Sernova’s innovative Cell Pouch implants insulin-producing cells, and early trials have helped some people achieve full insulin independence for years. But challenges like immunosuppressants and scalability remain. In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Rigby, CEO of Sernova and a fellow T1D, to discuss how this technology works, the life-changing results from clinical trials, and the next steps in diabetes cure research. We explore stem cell-derived islet cells, gene-edited cells that could eliminate the need for immunosuppressants, and Sernova’s long-term vision for making a functional cure accessible.
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DISCLAIMERS: This podcast is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your health care.
*10-day trial eligibility may vary. Full terms and conditions apply. Visit omnipod.com/diabetech for clinical disclaimers, terms and important safety information. The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 25 feet for 60 minutes. The Omnipod 5 Controller is not waterproof.
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42:18
How T1D Volunteers Led The Charge During the LA Fires
In the aftermath of the devastating January 2025 Los Angeles fires, a grassroots group of volunteers, led by You’re Just My Type, sprang into action to deliver life-saving medical supplies to people with type 1 diabetes. Liz Van Horhis, who had only planned to visit L.A. for a dog-sitting trip, found herself at the heart of the relief effort. She shares how a simple favor turned into a mission to get critical medications to those in need.
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Thank you Medtronic for supporting the production to help us share these stories!
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Crew & Special Thanks: Producer, Host - Justin Eastzer Director, DP - Dylan Leonard Producer - Morgan Lester Editor - Tobias Divine Sound - Fiona Gaye B Camera - Zack Patrick Production Asst. - Craig Low Management - Catherine Lawson Medtronic Rep. - Ashley Patterson Donated Footage - TJ Wait
All funding received for this documentary went directly to supporting the production of the film. It was important to both me and our Director, fellow T1D Dylan Leonard, that we did not accept compensation from this project.
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31:51
Diabetes Cures In The Works & What Comes Next
For decades, people with type 1 diabetes have heard that a cure is just “5-10 years away” – yet here we are, still waiting. Many have grown skeptical, but after this conversation, you might just walk away with hope! Journalist and fellow T1D Ginger Vieira joins me to break down the latest breakthroughs in diabetes cure research. From companies that have already cured people to game-changing innovations that eliminate the need for immunosuppressants, Ginger dives into why there is real incentive for a cure, and why we might be closer than ever before.
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Breakthrough T1D
DISCLAIMERS: This podcast is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your health care.
*10-day trial eligibility may vary. Full terms and conditions apply. Visit omnipod.com/diabetech for clinical disclaimers, terms and important safety information. The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 25 feet for 60 minutes. The Omnipod 5 Controller is not waterproof.
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50:38
Diabetes Innovations We Expect in 2025 & Beyond
2025 is set to bring major advancements in diabetes technology, from AI-driven CGMs to new insulin pumps like Medtronic’s upcoming 8-series and patch pump, and the Tidepool Loop-based twiist pump. I spoke with Gary Scheiner, a CDCES and author of Think Like a Pancreas, to break down what these innovations mean for diabetes management.
Learn about Omnipod 5 (today's sponsor)*
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Gary’s Practice
Gary's Book Think Like a Pancreas
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DISCLAIMERS: This podcast is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your health care.
*10-day trial eligibility may vary. Full terms and conditions apply. Visit omnipod.com/diabetech for clinical disclaimers, terms and important safety information. The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 25 feet for 60 minutes. The Omnipod 5 Controller is not waterproof.
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54:10
The New Beta Bionics iLet Upgrades & Future Innovations
The Beta Bionics iLet insulin pump continues to impress with rapid updates like an upgraded design, expanded CGM integrations, and the sleek Blue Circle Follower App. I sit down with Beta Bionics’ Chief Product Officer, Mike Mensinger—known for his work on the Dexcom Follow feature and InPen smart insulin pen—to explore the iLet’s new features, including Libre 3 Plus integration, and exciting future plans like tubeless pump technology, a fully closed-loop algorithm, and a bi-hormonal pump with glucagon. Let us know your comments on Youtube!
Learn about Omnipod 5 (today's sponsor)*
T1D Exchange Registry Sign up (US only)
Read our Blog + Join the Newsletter
Support Diabetech on Patreon | Diabetech Community Discord
Follow me here: Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTube | Facebook
Watch the Podcast on Youtube
DISCLAIMERS: This podcast is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your health care.
*10-day trial eligibility may vary. Full terms and conditions apply. Visit omnipod.com/diabetech for clinical disclaimers, terms and important safety information. The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 25 feet for 60 minutes. The Omnipod 5 Controller is not waterproof.
Ireland