Libre Life Diabetes News: October 2023
A round-up of News stories with relevance to the diabetes community for this month. Content reflects UK focus of author with T1D.
Abbott launch Lingo for non-diabetes glucose management
Abbott have begun marketing their product Lingo, for the management of glucose levels for non-medical purposes. Now available in the UK, Lingo is described as a ‘personal metabolic coach for optimal wellbeing’.
The Lingo system uses a Libre 2 sensor to identify glucose spikes and crashes and then uses these to calculate a score, termed Lingo Counts. The user is then given a personalised target and encouraged to monitor their levels and make adjustments to their diet, to lower their Lingo Counts. A new target is given each day and the app provides personalised tips to fine tune glucose management.
The intention is seemingly to identify ‘rollercoasters’ experienced by the general population and lessen their impact as a path to better wellbeing. The program is individualised ie adapted for an individual’s results, and suggests users will benefit from better sleep and more energy which will eventually help participants to retrain their metabolism.
Not to be left behind, Dexcom announced earlier this year that they too would launch a product aimed at other markets ie non-diabetes. Full information hasn’t been released yet but it’s expected the product will be available in some countries from early 2023.
Study shows Covid-19 booster can affect glucose levels
The Covid 19 autumn booster vaccine program is now underway in the UK and those with type 1 diabetes are eligible for the vaccine as being classed as a belonging to a clinically vulnerable group. However, as the program is more limited than previously, PWD may need to check with their surgery to find out where the vaccine is available.
It’s worth noting that a recent study of T1Ds having the vaccine experienced a short-term rise in glucose levels with raised insulin resistance. In particular, glucose levels for those participating in the study were higher 2 and 3 days after having the vaccine. This may mean that after having the vaccine, T1s may need to be extra vigilant at monitoring their levels, and if necessary, doses adjusted. As always, PWD should be aware of ‘sick day rules’ and consult their diabetes team for advice before making any changes to their medication.
Click here to read report on study “COVID Booster May Transiently Raise Glucose Levels in T1D”.
Note, T1Ds are also usually invited to have an annual flu vaccine.
Dexcom ONE adds calibration option + G7 updates
Dexcom recently announced that Dexcom ONE users can now update their app to enable optional calibration for their sensor. Appearing to be reacting to the change of Freestyle Libre 2 to a real-time CGM. Already a real-time CGM, Dexcom ONE should be available on prescription as an alternative to the Libre 2 for all type 1s in all areas of England.
Dexcom have also confirmed that the G7 integration with Tandem Control IQ will be available by the end of 2023. This will be available in the first wave of countries in Europe including the UK & Ireland, Sweden, Germany and Italy. There is no fixed timeline as yet for integration of the G7 with Omnipod but Dexcom state that work on this is in progress.
In other Dexcom news, they have also now launched the G7 CGM in Canada.
Omnipod Update
Insulet’s Omnipod 5 pump is currently available in the UK and Germany, and recently confirmed plans to reach “the majority of our European customers by the end of 2024”.
Omnipod 5 works as an automated insulin delivery system (AIDS) by using a Dexcom G6 CGM and app with Insulet’s SmartAdjust™ technology. The system can make automatic insulin adjustments every 5 minutes. It’s available in the UK to PWD who meet the criteria for a pump ie. via your diabetes team/Consultant.
The Omnipod 5 patch pump is the only tubeless one currently available with competitors like Tandem and Embecta keen to capture some of this market so expect to see more pumps operating like the Omnipod soon. Users of Omnipod particularly like the fact that it can be worn in several locations on the body including arm, upper thigh, buttocks and tummy.
Latest comic for T1s lands!
The latest comic for T1s produced in association with the NHS and led by Partha Kar (NHS Diabetes Lead, England) is now available online.
Part 1 of “Secret Wards: Enter the Vortex” is about safety in hospitals and will be followed by Part 2: Escape in Time, to be available from 17th October. You can find an introduction to Part 2 by Partha on the Revolve website.
This is the 5th comic produced as part of the MulT1verse series by Revolve Comics and all are available to download for FREE on their website. Click link here.
EOFlow blocked by FDA in US for breaching Omnipod patents
EO Flow, a Korean insulin pump manufacturer, poised to be taken over by Medtronic has been prevented from making or selling its tubeless patch pump in the USA. The case is being brought by Insulet (owner of Omnipod) who claim that EOFlow’s product uses its trade secrets and breaches its patents in 3 areas.
It’s known that three former Insulet executives, who joined EOFlow some time ago, are named as defendants for the Korean manufacturer.
EOFlow’s technology is currently authorised for use in Europe, South Korea, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.
DWRF invest in stem cells in search of T1 cure
A pioneering clinical trial involving the transplantation of pancreatic islets derived from stem-cells into patients with type 1 diabetes is to start soon at the Islet Transplant Unit in Oxford, in part thanks to investment by the DRWF (Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation).
The trial is being carried out on a small selection of type 1 patients who have experienced episodes of severe hypoglycaemia. It’s the first trial of this kind with Vertex and participants will need to take immunosuppression (anti-rejection) medication, although it’s planned that a further trial will use encapsulated stem-cell-derived islets without the need for this medication.
Islet transplantation has the potential to be a game changer for diabetes treatment if stem cells can provide an unlimited source of islets that won’t be rejected by the body.
Hypo treats — Changes to McDonalds Fizzy Drinks
A heads-up here that McDonald’s has begun to switch some of their drinks to ‘no added sugar’ alternatives. Fanta Orange and Oasis Summer Fruits are being replaced with Fanta Orange Zero and Oasis Zero Summer Fruits across in all UK outlets. This has implications if choosing a drink to treat a hypo and in that case, the choice for full-sugar drinks will be either Classic Coca-Cola or Tropicana Orange Juice.
