As we recognize Diabetes Awareness Month, this week’s Friday Five highlights both innovation and advocacy shaping the future of diabetes care. We’re spotlighting a wide range of new technologies showcased at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions—advancements aimed at expanding choice, improving management, and empowering people living with diabetes. We also touch on an important policy development: AdvaMed’s response to bipartisan, bicameral concerns from the Congressional Diabetes Caucus regarding the draft Medicare Competitive Bidding proposal.
AdvaMed Welcomes Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Diabetes Caucus Concern Over Draft Medicare Competitive Bidding Proposal
AdvaMed, the world’s largest trade association representing medtech innovators, welcomed a letter from U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D-Colo.-01) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.-12), co-chairs of the U.S. House Diabetes Caucus, to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz urging the agency not to finalize a proposal the lawmakers warned could reduce and complicate patient access to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and durable insulin pumps.
Type 1 AID users get a boost from semaglutide
The first study of its kind presented evidence that a combination of AID and semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for weight management) can effectively help people with type 1 diabetes improve their time in range and lose weight. Studies like this that show the benefits of therapies like GLP-1 drugs could help pave the way for FDA approval for their use in type 1 diabetes.
Sequel’s twiist readies for launch
The new twiist AID system will be available in the U.S. starting July 7, Sequel Medtech announced. Twiist uses the Tidepool Loop algorithm embedded in a circular, tubed pump. The system is controlled via iPhone or Apple Watch and includes a manual bolus button on the pump.
Tandem’s t:slim X2 syncs with FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus
Tandem announced at ADA that its t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ+ AID tech is now compatible with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor in the U.S. A limited rollout will lead to nationwide availability in late 2025. The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor provides CGM readings every minute for 15 days. And the Control-IQ+ algorithm adjusts insulin every five minutes, while an auto-bolus feature can help adjust for missed meal boluses.
Minting a Beta patch pump
Beta Bionics said its in-development patch pump, called Mint, should be available in the U.S. sometime in 2027. The pump has a three-day wear time and holds up to 200 units of insulin. A reusable controller that lasts up to two years. While the Mint will be compatible with iPhone and Android phones, the algorithm that drives the AID system is embedded into the pump itself, so no app or Bluetooth pairing is needed to change it. The device uses disposable batteries, so there’s no recharging time needed.
ICYMI – Our other Friday Fives.
