#15 - AI-Powered Pancreas & Gene-Edited Insulin Cells 🧬

Hey readers! 🌟 This week brings some truly groundbreaking developments in T1D research and technology. From fully automated artificial pancreas systems to the first human producing his own insulin after gene-edited cell transplants, we're seeing innovations that could fundamentally change how diabetes is managed. Let's dive into these exciting advances!

Full automation of UVA Health artificial pancreas with AI — Researchers at UVA are developing AI-driven systems that can autonomously manage insulin delivery with minimal user interaction, potentially making diabetes management more accessible for all patients. — Rebecca Barnabi

Diabetic man produces his own insulin after gene-edited cell transplant — In a groundbreaking first, a man with T1D is producing his own insulin after receiving CRISPR-modified islet cells that evade immune rejection without immunosuppressive drugs. — the immune system

New Breakthrough T1D publication paves the way for cell therapies — Breakthrough T1D's latest publication outlines a roadmap for advancing beta cell replacement therapies with broader clinical trial eligibility and innovative designs. — Breakthrough T1D

Oxygenated Implant Sustains Insulin Cells in Rats, No Immunosuppression — Cornell researchers developed a BEAM system that provides continuous oxygen to encapsulated insulin cells, successfully reversing diabetes in rats for up to three months. — Savannah Wiegel

The Sequel Med Twiist Insulin Pump: A New Twist on Diabetes Management — Launched in July 2025, this innovative pump uses sound wave technology for precise insulin delivery and features customizable settings for enhanced blood sugar control. — sound wave technology and customizable settings

ViCentra to Bring Smartphone-Based Closed Loop Therapy to People with Diabetes in Early 2026 — The Kaleido patch pump system will integrate with Diabeloop's algorithm and Dexcom G7 CGM for smartphone-controlled automated insulin delivery. — ViCentra

FreeStyle Libre 3 — The world's smallest glucose monitoring sensor streams real-time readings directly to smartphones for 14 days of hassle-free monitoring. — Binson's Medical Equipment & Supplies

GlucoScanner Eliminates Pain in Blood Glucose Monitoring — This non-invasive biosensor uses optical technology to measure blood glucose without finger pricks, currently entering clinical trials worldwide. — the Staff of GlucoScanner

MHRA approves teplizumab to delay progression of type 1 diabetes — The UK has approved the first immunotherapy for T1D, which can delay Stage 3 diabetes onset by an average of three years in patients aged 8 and older. — Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Mayo Clinic researchers find 'sugar coating' cells can protect those typically destroyed in type 1 diabetes — A protective sugar layer created by the ST8Sia6 enzyme shields insulin-producing cells from immune attacks, reducing diabetes development by 90% in mice. — Mayo Clinic News Network

Implantable Device Shows Promise for Preventing Hypoglycemia — MIT researchers developed a minimally invasive implant that automatically releases powdered glucagon when detecting low blood sugar, successfully preventing hypoglycemia in diabetic mice. — RamaOnHealthcare

Advanced Tech Making Type 1 Diabetes More Manageable — A JAMA Network Open study shows optimal blood sugar control increased 171% in children and 33% in adults from 2009-2023, largely due to CGM and insulin pump adoption. — HealthDay

Changes in T1D Technology: CGM and Insulin Pump Trends — T1D Exchange Registry data reveals insulin pump usage rose from 71% to 82% and CGM usage from 81% to 95% between 2019-2025, showing growing trust in automated systems. — T1D Exchange

Diabetes Technology: Lifesaving and Stressful — While 86% of T1D patients prefer insulin pumps over injections, 56% report moderate-to-extreme emotional burdens from technology use, with 78% saying providers never ask about device-related distress. — Miriam E. Tucker

#1600 Into The Woods — JUICEBOXPODCAST.com — Ten-year-old Emma shares her six-year journey with T1D, discussing her experiences with carb counting, sports participation, and the emotional aspects of diabetes management. — Scott Benner

The Nine Sensor Samba — A Sneak Peek at Simultaneous CGM Testing — A unique initiative testing nine CGMs simultaneously to compare their real-world performance, with particular focus on the five new sensors marketed at ATTD 2025. — Diabettech

This week's developments show how rapidly the T1D landscape is evolving, from AI-powered devices to cellular therapies that could fundamentally change treatment approaches. While technology brings both benefits and challenges, the overall trajectory points toward more personalized, less burdensome diabetes management. What innovations are you most excited about?

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