What were the top stories of the year?
Note: this is the blog post version of the audio episode. Click here to listen to the podcast version
One of the best parts of creating this podcast is having a front row seat to the biggest news stories in the diabetes community. We produced more than 70 podcast episodes this year. In my mind, these are the top ten biggest T1D stories we covered.
These aren’t ranked in a true order, but I’d love to hear what you think should be #1!
1. Interoperability Moves Forward
This year, Tandem Diabetes Care became the first pump company to integrate with three CGM sensors. In January, we got the news that the t:slim X2 insulin pump would work with Abbott’s Libre as well as the Dexcom G6 and G7 sensors. Beta Bionics and Omnipod systems also now work with these three sensors.
Eversense received iCGM designation by the FDA, allowing their implantable CGM to be integrated with insulin pumps, although there’s been no announcement of a pump partner yet.
Medtronic received FDA approval for their Simplera CGM and announced they’ll work with Abbott on a propriety CGM just for Medtronic pump systems.
I’ll count these for integration as well: The Omnipod 5 app for iPhone became fully available in the U.S and Dexcom’s G7 goes direct to watch.
2. CGM in School Legal questions continue
Four years after a landmark legal decision about CGM in school, lawyers are still arguing the case. In 2020 the Department of Justice ruled that CGMs are standard care for students with diabetes, and schools must accommodate their use. But many kids are still being denied use of CGM in school, let alone remote monitoring. I spoke to the lawyers who are trying to change this; they still want to hear from parents.
3. twiist Pump Launches with Tidepool Integration
Tidepool Loop was approved by the FDA in January of 2023. We’ve been following the DIY diabetes movement since the podcast launched in 2015, and this seemed like an amazing accomplishment for something created by a community, not a company. But until Tidepool Loop had a pump partner, the software was basically sitting on a shelf. This year, Sequel Med Tech announced Tidepool would power their new twiist pump. Commercial launch is planned for 2025.
4. Glucagon updates / Beta Bionics and Gvoke Collaboration
In December, we learned that a glucagon protocol was added to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care. The recommendation is that people taking insulin (or who are at high risk of low blood sugar) should have a prescription for glucagon (preferably read-to-use glucagon like the Gvoke HypoPen) for low blood sugar emergencies.
Beta Bionics and Xeris also announced their partnership this year. The iLet launched as an insulin-only pump, but a bihormonal system is the long-term goal. Xeris’s shelf-stable glucagon will be used, which is a switch from what had been previously announced.
5. Smart Pen Advances
Medtronic gets the FDA okay for its new InPen™ app, which paves the way for the launch of its Smart MDI system with the Simplera™ continuous glucose monitor (CGM). With this clearance, the system will be the first in the market to recommend corrections for missed or inaccurate insulin doses, providing real-time, personalized insights for individuals on multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy.
(Upcoming episode in January)
Luna Diabetes announced clinical trials will begin. This system is all about automated dosing overnight for insulin pen users. It’s is an add-on therapy – a tiny pump designed for use only during sleep, you keep using injections during the day.
6. Over-the-Counter (OTC) CGMs
The launch of Dexcom’s Stelo CGM, available over the counter, meant that people without insurance or a prescription can purchase a CGM. Abbott also received FDA clearance for two new over-the-counter CGMs – the Lingo for people without diabetes, and the Libre Rio for people 18 and older with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin. I’ve worn the Stelo and it’s a much more simple system than CGMs designed for people who dose insulin. Late in the year Oura ring announced a partnership with Stelo. I expect to hear about a lot more “wellness” partnerships with these OTC CGMs in the next year or so.
7. Stem Cells and Encapsulation Advances
Sernova gives us an update on their quest for a functional cure for T1D. This year, they announced their cell pouch system of islet cell transplants has seen seven people achieve insulin independence and has kept one person off of insulin injections for four years. What does that really mean going forward?
8. Dana Lewis launches EPI campaign
DIY Pioneer Dana Lewis was diagnosed with something called EPI – exocrine pancreatic insufficiency a couple of years ago. She’d never heard of it and was shocked to find out diabetes is considered a common co-condition. In fact, 20-30 percent of people with diabetes can end up with EPI. EPI can cause a lot of discomfort and stomach issues – and health issues if left untreated. Of course, Dana jumped in, publishing a review of studies and now- creating studies of her own. She’ll explain what she’s doing, why she needs your help, and more about this condition that doesn’t get much attention.
9. Blue Circle Health’s Free Care Model
Blue Circle Health offers free care to people with type 1. Really. They expanded to more states this year and are looking to get the word out. This program is thanks to a grant from the Helmsley Charitable trust and offers care for six months to adults. CEO Len D’Avolio gives us all the info:
10. Qvin Period Pads Measure A1C
One of the year’s most innovative breakthroughs came from Qvin, which developed period pads capable of measuring A1C. We explored this development in detail on the podcast, discussing its potential in the diabetes community and for women’s health in the future.
Bonus: we’re watching GLP-1 agonists for type 1
In 2024 it seemed like every week there was another study showing the benefits of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Just this week, the FDA approval the generic of Victoza, which is very similar to Ozempic, but requires a daily, not weekly, injection.
I didn’t put this on the top ten list because none of these medications are approved for people with type 1. But at EVERY diabetes conference this year, more and more doctors are expecting clinical trials and, ultimately, approval and insurance coverage.
Next week we’ll have a new episode all about what we’re watching for 2025. Subscribe to or follow the podcast wherever you listen and never miss a show. Thank you all so much for listening! Cheers to more connections in the new year!
-Stacey