In the News... Libre 3 approved, Dexcom addresses Insulet talk, Ozempic TikTok trend and more!

Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes

Got a few minutes? Get caught up on the top diabetes stories and headlines of the past week.

The FDA approves Abbott's Freestyle Libre, Dexcom addresses reports it may buy Insulet, Ozempic becomes a TikTok trend, Diabetes Scholarships for college and more!

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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. we go live on social media first and then All sources linked up at diabetes dash connections dot com when this airs as a podcast. 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, FreeStye Libre 3 gets FDA approval. This is a 14 -day CGM, Abbot says it’s smaller and thinner, about the size of two pennies stacked up. Abbott also claims Libre 3 is the most accurate 14-day CGM based on new results. It’s worth noting that there isn’t another 14-day CGM on the market.. Dexcom is ten days and the upcoming G7 seems to have similar accuracy. However, Libre is less expensive and they say there will be no price increase for this new model. Libre has had iCGM designation since the Libre 2 – but the FDA says it’s still not allowed for use with automated insulin delivery systems. I’ve asked to speak with Abbott and we’ll find out more about why that is and what the company plans to do if it can’t integrate with insulin pumps in the US.

XX Meanwhile, Dexcom pushes back on talk that it was interested in acquiring Insulet. Here’s part of the quote: It is generally our policy not to comment on rumors or speculation, however, in light of recent sustained media and market speculation as well as the upcoming American Diabetes Association conference, we wish to confirm that Dexcom is not in active discussions regarding a merger transaction at this time. We do not intend to comment further on this topic and we assume no obligation to make any further announcement or disclosure should circumstances change." I’m set to talk to Dexcom’s CEO at ADA and I’ll definitely ask him about this, even though they say they won’t comment further. I do think it’s interesting they use the word “merger” and not also “acquisition” – but the stock market seems to believe them. Dexcom went up on the news. XX New information could link environmental pollution to type 1. New study from Norway says even low concentrations of such pollutants can result in cells producing less insulin. New cases in Norway have doubled in children and teens since the 1970s. This study also included samples from American kids. Overall, the researchers found a larger proportion of those with type 1 diabetes these pollutants in their blood. They also found when mice were exposed to the pollutants, insulin production went down.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220530/Environmental-pollutants-may-be-the-reason-behind-development-of-type-1-diabetes.aspx

XX Whey protein may be the next big thing for people with type 2. Drinking a pre-made shot before meals with a low dose of whey protein seems to help better control blood glucose levels. In this study, people went about their daily lives with no changes but the whey drink. Then they spent a week with no whey, all while wearing a CGM. On average, people had two hours additional per day of normal blood sugar levels compared to the week they skipped the protein drink. The researchers believe the whey slows down food in the digestive system and also stimulate hormones than help keep glucose from rising. This was a small study, but you can bet you’ll be hearing a lot more follow up.. it’s a simple and promising treatment. https://scitechdaily.com/just-a-small-amount-of-protein-supplement-helps-control-type-2-diabetes/ XX At least at one hospital, the pandemic showed the telemedicine and CGM use can make a big difference in kids with type 1. For the study published in BMC Pediatrics, these researchers used data from Children's Medical Center Dallas . While the number of office visits among patients decreased during the pandemic, there was no effect on disease management in this group – both glucose control and hospitalization rates were unchanged. However, the results highlighted existing disparities among patients in minority and low-income demographics. Both before and during the pandemic, Black and Hispanic patients and those without commercial insurance had worse glucose control and higher hospitalization rates. There was however a dramatic increase in CGM use by patients without commercial insurance, likely because it was then that CGM was offered to Medicaid recipients in Texas. The researchers believe the increased use of continuous glucose monitoring along with the successful implementation of telemedicine greatly contributed to preventing worse outcomes in this patient population. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220531/Telemedicine-continuous-glucose-monitoring-helped-attenuate-COVID-19-impact-on-children-with-Type-1-diabetes.aspx XX Heads up if you take Ozempic, might want to get that prescription squared away and filled.. a quote - “unexpected increase in consumer demand” seems to have come because of a Tik Tok trend. TikTok users have been documenting their weight loss using the hashtag #ozempic, even though it’s not approved for that use, only for treatment of type 2. This seems to be more of an issue in Australia and the UK. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/may/31/shortage-of-diabetes-medication-ozempic-after-tiktok-users-promote-drug-for-weight-loss XX Right back to the news in a moment but first we’ve got a new sponsor. As I mentioned, The T1D Exchange Registry is an online research study, designed to harness the power of individuals with type 1 diabetes. It’s a research study conducted online over time, designed to foster innovation and improve the lives of people with T1D. 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. By sharing opinions, experiences and data, patients can help advance meaningful T1D treatment, care and policy Sign up at T1DExchange.org slash Stacey (that’s S-T-A-C-E-Y). XX ADA Scientific Sessions kicks off today and continues through the weekend. I have a virtual press pass and I’m sure next week’s newscast will be chock full of newly released studies. My email is already full of the previews and I wish all my friends traveling to the first in person scientific sessions since I believe 2019 a safe trip. XX Congrats to the newest class of Diabetes Scholars! Beyond Type 1’s program awarded over 50 scholarships to students living with Type 1 diabetes in 2022. At over $166,000 these scholarships are made possible by individual donors and partner organizations. New this year, the Lilly Diabetes Thom Scher Policy plus advocacy scholarship. Thom was the CEO of Beyond Type 1 until his sudden death last year. The Scholarship in his name is for a student with a strong background in type 1 diabetes policy and advocacy. 100% of scholarship funds donated by individuals or partners are awarded to recipients, with Beyond Type 1 absorbing all operational costs associated with the program. https://diabetesscholars.org/class-of-2022/ XX On this week’s long format episode, you’ll hear about Savannah Johnson’s Type 1 Way Ticket. Next week, Dexcom CEO Kevin Sayer from ADA. 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.