In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, hosts John Pemberton and Louise discuss the intricacies of diabetes management, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They explore various CGM features, including calibration, alarms, and connectivity with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs when selecting a CGM, as well as the role of technology in enhancing diabetes care. The hosts also provide insights into the latest advancements in CGM technology and offer resources for further education.

Takeaways

• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have evolved to include factory calibration.
• Optional calibration can be beneficial but requires accurate blood glucose meters.
• Alarm fatigue can hinder effective diabetes management.
• The Freestyle Libre is noted for its small size and long wear time.
• Dexcom products offer extensive connectivity with AID systems.
• Understanding individual needs is crucial when selecting a CGM.
• AI-driven forecasts in CGMs can enhance decision-making for users.
• Education and support are vital for effective diabetes management.
• Resources like the DSM Forum provide valuable information for diabetes care.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Diabetes Management

02:14
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Overview

13:09
Understanding CGM Features and Alarms

21:27
Evaluating CGM Size and Connectivity

27:21
Final Thoughts and Resources

Key Resources:

CGM Series: CGM: The Bells and Whistles

Chart for CGM Devices (From May 2025): DSN Forum

Tim Street @ Diabettech

In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, hosts John Pemberton and Louise discuss the intricacies of diabetes management, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They explore the importance of CGM accuracy, the standards set by regulatory bodies, and the significance of testing conditions in evaluating these devices. The conversation delves into various metrics used to assess CGM performance, including MARD, 20/20 and 40/40 agreement rates, and highlights the need for robust testing against capillary glucose to ensure effective diabetes management. The episode emphasises the importance of transparency in CGM studies and the future directions for standardizing testing protocols.

takeaways

• CGM systems are crucial for real-time glucose monitoring.
• FDA standards are currently the highest for CGM performance.
• CE marking does not guarantee device accuracy or reliability.
• Testing conditions significantly impact CGM accuracy results.
• The 20/20 standard indicates no risk for insulin dosing decisions.
• The 40/40 metric identifies high-risk readings in CGM data.
• Robust testing against capillary glucose is essential for accuracy.
• Standardization in CGM testing is needed for better diabetes management.
• Transparency in CGM studies is vital for healthcare professionals and patients.

00:00
Introduction to Diabetes Management and Podcast Goals

02:07
Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

06:08
Evaluating CGM Accuracy and Performance Standards

10:09
The Importance of Testing Conditions in CGM Studies

14:13
Metrics for Assessing CGM Accuracy

18:03
Comparing CGM Systems Against Capillary Glucose

22:02
Future Directions for CGM Testing and Standards

Key Resources

CGM Series: Assessing CGM Accuracy Performance

Chart for CGM Devices (From May 2025): DSN Forum

Tim Street @ Diabettech

In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, hosts John Pemberton and Louise delve into the intricacies of diabetes management, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They discuss the importance of understanding CGM accuracy, the significance of study design in evaluating sensor performance, and the key questions to ask when assessing the reliability of these devices. The conversation emphasises the need for robust testing conditions to ensure that CGMs provide accurate readings for insulin dosing decisions. The hosts also highlight the ongoing efforts towards standardisation in CGM technology to improve diabetes care.

Takeaways

• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are crucial for insulin dosing decisions.
• Understanding study design is essential for evaluating CGM accuracy.
• Not all CGMs are created equal; performance varies significantly.
• Key questions to assess CGM accuracy include the study population and testing conditions.
• Robust testing conditions are necessary for reliable sensor performance.
• The importance of peer-reviewed data in evaluating CGM accuracy.
• Standardization in CGM technology is on the horizon.
• Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about CGM performance.
• A downloadable chart will be available to help users assess CGM options.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Diabetes Management

02:14
Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

05:11
Accuracy of Continuous Glucose Monitors

10:13
Evaluating Sensor Performance

15:45
Key Questions for Sensor Accuracy

20:31
Moving Towards Standardization in CGM

25:03
Summary and Next Steps

Key Resources

CGM Series: Understanding Risk Before Performance

Chart for CGM Devices (From May 2025): DSN Forum

Tim Street @ Diabettech

In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, John Pemberton shares insights from the ATTD 2025 conference, discussing advancements in diabetes management technologies, including automated insulin delivery systems and continuous glucose monitoring. He emphasizes the importance of early intervention with AID systems, the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, and the impact of exercise and nutrition on diabetes control. The conversation also highlights the need for equitable access to diabetes technology and the improvements in quality of life that these innovations can bring.

Takeaways

• Automated insulin delivery systems can improve glycemic control and quality of life.
• Starting AID systems early can lead to better long-term outcomes.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise for type 2 diabetes management.
• Exercise plays a significant role in managing diabetes effectively.
• Nutrition strategies are essential for optimizing insulin delivery systems.
• Equity in access to diabetes technology is a pressing issue.
• Continuous glucose monitoring devices are rapidly evolving.
• The future of diabetes management looks promising with new technologies.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Podcast and Personal Journey

02:14
Insights from ATTD 2025 Conference

03:41
Advancements in Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

08:22
Exploring GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Insulin Resistance

10:42
The Role of Exercise in Diabetes Management

14:07
Nutrition and Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

16:03
Quality of Life Improvements with AID Systems

17:55
Equity in Access to Diabetes Technology

19:18
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Innovations

24:05
Future Directions in Diabetes Management

Show Notes & Resources

• Full Show Notes - Episode 9: ATTD 2025
• 🎧 Download the Glucose Rap
• 📘 Insulin Resistance Guide
• 📊 CGM Accuracy Series
• 🎙️ Episode 8: Activity for Post-Meal Glucose Control
• 📎 Episode 6: Ten Tips to Optimise Time in Range with AID.

Welcome to The Glucose Never Lies podcast

In today’s episode, we explore a game-changing approach to glucose control—activity snacking. If you’ve ever struggled with post-meal spikes, found insulin too slow to bring down highs, or wondered how movement could help stabilise your blood glucose, this episode is for you.

I’ll be sharing the latest research on how small, frequent movements can supercharge insulin, improve time in range, and reduce glucose highs without the need for extra insulin corrections. We will discuss practical strategies such as the “3 every 30” method, which involves moving for three minutes every 30 minutes to maintain stable glucose levels. We will also cover the benefits of walking before or after meals to prevent glucose spikes and introduce the “15 by 2” rule, a simple technique to lower high glucose levels faster than waiting for correction doses to take effect.

Stay tuned to the end to hear: 99 Problems, But High Glucose Ain't One

In addition to these strategies, I will break down groundbreaking studies that demonstrate the impact of movement on glucose regulation. Whether you are living with type 1 diabetes, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to optimise your health, this episode is packed with valuable insights that you can put into action immediately.

Click here for more info and the show notes

Welcome to The Glucose Never Lies Podcast!

In this episode, we’re laying down the fundamentals of diabetes management—the essential principles you need to understand to make informed decisions about your health. We’ll break down:

• What happens when you eat carbohydrates and how your body processes glucose
• Why insulin behaves differently in type 1 diabetes, leading to post-meal spikes
• How physical activity supercharges insulin, making it work more effectively
• The science behind high-fat meals and why they cause insulin resistance

Whether you're living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, this episode serves as your go-to reference for making sense of the science behind glucose control. Plus, we’ll be sharing actionable strategies to help you optimize your insulin and activity levels for better outcomes.

Click here for more info and the show notes.

Welcome to The Glucose Neverlies Podcast.

In this episode, we’re diving into practical strategies to optimise time in range (TIR) when using Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for type 1 diabetes. Managing blood glucose levels can be unpredictable, but AID systems have transformed diabetes care by automating insulin delivery in smarter, more responsive ways. However, achieving the best possible outcomes still requires understanding key strategies, fine-tuning your approach, and making small adjustments that have a big impact.

In this episode, we’ll explore ten essential tips that can help improve your time in range, covering everything from pre-bolus strategies and exercise adjustments to high-fat meal management, CGM optimisation, and insulin site rotation. Whether you’re new to AID or looking to refine your approach, these evidence-based tips will help you navigate everyday challenges and make the most of your system’s capabilities.

We’ll break down the importance of balanced meals combined with post-meal activity, how to adjust insulin for high-fat and protein meals, and ways to prevent post-meal spikes by fine-tuning the timing and location of insulin administration. We’ll also cover exercise adjustments using the 50/50/20 and T25/T25 methods, ensuring you can keep glucose stable before, during, and after physical activity. Plus, we’ll discuss site management for insulin absorption, CGM accuracy tricks, and how to handle alcohol safely with an AID system.

As always, every person’s diabetes management is unique, so these strategies should be discussed with your healthcare team before making any changes. If you’re ready to take your AID experience to the next level, let’s get started.

For more info

Ten Tips to Optimise Time in Range with AID Systems

Show Notes and Transcription

Welcome to The Glucose Neverlies Podcast.

In this episode, we’re focusing on Omnipod 5, the sleek, high-tech Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system that offers simplicity, automation, and a tubeless design. Much like Iron Man’s suit, Omnipod 5 is built for efficiency and ease, allowing for seamless insulin adjustments without the hassle of tubing. If you’re looking for a system that requires minimal user input and delivers smart automation, this could be the perfect choice for you.

Omnipod 5 uses SmartAdjust technology, an adaptive algorithm housed inside the pod itself, which adjusts insulin every five minutes to help maintain stable glucose levels. The system learns from previous insulin needs and automatically fine-tunes basal rates, making it incredibly easy to use. However, as with any powerful technology, understanding how the system works, how to optimise settings, and how to manage common challenges will help you get the best results.

In this episode, we’ll break down the SmartAdjust algorithm, discuss key starting settings, and share tips and tricks to help you maximise your time in range. We’ll also cover how to prevent and treat hypos, navigate high-fat meals like pizza, and adjust for exercise, whether you prefer a quick approach or a more structured plan.

With Omnipod 5, the first step is to survive, and then thrive. Whether you’re new to the system or fine-tuning your experience, this episode will guide you through everything you need to know to get the most out of Omnipod 5 and take your diabetes management to the next level. Let’s get started.

For more info

Mastering Omnipod 5 – The Iron Man of AID Systems

Show Notes and Transcription