Hey readers! 🌟 Exciting developments in the T1D world this week, from breakthrough space research to promising new devices hitting the market. We're seeing diabetes technology evolve at lightning speed, with innovations that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. Let's dive into what's making waves in our community right now.
This Week's Highlights 🔍
UAE research breakthrough paves way for first astronaut with diabetes — A groundbreaking UAE-led study has demonstrated that diabetes can be effectively managed in space using standard tools like CGMs and insulin pens. – @FilipinoTimes
This isn't just a win for space exploration – it's a powerful statement about breaking barriers for people with diabetes. The 'Suite Ride' study conducted aboard the International Space Station during Axiom Mission 4 validated that continuous glucose monitors and insulin pens work accurately in microgravity, with readings comparable to Earth-based measurements. Beyond opening the possibility for the first astronaut with diabetes, these findings could transform healthcare delivery in remote regions on Earth.
"This isn't just about space exploration. It's about inspiring people everywhere that their dream of reaching space does not end with a diagnosis."
Biolinq Shine Receives FDA De Novo Classification as First Multi-Analyte Wearable for Type 2 Diabetes — The FDA has granted De Novo classification to Biolinq Shine, marking a significant advancement in diabetes care technology. – Kennedy Ferruggia
While details are limited, this approval represents an important milestone as the first multi-analyte wearable specifically designed for Type 2 diabetes management. The multi-analyte approach suggests the device may track multiple biomarkers beyond just glucose, potentially offering more comprehensive health monitoring for people with T2D.
Que Dallara on Medtronic's diabetes spinoff, pipeline and Abbott partnership — Medtronic's diabetes business is spinning off as MiniMed with exciting new devices in the pipeline. – Elise Reuter
Under Que Dallara's leadership, Medtronic's diabetes unit has made a remarkable turnaround, resolving FDA issues and launching innovative products. The spinoff will allow MiniMed to focus exclusively on diabetes innovation, with two promising devices on the horizon: the MiniMed Flex, a sleek phone-controlled durable pump, and the MiniMed Fit patch pump. Their strategic partnership with Abbott also means more integration options for patients, combining Abbott's CGM technology with Medtronic's insulin delivery systems.
"It's a win-win for Medtronic, as well as the diabetes business, because it helps both businesses focus. There are so many growth drivers that Medtronic has in its portfolio... that's the reason we ended up with a hard decision for Medtronic to let go of the diabetes business."
Research & Treatment Innovations 🧪
Insulin Secreted From Genetically Engineered Intestinal Cells Reduces Blood Glucose Levels in Diabetic Mice — Gene therapy shows promise as an alternative to insulin injections by enabling physiological insulin secretion. – reversible epigenetic mechanisms
This fascinating study explores using genetically engineered intestinal K and L-cells to secrete insulin, potentially eliminating the need for injections. Using chitosan nanoparticles for oral delivery of the insulin gene, researchers demonstrated that these intestinal cells could produce insulin in diabetic mice, significantly reducing blood glucose levels. Most interestingly, K-cell specific insulin expression resulted in faster glucose reduction compared to L-cell expression, suggesting K-cells might be more effective surrogate β-cells for future gene therapy approaches.
Stem cells may offer new hope for end-stage kidney disease treatment — Mayo Clinic researchers discover that transplanting patients' own mesenchymal stem cells can improve hemodialysis outcomes. – Alison Satake
For the millions of people with diabetes who develop kidney complications, this research offers new hope. Mayo Clinic researchers found that using patients' own fat-derived mesenchymal stem cells can help prevent inflammation and vein narrowing in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), which are critical for hemodialysis. In a phase I clinical trial, patients receiving these stem cells showed faster healing and more durable AVFs, potentially extending the time before a kidney transplant is needed. The study also identified genetic biomarkers that may predict which patients will benefit most from this treatment.
"Mesenchymal stem cells have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a significant problem, especially in Western society, because it's a hallmark of a lot of medical problems: heart disease, vascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and cancer. They are all driven by inflammation."
Technology Updates 📱
How Technology for Diabetes Complications Transforms Care — New devices are revolutionizing the management of diabetes complications, particularly neuropathy. – Daniel Trecroci
This comprehensive article highlights groundbreaking neurostimulation devices from companies like Medtronic, Abbott, and Nevro that provide long-term, customizable pain relief for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). These technologies work by blocking or disrupting nerve pain signals, offering alternatives to medication. The article also covers emerging AI-powered and wearable technologies for early detection of other diabetes complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and foot problems. These innovations are making complication management more effective and accessible.
"Neurostimulation devices work by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, offering long-term relief without medication."
Getting Started With LibreLinkUp — Abbott's app allows sharing glucose data with up to 20 family members or friends. – the app
LibreLinkUp enables people wearing a FreeStyle Libre Sensor to share their glucose data with loved ones, creating a support network that many in our community find invaluable. The system involves two apps: the FreeStyle Libre app used by the sensor wearer to send sharing invitations, and the LibreLinkUp app used by recipients to view glucose information. Both users must enable glucose alarms and maintain internet connectivity for the LibreLinkUp user to receive shared glucose alarms, especially with FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensors.
$15 CGM Trial Offer - FreeStyle Libre 2 — Abbott offers an affordable trial of their CGM system in Australia. – Abbott
For those in Australia curious about continuous glucose monitoring, Abbott is offering a $15 trial of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus system. The trial includes tailored experience packs for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with education and training materials. The system provides real-time glucose readings without finger pricks, trend arrows, glucose history, optional alarms, and secure data sharing capabilities through the FreeStyle LibreLink app.
Community & Support 💙
#1636 Premature to Postponed — JUICEBOXPODCAST.com — Laura shares her family's journey with her daughter's type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age three. – Scott Benner
In this moving episode of the Juicebox Podcast, Laura, a 45-year-old social worker and mother of two, discusses the challenges of managing her daughter's type 1 diabetes alongside other health issues including celiac disease and severe allergies. She highlights how her emotional processing of the diagnosis came years later, and how education and technology like the Omnipod 5 and Dexcom G7 have improved their management journey.
"I think for me, the grief with the diabetes came later. I think because I was in such a fog initially, with everything that it didn't hit me, probably to, like, three years later, when I really had to come to terms with, like, this diagnosis."
Thrive Out Loud - Washington D.C. — Beyond Type 1 hosts a free event focused on early detection and health equity on October 4. – Beyond Type 1
Mark your calendars for October 4th if you're near Washington D.C.! Beyond Type 1 is hosting a free, family-friendly event at Planet Word focused on early detection of type 1 diabetes and health equity. The event will offer free early detection testing, entertainment, food, and educational exhibits. This initiative is particularly important considering that about 90% of people with type 1 diabetes have no family history, making early screening crucial for preventing serious complications.
"Because when it comes to diabetes, early detection saves lives—and expanding access to those tools is a crucial way we can close the gaps in care."
Policy & Healthcare 📊
Reproductive Health Counseling in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative — Survey reveals gaps in preconception counseling and contraception use among females with T1D. – T1D Exchange
This important study from the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative highlights significant gaps in reproductive health care for women with type 1 diabetes. While most centers report discussing contraception and pregnancy planning annually, formal preconception counseling protocols remain rare (only 12% of adult centers and 6% of pediatric centers have them). Additionally, only a minority of patients achieve the recommended A1C target of less than 6.5%, emphasizing the need for enhanced quality improvement efforts to improve pregnancy outcomes in this population.
Special Diabetes Program Yields $50+ Billion in Federal Healthcare Savings — NIH-administered program has generated substantial savings through funding innovations like CGMs and AID systems. – Breakthrough T1D
The Special Diabetes Program (SDP), established by Congress in 1997, has proven to be an exceptional investment in both health outcomes and economic terms. Avalere Health's analysis shows that SDP-funded research leading to innovations like CGMs and automated insulin delivery systems has generated over $50 billion in federal healthcare savings. These technologies have become standard care for type 1 diabetes and are increasingly used by people with type 2 diabetes as well. The findings underscore the importance of renewing the program to sustain research progress and continued cost savings.
"Avalere Health's findings indicate that CGMs and AID systems alone have generated at least $50 billion in federal healthcare savings through improved glucose management and reduced diabetes-related complications."
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