Episodes

  • Do We Need an At-Home A1C Test in the Age of CGM? Orange Biomed Says Yes

    Do We Need an At-Home A1C Test in the Age of CGM? Orange Biomed Says Yes
    Dec 26 2025
    Making the case for a better at home A1C test. Orange Biomed is developing a compact, one-drop, at-home A1C testing device they say could make frequent A1C checks easier and more accessible than ever. They're passionate about closing the gap for people who struggle to get to clinics regularly… and the research they share is compelling: four A1C tests a year can lead to a nearly 4% reduction in A1C levels. We'll talk about why more frequent A1C monitoring matters—even in the era of continuous glucose monitoring—how their new device works, and what early clinical trial results look like. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. More about Orange BioMed here Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here. Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com Episode transcript: Stacey Simms 00:05 Today on diabetes connections, making the case for a better at home A1C test. Orange biomed is developing a compact, one drop device that they say could make frequent A1C checks easier and more accessible. They're sharing research that four A1C tests a year can lead to a nearly 4% reduction in A1C levels, but they say a lot of people can't get to the clinic that much. We'll talk about why this matters, even in the era of CGM, how the device works and what the early clinical trial results look like. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Welcome to a bonus episode of diabetes connections. I hope your December is going well and that you know somehow you're able to take some time for yourself in the middle of all the holiday rushing around this time of year can be magical and stressful and exhausting and wonderful, and you know, all the things. And it's the same thing over here, super busy getting all this stuff done before the end of the year. Love it. But, you know, getting podcast episodes out, writing all the things we write and planning for next year, as they say, We're staying booked and busy. But quick behind the scenes here to better explain this episode, I taped this interview way back over the summer during the ADA Scientific Sessions conference. I had some technical problems. I actually thought I lost this interview. There were two interviews that seemed to have gone missing. We're going to air the other one very soon. But thankfully, I do have backups upon backups. So all the info that you're going to hear today is still relevant. This product, a small A1C test, is still in development. The only dated bit is about their follow up event that took place in August. Orange Biomed was launched in 2021 in South Korea, with its US headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island. Its founders are two Duke University alums, and they're my guests, CEO Yeaseul Park and Co-President Unghyeon Ko, We are also joined by Janice Dru-Bennett. She is a senior advisor at the company. Now, English is not the first language of two of these three speakers. This is a good time to remind you that most podcasting platforms have pretty good transcription services these days, especially Apple, I think they have a fantastic real time transcription service for podcasts that has been impressive to me in how they translate diabetes language. They're getting better at it. But I am also going to put a transcript of the interview in the show notes, which I don't normally do because the podcast services have gotten so good at it, but I think it could be helpful for at least a few of you out there. Okay, here is my conversation from the floor of ADA from the team at Orange biomed. Yeaseul Park, Janice Drew Bennett and Dr Ko, Welcome to diabetes connections. I can't say live from ADA, because we're taping this to air later, but you're all there. Thank you so much for joining Yeaseul Park 03:08 me. Yes, thank you. We're 03:10 excited to be here. Oh Stacey Simms 03:11 my goodness. Can I ask first, how is the trip? I mean, yes, let me ask you. You guys came a long way. Yeaseul Park 03:17 Yeah, it was 13 hours from Korea. But it's I'm so excited, because this event is really one of the times, and this is actually our third time attending ADA. Stacey Simms 03...
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    23 mins
  • She Turned Her Glucose Data Into Art. Could it Change How People See Diabetes?

    She Turned Her Glucose Data Into Art. Could it Change How People See Diabetes?
    Dec 23 2025

    What if your glucose graph became a tangible piece of art? Something you could pring out and put on your water bottle or the back of your laptop. I've seen this in person and it makes a big impact on people.

    This week I'm talking to Krista Shenaman about making this type of art, her journey with type 2 – and it's been a journey, she took a "record breaking" 28 day walk after her diagnosis.. – why she thinks its helpful to look at data in a new way and more.

    Full disclosure: We recorded this interview way back in 2024! Technical issues and thought it was lost, but we found it.

    This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

    Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

    Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

    Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

    Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com)

    Omnipod - Simplify Life

    Learn about Dexcom

    Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures

    The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter:

    Sign up for our newsletter here

    Here's where to find us:

    Facebook (Group)

    Facebook (Page)

    Instagram

    Check out Stacey's books!

    Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

    Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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    27 mins
  • Dexcom's 15-Day G7 Is Here: What's Changing, What's Next, and What You Need to Know

    Dexcom's 15-Day G7 Is Here: What's Changing, What's Next, and What You Need to Know
    Dec 16 2025

    It's been a big month for announcements from Dexcom! What does that mean for you?

    From the commercial launch of the 15 day sensor and a smart basal feature to the announced phase out of the G6 and more, I'm talking with Jessica Castle, vice president of Global Medical Affairs at Dexcom. We're covering all of this news and she's answering your questions.

    More about the Dexcom 15 day here

    More about Dexcom G6 phase out here

    This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

    Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

    Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

    Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

    Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com)

    Omnipod - Simplify Life

    Learn about Dexcom

    Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures

    The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter:

    Sign up for our newsletter here

    Here's where to find us:

    Facebook (Group)

    Facebook (Page)

    Instagram

    Check out Stacey's books!

    Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

    Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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    31 mins
  • Inside Capitol Hill's Fight for Diabetes Care: What These Advocates Need You to Know

    Inside Capitol Hill's Fight for Diabetes Care: What These Advocates Need You to Know
    Dec 9 2025
    We're looking at some major policy issues happening in Washington, and what you can really do to effect change. George Huntley is the CEO of DPAC, the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. We've got a lot to cover: Medicare changes like competitive bidding that could dramatically limit access to CGMs and insulin pumps for seniors, the changing landscape around GLP 1 meds, and we talk about patient advocacy wins. I know some of you are cynical, but it can work. If you've ever thought your voice doesn't matter, this conversation may change your mind. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here. Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections. Keywords Diabetes, D-PAC, Medicare, GLP-1 medications, patient advocacy, healthcare access, insulin pumps, CGMs, diabetes technology, legislative reform AI info below: Summary In this conversation, George Huntley, CEO of the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (D-PAC), discusses the critical role of advocacy in improving diabetes care and access to technology. He highlights the challenges faced by patients, particularly regarding Medicare coverage for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and the implications of recent legislative changes. The discussion also covers the potential of GLP-1 medications in diabetes management and the importance of patient stories in advocacy efforts. Takeaways D-PAC focuses on affordable and equitable access to diabetes care. Advocacy is crucial for influencing healthcare policies. Competitive bidding for diabetes technology could limit access for seniors. Patient stories are essential in legislative advocacy. GLP-1 medications show promise in reshaping diabetes treatment. Economic factors play a significant role in healthcare access. The aging population of type 1 diabetes patients requires urgent attention. Collaboration among advocacy groups is vital for success. Healthcare costs are driven more by major medical expenses than by drug prices. Continued advocacy is necessary to protect patient access to care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diabetes Advocacy 03:01 The Role of D-PAC in Diabetes Care 05:53 Challenges in Medicare Coverage for Diabetes Technology 09:11 The Impact of Competitive Bidding on Seniors 11:55 Advocacy Efforts and Legislative Challenges 14:57 The Future of GLP-1 Medications 17:56 Economic Implications of Diabetes Management 21:01 The Importance of Patient Advocacy 23:59 Healthcare Costs and Insurance Dynamics 26:56 The Need for Continued Advocacy 29:54 Conclusion and Call to Action
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    36 mins
  • In the News... Libre Freestyle recall, Dexcom 15 day launch, Omnipod & Tandem updates, Medicare price adjustments and more!

    In the News... Libre Freestyle recall, Dexcom 15 day launch, Omnipod & Tandem updates, Medicare price adjustments and more!
    Dec 5 2025
    It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: big FDA recall around Freestyle Libre (see more below to find out if you're affected), Dexcom launches their 15.5 day sensor, Omnipod announces enhancements, Tandem tests a fully closed loop (with high fat, high carb meals) and lots more! Find out how to submit your Community Commercial Find out more about Moms' Night Out Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com 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. Our top story this week: XX Certain glucose monitors from Abbott Diabetes Care are providing users with incorrect glucose readings, an error that has been linked with the deaths of at least seven people and more than 700 serious injuries worldwide, according to an alert from the US Food and Drug Administration. Incorrect glucose readings can lead to improper treatment. Abbott warned that about 3 million FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors are affected, but no other Libre products. Patients can visit FreeStyleCheck.com to see if their sensors are affected and to get a replacement for free. The FDA has also published specific information about the affected products in its alert. The agency considers this to be a "potentially high-risk issue" and will continue to update its website as information becomes available. "Patients should verify if their sensors are impacted and immediately discontinue use and dispose of the affected sensor(s)," the FDA said. https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/health/abbott-diabetes-glucose-monitors https://www.freestylecheck.com/us-en/home.html XX Omnipod 5 is getting some enhancements.. and Omnipod 6 is announced. The FDA cleared updates including a lower, 100 mg/dL target glucose option and what they call a more seamless automated experience. "This is the most significant algorithm advancement to our Omnipod 5 System since its launch in 2022," said Eric Benjamin, Insulet EVP and COO. Insulet said the new 100 mg/dL target glucose expands Omnipod 5's customization range. It now features six settings between 100 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL in 10 mg/dL increments. The company said this flexibility allows healthcare providers to tailor insulin delivery more precisely. It supports individuals seeking tighter glucose management or aiming to meet specific glucose goals. Omnipod 5's latest upgrades also help users stay in "Automated Mode" with fewer interruptions, even during prolonged high glucose events. Insulet plans to launch the updates to the algorithm in the first half of 2026. The company announced plans for an Omnipod 6 – without a lot of detail - at the company's Investor Day event in November. They also talked about a new, fully closed-loop pump for the type 2 diabetes population. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/insulet-fda-clearance-omnipod-5-algorithm-enhancements/ XX Dexcom, the global leader in glucose biosensing, announced today that the Dexcom G7 15 Day Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System will launch in the United States on Dec. 1, making it the longest-lasting CGM system with 15.5 days of wear. Dexcom G7 15 Day will first be available through durable medical equipment (DME) providers on Dec. 1 with full retail launch in the coming weeks. Dexcom G7 15 Day will also be covered for Medicare beneficiaries. Dexcom G7 15 Day's industry-leading wear-time will provide fewer sensor changes, less disruption and more time for people with diabetes to benefit from life-changing CGM technology. New with Dexcom G7 15 Day: Longest lasting CGM system with 15.5 days of wear. Best-in-class accuracy1 with an overall MARD of 8.0%. Easier glucose management with fewer monthly sensor changes and reduced monthly waste. This follows yesterday's announcement – the FDA has cleared Dexcom Smart Basal, the first and only CGM-integrated basal insulin dosing optimizer designed for adults 18 and older with Type 2 diabetes using long-acting insulin. Dexcom Smart Basal will use Dexcom G7 15 Day sensor data and logged doses to calculate personalized daily recommendations to guide users ...
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    8 mins
  • Preventing Type 1 Diabetes? Dr. Michael Haller on ATG Research (Plus, Afrezza for Kids)

    Preventing Type 1 Diabetes? Dr. Michael Haller on ATG Research (Plus, Afrezza for Kids)
    Dec 2 2025

    We've got a research update on two of the topics you've told me you want to hear more about. First, research into Preventing type 1 – with a therapy that hasn't been in the headlines.. and second, inhaled insulin for kids.

    We're talking to Dr. Michael Haller, a peds endo who is at the forefront of these studies. We'll be talking about something called ATG – which looks really good in very low dose trials – and about the latest studies around inhaled insulin for kids – which is in front of the FDA right now.

    ATG studies and info here

    Afrezza for kids info here

    This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

    Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

    Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

    Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

    Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com)

    Omnipod - Simplify Life

    Learn about Dexcom

    Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures

    The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter:

    Sign up for our newsletter here

    Here's where to find us:

    Facebook (Group)

    Facebook (Page)

    Instagram

    Check out Stacey's books!

    Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

    Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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    42 mins
  • Rethinking Type 1 Screening with Adam Schefter & Dr. Shara Bialo

    Rethinking Type 1 Screening with Adam Schefter & Dr. Shara Bialo
    Nov 25 2025

    With lots of family time coming up this week for many of us, it's a great time to talk about screening for type 1. While this might seem to be a real downer of a Thanksgiving conversation, screening is now considered standard of care for people with a family history of T1D.

    My guests want to get the word out about that – and they've both walked the walk. Adam Schefter is ESPN Senior NFL Insider – his wife lives with type 1.. and Dr. Shara Bialo is a pediatric endo who lives with type 1.

    This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

    More information about screening here

    Our previous episodes about TZIELD here

    Listen to our Thanksgiving themed episodes here

    Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

    Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

    Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

    Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com)

    Omnipod - Simplify Life

    Learn about Dexcom

    Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures

    The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter:

    Sign up for our newsletter here

    Here's where to find us:

    Facebook (Group)

    Facebook (Page)

    Instagram

    Check out Stacey's books!

    Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

    Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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    33 mins
  • Diabetes Sports Project: Competing at the highest levels with type 1 diabetes

    Diabetes Sports Project: Competing at the highest levels with type 1 diabetes
    Nov 18 2025

    The Diabetes Sprots project says it's an organization built to inspire. What can we all learn about elite athletes with type 1 – the people running marathons and doing Iron Man competitions. And with the right support and education, how far can those athletes go? We're talking about the Olympics and more with DSP founder Casey Boren and volunteer Lauren Adams, both of whom live with type 1 (and both of whom had done a ten mile run before we started taping).

    Learn more about Diabetes Sports Project here

    This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider.

    Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here.

    Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here

    Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible!

    Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com)

    Omnipod - Simplify Life

    Learn about Dexcom

    Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures

    The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter:

    Sign up for our newsletter here

    Here's where to find us:

    Facebook (Group)

    Facebook (Page)

    Instagram

    Check out Stacey's books!

    Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com

    Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.
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    43 mins