In this update we are covering the news stories from May and June, keeping you informed whether you are managing your own diabetes or doing so as a carer.
LATEST NEWS
Libre 2 Update to give users full CGM
There's a big change to Libre 2 on the way!
Wow! 
Thanks to Nick Cahm for sharing this news. Although there's not yet an official press release, Nick did receive this information directly from Abbott.
Omnipod® 5 now available in UK
Insulet have announced that the Omnipod 5 is now available in the UK. However, as yet, this doesn't mean it can be prescribed through the NHS.
A tubeless insulin pump, the Omnipod 5 integrates with a Dexcom G6 and is likely to be one of the options for hybrid closed loops to be available (fingers-crossed) through the NHS later this year.
Click here to read the press release, or if you're curious to know more about the Omnipod 5, read our introduction to this medtech, click here.
New challenger in US pump market
Following approval by the FDA in the USA, Beta Bionics is set to compete with Insulet (Omnipod), Medtronic (MiniMed 780 G) and Tandem (t:slim X2) with it's iLet Bionic Pancreas.
The iLet Bionic Pancreas can be used as a hybrid closed loop by combining its insulin pump with dosing software and the Dexcom G6 CGM. It offers a simpler system of automation where users only need to enter their body weight when first initiating the system and then an estimate of the carb content for each meal eaten. The iLet's software will automatically adjust insulin for the user's individual needs.
Beta Bionics have FDA approval for use of pre-filled cartridges and 3 insulins currently including Novolog®, Humalog® and Fiasp® Pumpcart®.
It's not yet known if iLet will become available in the UK.
Click here for official press release.
Medtronic to acquire insulin patch maker EOFLOW
Medtronic are to take over the Korean insulin patch maker EOFlow putting them in a stronger position to compete with Insulet (ie Omnipod) in the tubeless/patch pump market.
The acquisition by Medtronic means another option for managing type 1 diabetes using a hybrid closed loop system. Medtronic has already developed its own algorithm, Meal Detection Technology, and this will be adapted to work with the EOFlow patch.
The patch is authorised for use in Europe (but not currently the UK) and can be controlled directly from a smartphone. It is 100% disposable.
Embecta joins Tidepool to develop insulin pump for looping
Embecta, the largest maker of disposable pen needles and insulin syringes for diabetes, and formerly part of Becton Dickinson, have announced they are teaming up with Tidepool to develop a patch pump system for type 2 insulin users.
The plans for the partnership are to develop both open- and closed-loop systems using Tidepool's ommunity-developed insulin dosing algorithm. The algorithm already has FDA clearance in the USA.
RESEARCH UPDATES
DIABETES UK
9 Genes involved in development of type 1 diabetes
Research funded by Diabetes UK has revealed that there are 9 'core' genes involved in the development of type 1 diabetes.
It is hoped that by understanding the processes relating to these 'core' genes and their interaction with the immune system, this could lead to treatments that could delay or prevent the condition from developing.
JDRF & DIABETES UK
Children develop type 1 diabetes differently due to genes
Research funded by JDRF and Diabetes UK, found 13 genes involved in immune responses, which are activated specifically in people who develop type 1 diabetes at a young age.
The research involved looking at 36 pancreases donated by people with and without type 1 diabetes and assessing the differences in the activity of genes that control immune responses.
A researcher from Exeter University, involved with the study, said that the results "suggests that the process of developing the condition may be different in early childhood compared to later in life.”
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