It’s In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week’s top stories: kids’ A1C and tech access correlation, first generic GLP-1 for weight loss approved, Metformin cuts long covid risk, Tandem Diabetes & Eversense updates, and more!
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Episode transcription with links:
Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I’m Stacey Simms and every other Friday I bring you a short episode with the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now.
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Accessibility to modern diabetes technology directly correlates with A1c among children with type 1 diabetes globally. Big, cross-sectional study, conducted in 81 pediatric diabetes centers in 56 countries, found that a greater extent of reimbursement for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin pumps, glucose meters, and insulin was associated with lower A1c levels.
Partha S. Kar, MD, Type 1 Diabetes & Technology lead of the National Health Service England, told Medscape Medical News, “As is now being shown in countries such as UK with widespread uptake of technology, there is now population-wide shift in A1c not seen before.”
He added, “If policymakers are serious about bringing A1c at a population level to sub-7.5% – 8% levels, then without technology it would be incredibly difficult to achieve, in my experience and opinion. Leaving the median A1c of a population at above 7.5%-8% goes with complications so that’s a decision regarding investment many will have to make in the near future.”
In an accompanying editorial, Elizabeth R. Seaquist, MD, professor of diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism and co-director of the Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, called it “striking” that access to technology in and of itself was associated with improved glycemic control, given that multidisciplinary team care is also needed to provide education and behavioral or psychological support.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/diabetes-tech-access-linked-a1c-kids-t1d-globally-2025a1000nn6
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A man with type 1 in Illinois has received the first FDA-approved islet-cell replacement treatment, Lantidra, and he is now producing his own insulin.
The treatment works by restoring the body’s beta cells, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injections.
The FDA approved Lantidra (donislecel) in 2023. Lantidra uses donor cells and requires lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.
Lantidra is only available at University of Illinois Chicago Health. Other universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, continue to do islet cell transplants as part of clinical trials.
Early data has shown that a majority of participants in the Lantidra clinical study were able to achieve some level of insulin independence, but it’s unclear whether the benefits of donislecel outweigh the treatment’s safety risks. Nearly 87 percent of participants reported infection-related adverse events, and post-operation complications included liver lacerations, bruising of the liver (hepatic hematoma), and anemia. One patient died of multi-organ failure from sepsis, which Lantidra maker CellTrans stated was “probably related” to the use of either immunosuppression or study drugs.
In addition, some industry leaders have raised the question of whether it’s ethical to commercialize the use of deceased donor islet cells.
https://diatribe.org/diabetes-research/first-fda-approved-islet-cell-transplant-performed?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=social&utm_source=later
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Patients in the U.S. now have access to the first generic GLP-1 treatment approved for weight loss as Teva has launched its copycat of Novo Nordisk’s injected Saxenda (liraglutide).
The compound, which is a GLP-1 forerunner of Novo’s semaglutide products Ozempic and Wegovy, has been approved by the FDA to treat adults with obesity and those who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems.
Saxenda also is endorsed for pediatric patients ages 12 through 17 who are obese and weigh at least 60 kg (132 pounds). The treatment is for both triggering and maintaining weight loss.
Saxenda is not the first GLP-1 drug that is available as a generic. In June of last year, Teva also was the first company to launch a knockoff version of Novo’s Victoza, which is the same compound as Saxenda but has been approved only for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Sales of the branded versions of both Victoza and Saxenda have declined significantly in recent years as demand for Novo’s semaglutide and Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide products have skyrocketed. In addition, marketers of compounded products have been aggressively competing for market share in the GLP-1 space.
https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/saxenda-knockoff-teva-launches-first-generic-glp-1-obesity
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Metformin could cut the risk of Long COVID by 64% in overweight or obese adults who started the drug within 90 days of infection. The large observational study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, analysed health records of over 624,000 UK adults with COVID-19 between March 2020 and July 2023. Among these, nearly 3,000 patients who began metformin treatment soon after diagnosis were tracked for a year. Compared to non-users, their likelihood of developing Long COVID, defined as persistent symptoms 90 days or more after infection, was dramatically lower.
https://www.ndtv.com/health/metformin-cuts-risk-of-long-covid-by-64-why-the-diabetes-pill-is-not-for-everyone-9242332
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Forty-four percent of people age 15 and older living with diabetes are undiagnosed, so they don’t know they have it, according to data analysis published Monday in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
The study looked at data from 204 countries and territories from 2000 to 2023 in a systematic review of published literature and surveys.
“The majority of people with diabetes that we report on in the study have type 2 diabetes,” said Lauryn Stafford , the lead author of the study.
“We found that 56% of people with diabetes are aware that they have the condition,” said Stafford, a researcher for the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. “Globally, there’s a lot of variation geographically, and also by age. So, generally, higher-income countries were doing better at diagnosing people than low- and middle-income countries.”
People under 35 years were much less likely to be diagnosed if they had diabetes than people in middle age or older. Just “20% of young adults with diabetes were aware of their condition,” Stafford said.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/08/health/diabetes-undiagnosed-half-of-americans-wellness
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A team of Hong Kong scientists is developing an injectable treatment that could potentially improve blood flow in diabetes patients’ feet, in the hopes that it will reduce the need for amputation by rebuilding tissue in the arteries.
They also hope to apply the treatment to peripheral artery disease or PAD, a condition caused by the build-up of fatty deposits in arteries that affect blood circulation in the feet.
“Traditional treatments for people suffering from poor blood flow in their legs are stent implantation or bypass surgery, which is invasive,” said Wong, who is also the co-founder of a biotechnology company called NutrigeneAI.
He said it was his dream to turn research in the academic field into actual clinical treatments. But he added that the team still needed three to four years for further research on the treatment.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324671/hong-kong-scientists-developing-new-blood-flow-treatment-aid-diabetes-patients
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Tandem Diabetes announces Health Canada authorization for distribution of the Tandem t:slim mobile application for Android and iPhone users. The Tandem t:slim mobile app allows users to deliver a bolus from their compatible smartphone, and to wirelessly upload their pump data to the cloud-based Tandem Source platform.1 The app is expected to be available later this year.
The Tandem t:slim mobile app will be available for compatible smartphones in the Apple App Store and Google Play store later in 2025. Once available, Tandem will email eligible customers with instructions on how to download and use the app.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904665715/en/Tandem-tslim-Mobile-App-Now-Authorized-by-Health-Canada-for-iPhone-and-Android-Phones
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Some changes to how the Eversense CGM will be rolled out.. right now it’s being distributed by Ascensia Diabetes Care. Senseonics will take back commercial control of the year long implantable CGM on January 1 in the US and expanding worldwide throughout 2026.
The change was a mutual decision, according to the two companies, which said they have signed a memorandum of understanding before a definitive agreement is hammered out by the end of the year.
To get started, Senseonics is also set to acquire members of Ascensia’s commercial staff—including its CGM president, Brian Hansen, who is slated to become Senseonics’ new chief commercial officer.
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/senseonics-retake-eversense-cgm-commercial-control-ascensia-diabetes-care
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Utrecht-based medical device company ViCentra has closed an $85 million Series D round of funding led by Innovation Industries, along with existing investors Partners in Equity and Invest-NL. The round also drew support from EQT Life Sciences and Health Innovations.
The recent capital injection will be used to expand ViCentra’s manufacturing capabilities, support regulatory approvals, and strengthen commercial rollout across Europe.
The funds will also be used to launch the next-generation Kaleido 2 patch pump in Europe and prepare for entry into the U.S. market.
The global insulin delivery market is growing quickly due to the increasing number of diabetes cases and demand for effective and user-friendly solutions. The market for insulin pumps is projected to exceed $14 billion by 2034. Patch pumps are the fastest-growing segment, signalling a trend toward compact and wearable devices. And here’s where ViCentra is positioned to meet this need, offering a user-friendly, sleek design-led alternative to traditional systems.
Kaleido: design-led insulin delivery
Kaleido is the smallest and lightest insulin patch pump developed as a lifestyle product with a particular focus on usability and personalisation.
Designed to feel more like personal technology than a traditional medical device, Kaleido features premium materials, and users can select their own favourite aluminium shells from a range of ten preset colour options.
It integrates with Diabeloop’s hybrid closed-loop algorithms (DBLG1 and DBLG2) and is compatible with Dexcom CGM sensors, positioning it within the next generation of automated insulin delivery systems.
“Kaleido is a true disruptor — small, discreet, featherlight, and beautifully designed. It empowers people with diabetes by offering a more personal and distinctive choice in both function and style. Built with empathy and precision, it honours those who live with diabetes every day. With this funding, we can now meet surging European demand and fast-track our entry into the U.S. market. This is a pivotal moment — for ViCentra, and for the community we serve,” said Tom Arnold, Chief Executive Officer at ViCentra.
Improving the quality of life for diabetic patients
ViCentra, led by Tom Arnold, is on a mission to improve the lives of those with diabetes.
The company reported that demand for Kaleido in Germany, France, and the Netherlands has already exceeded initial expectations.
ViCentra will present updates on Kaleido at the 61st Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), taking place September 15–19, 2025, in Vienna.
The company plans to engage with clinicians, investors, and strategic partners to further its role in the evolving diabetes care landscape.
“ViCentra is redefining insulin pump therapy with a platform that truly centres the user experience – combining clinical performance with design simplicity and wearability,” commented Caaj Greebe, Partner at Innovation Industries. “At Innovation Industries, we invest in pioneering companies that blend world-class technology with clear commercial potential. ViCentra exemplifies this by delivering a next-generation system addressing the urgent need for better treatment options in diabetes care. We’re proud to lead this investment round and partner with Tom and the team as they deepen and expand their presence in Europe and prepare for U.S. entry.”
https://techfundingnews.com/dutch-vicentra-secures-85m-to-bring-insulin-patch-pump-to-more-markets/
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Luna Diabetes announces they’ve raised more than 23-million dollars in early venture capital to help continue clinical trials and build out its capacity. This is the company that wants to offer a night time only, tiny, temporary insulin pump – to supplement insulin pen use.
According to the company, more than 80% of the improvements in blood sugar from automated insulin delivery systems occur while the user is sleeping.
Luna launched a pivotal trial late last year.
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/nighttime-insulin-patch-pump-maker-luna-diabetes-raises-236m
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Following 15 days and 150 fingerpricks, they’re here. The results of the “9 sensor samba”. And what a set of a results…
Well maybe that’s overplaying it a little.
Let’s just say that the outcome of this n=1 experiment wasn’t quite what I expected. One of the established players came out much worse than expected, while a newcomer did a lot better.
Let’s dig in, and take a look at the variation.
https://www.diabettech.com/cgm/the-nine-sensor-samba-results-revealed/
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Hard work and perseverance define ranch life, but one man in eastern Montana takes it to another level. At 90, he’s still living independently on the ranch he built from the ground up. Even more remarkable? He’s a type 1 diabetic.
Bob Delp still begins each day just like he did decades ago, waking up on his ranch near Richey, Montana.
“I always thought if I could ever get a ranch and run a hundred cows, that’s what I wanted to do from the time I was a kid,” said Delp.
He made that dream real, the hard way; after coming home from the army, he taught school, hayed for seven cents a bale and saved every cent he could.
“I worked at it real hard because I always felt like it was going to be part of getting me to that ranch that I always wanted,” said Delp.
He did it all while managing type 1 diabetes, a diagnosis that came with few answers and little hope back in the 1950s.
“The doctors tell me being a type 1 diabetic for 66 years isn’t supposed to happen. Back then, it was a real challenge,” added Delp.
Statistically, it’s almost unheard of. Fewer than 90 people in the world have lived more than 70 years with type 1 diabetes.
Bob credits his late wife, Donna, for helping him beat the odds.
“She has been key in that I always ate on time.”
They’ve faced their share of storms, both in health and out on the land. Not long after moving to Richey, a heavy snowstorm nearly tore everything apart just after they’d stepped out for dinner.
“If Donna hadn’t said it was time to eat, we wouldn’t have made it out of there. I guess that’s one time that made me happy to have diabetes. And I think that saved us,” said Delp.
Now, he still checks his blood sugar daily but trusts his hands more than high-tech insulin pumps.
“I’m not satisfied with the sensors they have today. I just don’t think they’re accurate.”
To many, Bob’s survival is extraordinary. To him, it’s luck.
“The genes are there already, I can’t change that so I guess I would have to say just lots of good luck,” said Delp.
And through it all, optimism has been his compass.
“You might fumble the ball, but if you’re determined to be a winner, you’ll recover that fumble someday,” said Delp.
He still welds nearly every day. Not because he has to, but because it keeps him going.
“As long as I keep doing something like this, I will not be in the nursing home,” said Delp.
https://www.kfyrtv.com/2025/08/09/against-all-odds-montana-man-thrives-with-type-1-diabetes-90/
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Today, Dexcom is building on this belief and breaking new ground with the launch of its first open call across the U.S. and Canada in search of the next diabetes advocates—giving people with all types of diabetes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise awareness and share their voice on a global scale in the company’s World Diabetes Day campaign (Nov. 14) and beyond.
Who is eligible?: Anyone age 2+ living with all types of diabetes or prediabetes can be nominated by themselves or by someone who knows them. Selected candidates will embody strength, advocacy and pride in living with diabetes or prediabetes.
Where and how can I nominate myself or someone I know?: Visit Dexcom.com/WorldDiabetesDay
When is the deadline to submit a nomination?: Nominations are open from September 10 through September 19 at 12pm PT.
What will the selected candidates experience?:
An invite to participate in a World Diabetes Day photoshoot in Los Angeles to have their unique story featured in Dexcom’s World Diabetes Day campaign
The ongoing opportunity to attend events, connect with community, and raise diabetes awareness around the world
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The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2025 Annual Meeting will feature major clinical trial results in type 2 diabetes (T2D), type 1 diabetes (T1D), obesity, several new clinical practice guidelines, and much more.
The 61st annual EASD meeting will take place on September 15-19, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.
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