Latest Developments in Diabetes Technology Take Center Stage at ADA Scientific Sessions

The American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Scientific Sessions, taking place June 20-23 in Chicago, is set to showcase groundbreaking advancements in diabetes management technology. This year's conference comes at a pivotal time for the industry, marked by expanded device access, new partnerships, and innovative product launches.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) Expand Reach

The diabetes tech landscape is evolving rapidly, with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) at the forefront. Abbott and Dexcom, two leading CGM manufacturers, are expected to present updates on their latest devices at the conference.

Abbott is developing a dual-analyte sensor capable of detecting both blood glucose and ketones, potentially becoming the first such technology to reach the market. The company has already secured partnerships with insulin pump manufacturers for integration with this planned device.

Dexcom recently received FDA clearance for a 15-day version of its G7 CGM, slated for launch in the second half of 2025. The company will present data at ADA demonstrating the benefits of CGM use for people with Type 2 diabetes across various insulin therapies. In an observational study, Dexcom's G7 CGM was associated with significantly reduced diabetes-related distress in Type 2 diabetes patients not taking insulin.

These developments align with the ADA's updated standards of care, which now recommend CGM use for adults with Type 2 diabetes taking glucose-lowering medications other than insulin. This expansion of CGM access is expected to be a key focus at the conference, with discussions extending to potential benefits for people with prediabetes and those without diabetes.

Automated Insulin Delivery Systems Advance for Type 2 Diabetes

Automated insulin delivery systems, which combine CGMs with insulin pumps and predictive algorithms, are making significant strides in Type 2 diabetes management. Insulet and Tandem Diabetes Care have already received FDA approval for expanded use of their systems in Type 2 patients.

Medtronic is pursuing an expanded label for its 780G pump to be used with its Simplera Sync sensor in Type 2 diabetes patients. The company will present late-breaking data on this effort during the conference. Additionally, Medtronic is collaborating with Abbott on a separate automated insulin delivery system, with Abbott developing a CGM exclusively for Medtronic's insulin pumps.

Competition Heats Up in Patch Pump Market

The patch pump segment is poised for increased competition, with several companies developing alternatives to Insulet's current market-leading device. Tandem Diabetes Care is working on a tubeless feature for its Mobi insulin pumps and developing a separate patch pump following its acquisition of AMF Medical in 2023.

Medtronic has confirmed ongoing development of a patch pump, while Beta Bionics, which went public in January, plans to launch a patch pump version of its automated insulin delivery system in 2027. Beta Bionics will host a demonstration of their patch pump at a Sunday investor event during the conference.

As the diabetes technology sector continues to evolve rapidly, the ADA Scientific Sessions promise to provide crucial insights into the latest innovations and their potential impact on patient care. With expanded device access and new players entering the market, the conference sets the stage for a dynamic future in diabetes management.