Latest news with #insulin
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Diabetic Woman No Longer Needs Insulin After Single Dose of Experimental Stem Cells
A Canadian woman with type 1 diabetes spent nearly a decade dependent on her glucose monitor and insulin shots — but after a single dose of manufactured stem cells implanted into her liver, she's now free. In an interview with CTV, 36-year-old Amanda Smith of London, Ontario described how it felt to be part of such a groundbreaking experiment that has allowed her body to once again produce its own insulin. "I remember, like, being scared and excited," Smith said of the study, "and it's history now." Although things are improving for type 1 diabetics, whose pancreases cannot produce their own insulin, the condition still requires ample maintenance and most often results in at least 10 to 12 years being taken off one's life. Diagnosed at 25 with late-onset juvenile diabetes, the woman said that the prognosis for the disease always felt like a "death sentence." "The end is always some sort of complication with diabetes," Smith said. After enrolling in the stem cell study, which is the subject of a new paper in the New England Journal of Medicine, all that changed for the Ontario woman. Smith and 11 other participants on both sides of the border were implanted with special embryonic stem cells, which were altered to grow in the liver and transform into a hormone-producing array of cells that secrete insulin the way a non-diabetic's pancreas does. Of that study cohort, 10 of the 12 stopped needing insulin shots for at least a year — and according to Trevor Reichman, the surgical director of the University Health Network in Toronto's diabetic transplant program and lead author of the paper, the study's "biological replacements" took hold in seconds. "In the liver, they're sensing a patient's blood glucose level, and they're secreting the appropriate hormone," Reichman said of the stem cell implants. "Essentially, it's the same as your native... cells would function." Incredible as these results are, there is a catch: to keep the stem cells working, patients must take immune-suppressing medications so their bodies don't reject the implanted cells — which means they've become more susceptible than most to illness. (Charlbi Dean Kriek, the star of 2022's "Triangle of Sadness," had been on immunosuppressants for a decade following a spleen removal when she died of an infection soon after the film came out.) For Smith, who on August 1 will celebrate her two-year implant-iversary, swapping quality of life for her old insulin shots and the threat of diabetic comas was a no-brainer — even if it means she's more vulnerable to sickness. "Taking a couple of pills three times a day is nothing," she said of her medication regimen. "I take it with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's easy." Still, such immunosuppression is no joke. As Reichman told CTV, one of the study cohort patients died, and the culprit may well have been an illness they caught while on said immunosuppressants — which is why the next phase of research will be into stem cell implants that the body won't reject. More on diabetes: RFK Jr. Surprised to Learn He'd Cut a Grant For Youth Diabetes Research
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New 'groundbreaking' diabetes treatment trialled by NHS could delay insulin need
A revolutionary medication designed to slow the progression of type 1 diabetes is currently being tested by a small number of NHS patients across the UK. Teplizumab, which has already received approval in the United States, teaches the immune system to cease its assault on pancreatic cells, postponing the requirement for insulin by an average of three years. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system launches an attack on the insulin-producing cells within the pancreas, resulting in the loss of natural blood sugar regulation. When blood glucose levels become excessively high or dangerously low, it can lead to severe health complications and potentially prove fatal. Individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes consequently require daily insulin injections. READ MORE: NHS says 'contact your GP practice' if you notice symptom that 'could be cancer' READ MORE: Preeclampsia may reduce lifelong risk of multiple cancers up to 45%, new study finds Hannah Robinson, a 36-year-old dentist and mother of two from Devon, has become the first adult in the UK to trial the medication in hopes of delaying the onset of her condition. She is receiving care at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust following the discovery during her pregnancy that she was in the preliminary stages of developing type 1 diabetes. A small group of individuals are receiving the treatment on an individual assessment basis whilst it undergoes evaluation for broader NHS implementation. She explained: "For me, this new drug offers more freedom and the chance to focus on my health before I have to start thinking differently and managing life as somebody needing daily insulin. "This isn't just about what I eat or monitoring my glucose, it is also about having more control and not feeling defined by my condition. "This treatment could potentially pave the way for a future cure for type 1 diabetes, which is incredible. I feel very lucky to be part of this." Dr Nick Thomas, diabetes consultant and academic clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter, said: "This new treatment represents a really exciting shift in how we manage type 1 diabetes. "For the first time ever, we will be able to provide targeted treatment early enough in the process to alter the underlying immune process, aiming to slow down how quickly people need insulin. "Approximately half of all type 1 diabetes cases develop in adulthood, and Hannah will be the first adult in the UK to receive this treatment. "My hope is that in the future, we may be able to stop people with early type 1 diabetes from needing insulin at all." Dr Lucy Chambers, head of research impact and communications at Diabetes UK, said: "For people in the early stages of type 1 diabetes, teplizumab offers a groundbreaking opportunity to buy them precious extra years insulin-free. "Right now, it's only available in research settings – and while the excitement is real, urgent work is still needed to ensure it reaches everyone who could benefit. "That means securing a UK licence for teplizumab, establishing national screening programmes to identify people with early-stage type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear, and preparing the NHS to deliver this treatment at scale. "Diabetes UK is proud to be at the forefront of these efforts – funding pioneering research and working closely with the NHS towards a future where immunotherapies become the first-line treatment for tackling the autoimmune attack at the root of type 1 diabetes." Professor Richard Oram, consultant physician at the Royal Devon and professor at the University of Exeter, commented: "Excitingly, teplizumab is the first drug with the potential to delay type 1 diabetes, but needs to be given before clinical diagnosis due to high blood glucose. "It is really important to find new and improved approaches for identifying individuals at elevated risk."
Health Line
09-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Why You Can Enjoy Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs with Diabetes
People with diabetes can have fun at pools and hot tubs. However, they may need to adjust insulin dosages, keep supplies and medications cool and dry, and closely watch blood sugars to avoid low blood sugars It's not all fun and games for people with diabetes when it comes to enjoying swimming pools, sunning at the beach, or relaxing in a hot tub. Managing blood sugar spikes and dips in the summer heat can be a challenge all on its own. But people with diabetes may also be thinking about emergency treatments for medical emergencies, making sure their devices and supplies are kept at safe temperatures, and any adhesives from insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors don't fall off due to water, sweat, or moving around in the water. A little advanced planning and attention in the water can make all the difference in staying on top of diabetes management and ensure you stay safe and healthy. Using diabetes technology in pools or hot tubs Before you even dip your toes in the water, you will likely want to start thinking about where your diabetes devices and any supplies you typically use will be kept. Even if you aren't at the beach or the pool, it's important to remember that insulin and sunshine do not get along well. The ideal temperature for insulin longevity and efficacy is between 36 and 46 degrees, which is generally what refrigerators are set at and how insulin is stored until the first time it's opened and used. The hottest temperature insulin can withstand before it starts to break down and stops lowering blood sugar effectively is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that some glucometers will also stop working if they overheat, flashing an error message if they hit a temperature outside of the acceptable range. Your diabetes in heat and humidity Hot and humid weather and scorching sunshine can affect glucose levels and other aspects of managing diabetes. This can include how insulin and other medications work, and possible dehydration that can lead to dangerously high and low blood sugars. Read more about how heat and humidity can affect your diabetes management and health overall. Tips to consider at the pool, beach, or hot tub You can protect your insulin pens, glass vials, and insulin pumps with any of the following approaches: Insulin storage: Do not leave your insulin or supplies in direct sunlight or in a very hot vehicle. This might mean taking them with you and putting them under an umbrella or a towel if there's no other shade. Insulin pump storage: Store your insulin pump in a cool, shady place out of direct exposure to the sun. Place an ice pack in your bag next to your diabetes kit. This may give you at least an hour of protection, depending on how hot it is outside. Remember not to put your insulin directly on top of an ice pack. Freezing insulin is just as destructive as overheating it. Cooling products: Consider buying a diabetes product designed to help protect your medication or supplies. This might include a Medicool pack or poncho to keep the ice packs in the right place or a Frio case activated by water to keep insulin temperatures at safe levels for up to several days. If you plan to keep your pump on while swimming for an extended period of time, consider using a waterproof case from sources like AquaPack. Adhesives: Use additional adhesive if necessary to protect your infusion site and CGM sensor site from coming off due to prolonged time in the water. Popular sources include Rock Tape, GrifGrips, Skin Tac, or Simpatch. Timing hot tub use: You might try to time when you get into a hot tub with when you're planning for insulin pump infusion or CGM sensor site changes. While not always possible, timing your infusion site change around a hot tub soak can mean you don't have to worry about the site coming loose or possible insulin damage from the hot water. Medical ID: Wear a diabetes medical ID bracelet or necklace when you're in the water or nearby, to help alert other people and lifeguards or paramedics to your condition. Can you swim with an insulin pump? Yes, you can swim if you wear an insulin pump. This form of physical activity is good for your health in general, and that is even more true for people with conditions that include diabetes. Having an insulin pump doesn't have to stop you from enjoying the water, as long as you take a few precautions. Various diabetes devices have certain limitations for how they can be used in water. For example: iLet by Beta Bionics is waterproof up to 12 feet deep for up to 30 minutes Medtronic's MiniMed 780G system is waterproof at a 12-foot depth for up to 24 hours Omnipod 5 by Insulet is waterproof in 25 feet for up to 60 minutes Tandem t:slim X2 is 'water-resistant' in 3 feet deep water for up to 30 minutes (the device user guide advises that the pump not be worn while swimming or in a hot tub) Always make sure to consult your diabetes device manufacturer's guidelines before exposing your insulin pump to any water. Swimming benefits for diabetes Swimming can benefit people with diabetes in several ways. These include improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, weight management, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Find out more about how swimming can help you, with diabetes or not. Your diabetes management at pools and hot tubs Consult your diabetes care team about how to handle times when you're enjoying swimming pools, hot tubs, and beach time. They can help you navigate these situations, from how to handle insulin dosing to changes you might experience from exercise and exposure to high temperatures. One suggestion they might have for people using insulin pumps is to be mindful of how long they might be disconnected from the device. That may affect blood sugars and longer-term management over several hours or an entire day. Your healthcare team can best guide you on taking an insulin bolus if you've been disconnected from the pump for more than 30 minutes, accounting for the amount of background basal insulin you might be missing during that time period. This is specific medical advice, so make sure to consult your doctor first. They will also likely instruct you to have fast-acting carbs, such as glucose tablets, on hand in case you experience a low blood sugar while at the pool, beach, or in a hot tub. Don't forget that swimming is an exercise and will affect your blood sugar levels. Are hot tubs safe for people with diabetes? Yes, hot tubs are OK for people with diabetes. However, they do require some extra care and attention, just as swimming pools and beachfront experiences do. They can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia since the increased blood flow moves insulin faster throughout the body. Your doctor can help guide you on insulin dosing and blood sugar management that may need adjusting with hot tub use. Some suggest that people using insulin avoid taking a full mealtime or correction bolus before getting in a hot environment, and instead take a lower amount to help accommodate any blood sugar swing. Insulin dosing aside, the heat from the hot tub water can be dangerous for the insulin inside the pump and the infusion site's cannula, which delivers insulin under your skin. Most hot tubs are hotter than 95 degrees, which means an insulin pump should never be submerged, regardless of whether it's water-resistant or not. Traditional tubed pumps should be disconnected before you get into a hot tub Omnipod patch pumps can stay attached as long as they're on the upper body and can remain above the heated water CGM sensors have similar guidance about not submerging and keeping them above hot water, if possible If you accidentally immerse your pod in the hot water for too long, keep a very close eye on your blood sugars during the few hours afterward to make sure you don't experience any unexpected hyperglycemia. That could be a sign that the insulin is no longer effective, and you may need a new insulin set change to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The takeaway When you live with diabetes, you can enjoy swimming pools, beach water adventures, and hot tubs. However, this may require some extra care and planning to ensure you do not experience any serious blood sugar fluctuations other diabetes-related issues. You can take simple steps to manage your diabetes while in the water or enjoying waterfront fun in the sun. These may include tracking blood sugars closely and properly storing insulin, medications, or diabetes devices in cooler temperatures and out of direct sunlight. It's important to stay hydrated and have fast-acting carbs on hand in case of low blood sugar. Your healthcare and diabetes team can help guide you on any insulin adjustments to make before or after you're at the pool or hot tub.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Health2Sync and Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea, Ltd. Launch Smart Cap Mallya® for FlexTouch® Insulin Pens Integration in South Korea, Enhancing insulin administration via Digital Diabetes Care
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Health2Sync, Asia's leading digital chronic disease management platform, announced the successful integration of Smart Cap Mallya® for FlexTouch® Insulin Pens data into SugarGenie, its Korean-market diabetes management app. Mallya® enables automatic recording of insulin injection details. This data can be synced directly into a patient's digital health record and shared with healthcare providers via SugarGenie, HealthSync's solution in Korea. This innovation comes at a critical moment. Managing insulin administration records is a challenging task for both diabetes patients and healthcare professionals. In fact, a multinational survey of diabetes patients receiving insulin treatment and physicians treating diabetes patients found that 27.6% of patients experience difficulty administering insulin at the prescribed time or with meals. In the same study, 54.5% of physicians reported that their patients experience difficulty administering insulin at the prescribed time or with meals. Mallya®, when paired with Health2Sync's connected ecosystem, significantly lowers this burden. Patients using FlexTouch® insulin pens can now have their dosage, time, and frequency data recorded and visualized in real time within the SugarGenie app. "This integration is connecting yet another integral part in digital diabetes care," said Ed Deng, CEO and Co-founder of Health2Sync. "By connecting the data of Mallya® to SugarGenie, we're improving accuracy in insulin tracking and expanding the depth of data available to patients and care teams. Our platform enables insulin logs to be viewed alongside blood glucose, meals, and physical activity, offering a full circle understanding of each patient's health context." Deng continued: "For healthcare professionals, this means faster, smarter decisions. Our care provider portal lets clinicians view real-time patient data We're turning disconnected data points into a unified, actionable picture of care, without placing additional burden on patients." SugarGenie's integration with Mallya® supports remote care models and automated record-keeping—an increasingly critical combination for long-term chronic condition management in South Korea. With its clean interface, real-time sync, and care team dashboard, SugarGenie is a key digital infrastructure in Korea's diabetes treatment landscape. "Digital healthcare has become a key tool in enhancing the efficiency and convenience of diabetes treatment," said Kasper Roseeuw Poulsen, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea, Ltd.. "For over a century, Novo Nordisk has supported patients through holistic solutions, and our collaboration with Health2Sync is also a continuation of that commitment. We hope this strategic collaboration will help create a more systematic and efficient treatment environment for both patients and healthcare professionals in Korea." Hashtag: #health2sync #diabetesmanagement #digitaltherapeutis #digitalhealth The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Health2Sync Founded in 2013, Health2Sync is a leading digital health company in Asia focused on delivering personalized and comprehensive solutions for chronic disease management. Its core offerings include a mobile patient app and a cloud-based analytics platform for healthcare providers, designed to drive measurable improvements in blood glucose outcomes. With the most extensive clinical network in Asia, Health2Sync offers a scalable, data-driven approach to diabetes care. The platform empowers patients with tailored insights, enabling healthcare professionals and caregivers to support them remotely and fostering continuous, collaborative care throughout the entire treatment journey. For more information, please visit About SugarGenie App Health2Sync's SugarGenie app collects biometric information measured by medical devices and transmits it to a platform via encrypted protocols, allowing patient data to be shared with family, caregivers, and healthcare institutions.5 It integrates data such as blood glucose level, blood pressure, weight, and user-inputted dietary and exercise information. It transforms it into visual reports to provide personalized feedback, enable effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and monitor real-time health status. As of June 2025, Health2Sync has over 1.5 million users worldwide. Health2Sync
Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Health2Sync and Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea, Ltd. Launch Smart Cap Mallya® for FlexTouch® Insulin Pens Integration in South Korea, Enhancing insulin administration via Digital Diabetes Care
Users can now view their insulin injection details along with blood glucose, diet, and exercise recordings in SugarGenie SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Health2Sync, Asia's leading digital chronic disease management platform, announced the successful integration of Smart Cap Mallya® for FlexTouch® Insulin Pens data into SugarGenie, its Korean-market diabetes management app. Mallya® enables automatic recording of insulin injection details. This data can be synced directly into a patient's digital health record and shared with healthcare providers via SugarGenie, HealthSync's solution in innovation comes at a critical moment. Managing insulin administration records is a challenging task for both diabetes patients and healthcare professionals. In fact, a multinational survey of diabetes patients receiving insulin treatment and physicians treating diabetes patients found that 27.6% of patients experience difficulty administering insulin at the prescribed time or with meals. In the same study, 54.5% of physicians reported that their patients experience difficulty administering insulin at the prescribed time or with when paired with Health2Sync's connected ecosystem, significantly lowers this burden. Patients using FlexTouch® insulin pens can now have their dosage, time, and frequency data recorded and visualized in real time within the SugarGenie app."This integration is connecting yet another integral part in digital diabetes care," said Ed Deng, CEO and Co-founder of Health2Sync. "By connecting the data of Mallya® to SugarGenie, we're improving accuracy in insulin tracking and expanding the depth of data available to patients and care teams. Our platform enables insulin logs to be viewed alongside blood glucose, meals, and physical activity, offering a full circle understanding of each patient's health context."Deng continued: "For healthcare professionals, this means faster, smarter decisions. Our care provider portal lets clinicians view real-time patient data We're turning disconnected data points into a unified, actionable picture of care, without placing additional burden on patients."SugarGenie's integration with Mallya® supports remote care models and automated record-keeping—an increasingly critical combination for long-term chronic condition management in South Korea. With its clean interface, real-time sync, and care team dashboard, SugarGenie is a key digital infrastructure in Korea's diabetes treatment landscape."Digital healthcare has become a key tool in enhancing the efficiency and convenience of diabetes treatment," said Kasper Roseeuw Poulsen, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea, Ltd.. "For over a century, Novo Nordisk has supported patients through holistic solutions, and our collaboration with Health2Sync is also a continuation of that commitment. We hope this strategic collaboration will help create a more systematic and efficient treatment environment for both patients and healthcare professionals in Korea."Hashtag: #health2sync #diabetesmanagement #digitaltherapeutis #digitalhealth The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Health2Sync Founded in 2013, Health2Sync is a leading digital health company in Asia focused on delivering personalized and comprehensive solutions for chronic disease management. Its core offerings include a mobile patient app and a cloud-based analytics platform for healthcare providers, designed to drive measurable improvements in blood glucose outcomes. With the most extensive clinical network in Asia, Health2Sync offers a scalable, data-driven approach to diabetes care. The platform empowers patients with tailored insights, enabling healthcare professionals and caregivers to support them remotely and fostering continuous, collaborative care throughout the entire treatment journey. For more information, please visit About SugarGenie App Health2Sync's SugarGenie app collects biometric information measured by medical devices and transmits it to a platform via encrypted protocols, allowing patient data to be shared with family, caregivers, and healthcare institutions.5 It integrates data such as blood glucose level, blood pressure, weight, and user-inputted dietary and exercise information. It transforms it into visual reports to provide personalized feedback, enable effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and monitor real-time health status. As of June 2025, Health2Sync has over 1.5 million users worldwide.
