity for individuals with diabetes who primarily speak Spanish.” To access the Dexcom G6 mobile app in Spanish, users need to install the latest version of the app and set their compatible iOS (v1.10.1) or Android (v1.10.0) smartphone* language to Spanish (any dialect/region). The app will automatically display in Spanish as long as the phone language is set to Spanish.
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Big issue for a diabetes app in the UK. CamAps FX is an automated insulin delivery system that works with Dexcom and Tandem. But Google has blocked it from the Play Store and won’t let it send text message alerts. Camdiab, the company behind it, is having to send the messages via another service and pay for each one individually.
Google said it doesn't allow any apps, other than the designated text message app on a device, to send SMS messages. CamAps FX spent 15 years in development by experts at Cambridge University and was the first system of its kind to be recommended by the NHS for use by children from the age of one, and pregnant people. We’ll see if the court of public opinion has any sway on what happens here.
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-62184812
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Should we get excited about a new smart necklace said to measure glucose in sweat? Ohio State University recently presented the necklace, which has a clasp and pendant with biochemical sensors installed on the back so that when placed around the neck, it could capture the sweat and analyze glucose, serotonin, sodium, potassium, and hydrogen levels. In one experiment where people cycled and drank sugary drinks, the sweat measured the increased glucose levels with a 98.9% accuracy. They didn’t really say what that means, though. Long way to go here but interesting idea.
https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/38989/20220726/smart-necklace-track-wearers-health-status-98-9-accuracy-using.htm
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The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. The platform is open to both adults and children with T1D living in the U.S. Personal information remains confidential and participation is fully voluntary. Once enrolled, participants will complete annual surveys and have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on specific topics related to T1D. The registry aims to improve knowledge of T1D, accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments and technologies, and generate evidence to support policy or insurance changes that help the T1D community. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy.
The registry is now available on the T1D Exchange website and is simple to navigate, mobile and user-friendly. For more information or to register, go to www.t1dregistry.org/stacey
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A new Netflix movie featuring type 1 is getting a lot of attention: Called Purple Hearts, it tells the story of Aspiring singer-songwriter Cassie Salazar (Sofia Carson). The synopsis says: Chasing her dreams isn’t exactly easy when she’s juggling multiple jobs and trying to keep her Type I diabetes at bay. Raised by an immigrant single mother and navigating a cruel health-care system, Cassie has seen how the “Land of the Free” has been everything but for people like her. After learning that Marine spouses get full health benefits and extra pay, Cassie comes up with an idea to marry one. Although the marriage is temporary, their true feelings for each other are revealed when an unexpected tragedy sends her now husband home earlier than expected.
I’ve reached out to the film makers. We’ll see if this one gets type 1 right.. but it sounds like they understand some of the health care system.
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Next week I’m talking to Jeff Ryan, who was diagnosed with type 1 as a little kid back in 1971. He also lives with an essential tremor, and was one of the first people to have brain surgery for it. Which was very successful.
The long format episode out right now is with Sebastien Sassville who tals about completed the race across America – a coast to coast cycling race in just 12 days.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts
That’s In the News for this week.. if you like it, please share it! Thanks for joining me! See you back here soon.