Savvy Updates 11/17/25

Nov 17, 2025 | Advocacy, Diabetes Business, Featured, Research News, Stories of D Life, T1D and Aging, Technology Updates, Videos | 0 comments

In this week’s issue of The Savvy Diabetic: 

      • Legislators Object to Proposed CMS Payment Changes for Diabetes Tech
      • ADVOCACY ALERT: Thank Congress for Supporting T1D Research Funding
      • Diabetes Nerd Podcast – 60 Years with Type 1 Diabetes
      • SUGARNSALT Joslin/Harvard Clinical Trial: Can SOTA Slow Kidney Failure in T1D
      • Frustrated by the Medical System, Patients Turn to A.I.
      • Filing of Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against Dexcom, Inc
      • World Diabetes Day – Live Webcast with Diamyd Medical
      • What Actually Helps When You Have a Cold or the Flu?
      • 10 Effective Strategies to Get What You Want and Need!
      • Falling Asleep Isn’t a Gradual Process – It Happens All of a Sudden
Legislators Object to Proposed CMS Payment Changes for Diabetes Tech by Elise Reuter for MedTechDive.com, 4 November 2025.

The co-chairs of the House and Senate Diabetes Caucuses urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services not to finalize proposed changes that would affect how the agency pays for diabetes devices.

In June, the CMS issued a proposed rule to include insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors in a competitive bidding program. It would also change payments to a monthly rental rather than a contract, where devices are paid for upfront. 

In a letter sent to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz in October, caucus leaders raised concerns that the changes would reduce and complicate access to CGMs and insulin pumps. Medtech lobbying group AdvaMed issued a statement on Monday also urging the CMS not to finalize the proposal.  Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Reps. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., and Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., raised concerns that a few suppliers would be responsible for furnishing durable insulin pumps and CGMs to beneficiaries if the proposal were made final. These suppliers would also be responsible for maintenance, software updates and recalls. Currently, manufacturers are responsible for support.

“We also are concerned that these proposed policies will have the unintended consequence of reducing choices for CGM or durable insulin pump beneficiaries,” the legislators wrote. “Suppliers would not be required to carry all types and combinations of CGMs and durable insulin pumps under this proposal, which would push beneficiaries closer to a one size fits all model that would not meet their needs.”

Read more: Legislators object to proposed CMS payment changes for diabetes tech

ADVOCACY ALERT: Thank Congress for Supporting T1D Research Funding

The Special Diabetes Program (SDP) funds critical type 1 diabetes (T1D) research that has improved lives and moves us closer to cures. Thank your Members of Congress for extending their funding through January 30.

Easy, fill-in form, with thank-you letter: As a constituent who cares deeply about Type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, I’m writing to express my appreciation for the continued funding for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) that was included in the continuing resolution enacted by Congress.

Click here to fill in the form and send:  Thank Congress for Supporting T1D Research Funding

Diabetes Nerd Podcast – 60 Years with Type 1 Diabetes with Ginger Vieira for GingerVieira.com, 13 November 2025.

Can you imagine living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) until age 100? Just a decade ago, that might have seemed impossible. But now, things are different. Joanne Milo, a Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) advocate, author, blogger, DIY looper, founder of Loop and Learn and now, founder of T1D to 100, is living proof. She’s more than halfway there!

Joanne has lived with T1D for the past 60 years with no signs of slowing down. She serves as an inspiration to everyone living with diabetes, reminding us of what’s possible when you prioritize your health. If you’re looking for a sign of hope, words of comfort, or some inspiration, Joanne offers it all. This conversation is the warm hug World Diabetes Day needs!

Clinical Trial by Joslin/Harvard, now recruiting!

The SUGARNSALT clinical trial is studying whether SOTA can be used to slow the loss of kidney function and prevent kidney failure in those living with T1D. They are recruiting nationally, ages 18 – 75, who have been living with T1D for over 8 years and have kidney problems or protein in urine.

See attached flyer below for further information. Or call 1-(866) 622-3885 or email sugarNsalt@joslin.harvard 

Driven in part by frustrations with the medical system, more and more Americans are seeking advice from A.I. Last year, about one in six adults — and about a quarter of adults under 30 — used chatbots to find health information at least once a month, according to a survey from KFF, a health policy research group. Liz Hamel, who directs survey research at the group, said that number was probably higher now.

Although patients have long used Google and websites like WebMD to try to make sense of their health, A.I. chatbots have differentiated themselves by providing an impression of authoritative, personalized analysis in a way that traditional sources don’t. This can lead to facsimiles of human relationships and engender levels of trust out of proportion to the bots’ abilities.

Many chatbots’ terms of service say they are not intended to provide medical advice. They also note that the tools can make mistakes (ChatGPT tells users to “check important info”). But research has found that most models no longer display disclaimers when people ask health questions. And chatbots routinely suggest diagnoses, interpret lab results, and advise on treatment, even offering scripts to help persuade doctors.

This is an interesting discussion of A.I. Chatbot vs. Doctor.  There is an opportunity to share your experiences using A.I. chatbots, and respond if your might be open to being contacted by a New York Times journalist.  (The link below will most probably require a subscription to NYTimes)

Read more: Frustrated by the Medical System, Patients Turn to A.I.

Filing of Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against Dexcom, Inc. was posted by Morningstar.com/busienss-wire, 10 November 2025.

Prominent investor rights law firm Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP (“BLB&G”) filed a class action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging violations of the federal securities laws by DexCom, Inc. (“Dexcom” or the “Company”) and certain of the Company’s current senior executives (collectively, “Defendants”). The action is brought on behalf of all investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Dexcom common stock between January 8, 2024, and September 17, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This case is related to a previously filed securities class action pending against Dexcom, captioned Prime v. DexCom, Inc., No. 1:25-cv-08912 (S.D.N.Y.) (“Prime”), which asserts a class period of July 26, 2024, and September 17, 2025.

Dexcom’s Alleged Fraud:  Dexcom’s latest CGM, the G7, was launched in early 2023 as a purported upgrade over the prior G6 model.  The claims against Dexcom and certain of its executives stem from misrepresentations regarding the accuracy and reliability of the G7 device. Throughout the Class Period, Dexcom repeatedly emphasized the performance of the G7 product and attributed this product’s quality to its success. In truth, the G7 suffers from significant quality issues related to both the accuracy of the sensor and its ability to transmit data to the user’s chosen receiver or smart device. Some of these issues stem from a change that Dexcom made to the coating of the G7 sensors in December of 2023, without informing the FDA or obtaining the requisite pre-market approval for such a change.

The truth began to emerge on July 25, 2024, when Dexcom announced its second-quarter 2024 results, disclosing that it had missed its sales target for the quarter by 3% and lowered its revenue guidance for the whole year. Plaintiffs’ investigation demonstrates that a key driver of this revenue miss was Dexcom’s loss of market share due to quality issues with the G7. 

Read more: Filing of Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against Dexcom, Inc.

World Diabetes Day – Live Webcast with Diamyd Medical, 14 November 2025 

To highlight World Diabetes Day and Diabetes Awareness Month, Diamyd Medical hosted a live webcast featuring a panel discussion, followed by a brief Q&A. The expert panelists were: Joshua Vieth, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D Prof. Johnny Ludvigsson, Linköping University Prof. Åke Lernmark, Lund University/CRC, Malmö Ulf Hannelius, CEO Diamyd Medical, and hosted/moderated by Jonas Söderström, CEO Biostock.

Why Managing Cold and Flu is Important for T1Ds: Managing Type 1 Diabetes with the Flu, Stomach Virus, or Severe Cold

It’s that time of year again, when stuffy noses and irrepressible coughs start to show up everywhere.  There is little you can do for the common cold and other respiratory illnesses, especially once you get sick. Viruses cause most infections, so they cannot be cured with antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections.

“There’s a saying that if you treat acold, it goes away in seven days; if you leave it alone, it goes away in a week,” said Dr. Aviva Romm, a physician who specializes in integrative medicine.  Here’s what we know and don’t know about some of the most popular remedies that show at least a little promise.

Read more: What Actually Helps When You Have a Cold or the Flu?

How to Psych Out Your Doctor: 10 Effective Strategies to Get What You Want and Need! by TCOYD, 27 October 2025.

From Dr. Steven Edelman, T1D, endocrinologist and founder of TCOYD, and a tireless and kind healthcare provider/advocate: I’ve been a doctor for 42 years, but I’ve been a diabetes patient even longer, so I’ve seen how things work on both sides of the exam room door. I know how busy providers are, juggling packed inboxes and a list of line items we’re supposed to check off in every 20-minute visit, and I know how discouraging it can feel as a patient when you leave an appointment thinking your doctor didn’t really hear you or answer your most important questions.  Patients may be hesitant to discuss specific topics with their healthcare providers. A 2022 survey found that about half of Americans are afraid to ask about their health condition or symptoms. When it comes to communicating with your doctor, the best outcomes happen when you’re open and honest, and proactive in your own care.

After more than 55 years in diabetes clinics – on both sides of the stethoscope – here are my recommendations on how to psych out (er – work with) your doctor to get what you want and need from each appointment.

      • Butter Them Up: It may sound simple, but starting your appointment with: “Thank you for seeing me, I’m sure you’re crazy busy” goes a long way. It sets a positive tone and can put your provider in a good mood from the start.  If you want bonus points, bring chocolate! Or any little treat you think they might like. A small gesture of kindness can set the stage for a collaborative visit.
      • Come Prepared: Here are a few things to consider when talking with your doctor:
            • Your top 2-3 priorities. What do you want most from this visit? A new diabetes medication? A referral to a specialist? Education about a new diabetes device?
            • Any new symptoms or concerns? Be specific. 
      • Don’t Bury the Lead…the Clock Is Ticking!  Appointments are often only 15 or 20 minutes long, so don’t save your biggest concern for the last 60 seconds when your doctors have their hands on the doorknob to leave. Early in the visit, say something like: “I have one important issue I’d really like to cover today. Would you prefer we talk about it now, or later in the visit?”  This shows respect for your doctor’s time, while also making sure your biggest priority doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
      • Tell Them What You Want (What You Really Really Want): Try to be as clear and straightforward as you can.  Here are some examples to add to your doctor discussion guide:
            • Instead of: “I’m having a hard time”
            • Try: “I’m finding it difficult to afford my insulin. Can we talk about lower-cost options?”
            • Instead of: “I don’t feel great on this medication”
            • Try: “This medication makes me nauseated almost every day. What alternatives might there be?”
      • Back Up Your Case: If you’re hoping for a specific treatment, give your doctor the context they need so they can be better equipped to get you what you want.
      • Make Sure Your Ask Is Reasonable: Whatever you’re looking for, make sure it’s a medically reasonable request. 
      • Be Persistent (but Polite): Sometimes you may have to bring up a topic more than once. Maybe your doctor got sidetracked or distracted with another matter, or didn’t realize your question was a priority. That doesn’t mean you should give up. Politely circle back.
      • Limit Your Requests: Try not to come in with a binder of a zillion things you want to talk about. Focus on just a few issues per visit. If you have a lot to cover, ask about scheduling a longer visit, a video visit, or a follow-up appointment.
      • Follow Up If You Need To: If you get home from your appointment and you’re unclear about instructions, or if your prescriptions don’t make it to the pharmacy, or if new problems come up, don’t be shy about reaching out to your doctor’s office. 
      • Be Your Own Advocate: In the current times of managed care and the shrinking health care dollar, you need to fight for what you need. No one will fight for it harder than you. Be professional but persistent. Learn about the recommended screening tests to diagnose diabetes-related problems early, and ask your doctor about the latest medications, devices, and treatment options available. Find out what needs to be done to live a healthy and productive life with diabetes, and then do everything you can to achieve it.

Read more: 10 Effective Strategies to Get What You Want and Need!

Falling Asleep Isn’t a Gradual Process – It Happens All of a Sudden by Grace Wade for NewScientist.com, 10 November 2025.

Why Sleep is Important for T1Ds: Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Amount and Type 1 Diabetes – Findings indicate the importance of achieving sufficient sleep levels regarding personal glucose targets

The brain doesn’t gradually fall asleep. Instead, it reaches a tipping point at which it rapidly transitions from wakefulness to sleep in a matter of minutes – a discovery that could improve our understanding and treatment of sleep disorders.  “Although sleep is so fundamental to our life, how the brain falls asleep has been a mystery,” says Nir Grossman at Imperial College London. It has widely been believed to be an incremental process, in which the brain steadily transitions from wakefulness to sleep. But evidence supporting this has been limited.

“We can now take an individual, measure the brain activity, and in each second, say how far they are from falling asleep, every moment, with a precision that was not possible before,” says Grossman.

These results suggest the transition from wakefulness to sleep “isn’t an incremental progression. It is an abrupt, drastic change that occurs in the last few minutes”, says Grossman. As such, how we describe entering sleep – usually as “falling” – largely mirrors what is happening in the brain. “It’s almost evidence of this sensation of falling into a different state,” says Grossman.

Read more:  Falling asleep isn’t a gradual process – it happens all of a sudden

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