Latest News & Views in Diabetes Technology

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. (NASDAQ: TNDM), a leading insulin delivery and diabetes technology company, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the Tandem Mobi insulin pump for people with diabetes age 6 and up, expanding the company’s portfolio of products. The Tandem Mobi is fully controllable from a mobile app and is the world’s smallest durable automated insulin delivery system.

A recent study published in The Lancet reveals that the global prevalence of diabetes is expected to more than double in the next 30 years, affecting over 1.3 billion people worldwide. Currently, over half a billion people are living with diabetes, with a global prevalence rate of 6.1%. Diabetes is identified as one of the top 10 leading causes of death and disability globally. The study highlights regional variations, with the highest rates found in North Africa and the Middle East. Additionally, the research emphasizes that almost all cases (96%) are type 2 diabetes (T2D), with high body mass index (BMI) being the primary risk factor. The study emphasizes the complex nature of diabetes prevention and control, involving genetic, logistical, social, and financial factors. The findings stress the need for a comprehensive understanding of diabetes impact at a granular level to address disparities and improve access to screening and treatment. The study was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

One educator’s “lessons learned” on working with new technology and upgrades.

The FDA has cleared the iLet Bionic Pancreas system for patients aged 6 and older with type 1 diabetes. The pocket-sized system includes the Beta Bionics iLet ACE pump and the iLet Dosing Decision Software, along with an integrated continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The FDA's decision was based on the system's Breakthrough Device Designation and aims to provide the type 1 diabetes community with more options for diabetes management. The system is easy to initiate, as it only requires the patient's body weight for insulin dosing and does not need manual adjustments. It features a meal announcement feature that estimates carb consumption, removing the need for traditional carb counting. The system demonstrated its efficacy in a pivotal trial, showing improved HbA1c levels and increased time spent in the target glucose range.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) has released the 2023 Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm to guide healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making for the management of Type 2 diabetes. The updated algorithm emphasizes a person-centered approach to care, incorporating the latest evidence-based recommendations, associated conditions, complications, and health equity. Key elements include lifestyle modification and treatment of overweight and obesity, treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, and immunization recommendations for people with T2D.