Natalie Bellini, DNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES

Diabetes Dialogue: CONNECT, TRANSCEND, and TRIUMPH at ADA 2026

Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!

In this episode, shot live at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discuss the latest major trial results like CONNECT, TRIUMPH, and TRANSCEND.

To begin the episode, Isaacs and Bellini, discuss major highlights from ADA Scientific Sessions, focusing first on the landmark CONNECT trial evaluating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in people with type 2 diabetes who are not treated with insulin. They reflect on the evolution of CGM technology, from its early use primarily in type 1 diabetes to its expanding role in type 2 diabetes management, and explain why this trial represents an important step forward for patients who have historically had limited access to CGM.

The hosts review the randomized controlled trial findings, emphasizing the significant improvements in glycemic outcomes, including a 1.6% reduction in A1c from baseline and an approximately 0.9% greater reduction compared with standard care. They also highlight the increase in time in range, with participants using CGM achieving roughly five additional hours per day in target glucose range. The magnitude of these findings is discussed as a practice-changing development, with the potential to influence future clinical guidelines and strengthen recommendations for CGM use among individuals with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin.

The discussion also explores the broader implications of the CONNECT trial for healthcare access and insurance coverage. The hosts note that randomized controlled trial evidence has historically played a key role in shaping standards of care and payer decisions, and they suggest that these results may help support wider adoption of CGM by demonstrating meaningful improvements in glucose control and patient outcomes.

The conversation then shifts to emerging pharmacologic advances, with a focus on retatrutide, a novel triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon pathways. The hosts discuss new data showing substantial metabolic benefits in people with type 2 diabetes, including up to 17% weight reduction and nearly 2% A1c lowering. They highlight how these findings represent a major advancement in diabetes and obesity treatment, particularly as clinicians continue to see increasingly powerful effects from next-generation incretin-based therapies.

Isaacs and Bellini explore how these therapies may reshape treatment strategies by allowing clinicians to tailor medication choices based on individual patient needs and goals. They discuss the importance of considering both glucose lowering and weight reduction effects, recognizing that some patients may benefit from significant weight loss while others may require a more balanced approach focused primarily on glycemic improvement.

The hosts also address important unanswered questions surrounding the use of highly effective weight-loss medications, including appropriate treatment targets, the limitations of BMI as a measure, and the importance of preserving muscle mass and overall function. They emphasize the need to consider body composition, physical activity, resistance training, and patient characteristics—particularly in older adults or those at risk for frailty—when developing long-term treatment plans.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the rapidly evolving landscape of diabetes care. The hosts highlight how advances in CGM technology and novel metabolic therapies are creating new opportunities to improve outcomes, personalize treatment approaches, and redefine the future management of people living with diabetes.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.

Dexcom. Dexcom CONNECT Study: The Most Significant Clinical Study Demonstrating CGM Benefits for People with Type 2 Diabetes Not Using Insulin. June 6, 2026. Accessed June 11, 2026. 

https://investors.dexcom.com/news/news-details/2026/Dexcom-CONNECT-Study-The-Most-Significant-Clinical-Study-Demonstrating-CGM-Benefits-for-People-with-Type-2-Diabetes-Not-Using-Insulin/default.aspx

Bajaj HS, Welch M, Shah P, et al. Efficacy and safety of retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor agonist, in people with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control with diet and exercise (TRANSCEND-T2D-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet. Published online June 6, 2026. 

Livingston R. TRIUMPH-1: Retatrutide Substantially Lowers Weight, BMI in Patients With Obesity or Overweight. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/triumph-1-retatrutide-substantially-lowers-weight-bmi-in-patients-with-obesity-or-overweight

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This episode covers recently released data regarding the Dexcom G7 and Eli Lilly’s investigational triple agonist retatrutide from ADA 2026.

Diabetes Dialogue: The International Diabetes Federation and Care Access in India, With Amit Gupta, MBBS, DNB

In this special episode, shot live at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in Ner Orleans, Louisiana, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, are joined by Amit Gupta, MBBS, DNB, diabetologist, executive director of the Global Metabolic Health Alliance, and chair of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Education Committee, to discuss the state of diabetes care and treatment in India compared to the US.

To begin the episode, Gupta introduces the mission of the IDF, highlighting its role as a worldwide federation of scientific societies and patient organizations focused on improving diabetes education, policy, advocacy, and access to care. The conversation explores how diabetes management differs across regions, emphasizing that while the underlying disease mechanisms and available therapies may be similar, access to medications, technologies, healthcare infrastructure, and education varies significantly between countries.

Gupta discusses the impact of semaglutide becoming available as a generic therapy in India following patent expiration, describing how reduced costs have improved access to a medication previously limited by affordability barriers. The group considers how increased availability of GLP-1 receptor agonists may transform diabetes and obesity management, while also emphasizing that pharmacologic therapies alone cannot address the global metabolic health crisis. Gupta notes the importance of maintaining focus on long-term lifestyle changes, including nutrition, physical activity, and sustainable weight management, as essential components of comprehensive care.

The discussion then shifts to diabetes education and the need for more individualized, patient-centered approaches. Gupta highlights that education must be adapted to regional and cultural contexts, explaining that the challenges faced by a person with diabetes in the United States, Africa, India, or other parts of the world may differ substantially, even though diabetes distress and the burden of daily decision-making are shared experiences. He emphasizes that access to technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring, does not eliminate the need for education and support.

Isaacs, Bellini, and Gupta also address the growing challenge of misinformation online and the role of healthcare professionals in helping patients navigate unreliable sources of health information. Gupta explains that clinicians must approach misinformation constructively by providing evidence-based guidance rather than simply dismissing patients’ beliefs, reinforcing the importance of translating scientific evidence into practical recommendations that patients can incorporate into their daily lives.

The group further examines disparities in the availability of diabetes educators worldwide. Gupta notes that while some regions have established professional pathways for diabetes care and education specialists, many areas lack standardized training, recognition, or policy support to sustain these roles. He stresses that building effective diabetes education systems requires collaboration with policymakers to demonstrate the long-term benefits of structured education programs.

The episode concludes with Gupta discussing his work developing a global consensus framework on lifestyle as the foundation of metabolic health. The conversation reinforces that advances in medications and technology must be paired with equitable access, effective education, and sustainable lifestyle interventions to reduce the global burden of diabetes and improve outcomes for people living with metabolic conditions.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others. Gupta reports disclosures with Lilly, Abbott Diabetes, and the International Diabetes Federation.

Gupta A. IDF Perspective on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES): PWD Perspective. Abstract presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026, New Orleans, LA. June 5-8, 2026.

Gupta A. Uptake of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Under-Resourced Populations. Abstract presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026, New Orleans, LA. June 5-8, 2026.

Amit Gupta, MBBS, DNB, joins the show to discuss diabetes treatment in a traditionally underserved population and to address the IDF’s work in moving it forward.

Diabetes Dialogue: Diabetes Technology and Treatment in the UK, With Ketan Dhatariya, MD, PhD, MS

In this special episode recorded live at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, welcome Ketan Dhatariya, MD, PhD, MS, consultant physician at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, to discuss the evolving landscape of diabetes care, technology access, and clinical implementation.

To begin the episode, Dhatariya shares his perspective on the challenges facing diabetologists, including workforce pressures, specialist training, and the difficulty of translating rapidly expanding diabetes guidelines and innovations into everyday clinical practice. The conversation then shifts to the differences between healthcare systems and how those structures influence access to diabetes therapies. Dhatariya discusses the UK’s publicly funded healthcare model and the ongoing challenge of balancing the cost of emerging medications and technologies with their long-term benefits. He highlights the importance of demonstrating that investments in diabetes care today can reduce complications and healthcare costs in the future.

Dhatariya then reviews the progress of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated insulin delivery (AID) adoption in the UK. He explains that CGM use among people with type 1 diabetes has become widespread, particularly among children, and that access to closed-loop systems continues to expand through structured implementation plans. He emphasizes the meaningful improvements these technologies have provided, including better glycemic outcomes among children and pregnant individuals, who may experience significant benefits from improved glucose management.

The discussion explores how diabetes technology can support people with different lifestyles and challenges, while challenging assumptions about which patients may benefit most from advanced therapies. Dhatariya highlights that CGM and AID can provide valuable support for individuals who may struggle with traditional insulin management, while also emphasizing the need for appropriate education and follow-up to ensure safe and effective use.

The group also discusses CGM use in type 2 diabetes and the growing evidence supporting broader access. Dhatariya explains that adoption has been slower because of the larger population affected by type 2 diabetes but notes emerging data suggesting CGM may help reduce complications, hospitalizations, and long-term healthcare costs. He describes the impact of seeing real-time glucose data, explaining how personal experience with CGM can help people better understand the relationship between food, behavior, and glucose patterns.

The conversation then turns to access to GLP-1 receptor agonists in the UK and how healthcare systems determine eligibility for newer therapies. Dhatariya discusses the role of national guidance and health economic evaluations in balancing access, affordability, and sustainability. He highlights how improving obesity-related disease management may have broader benefits, including helping reduce the burden of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.

The episode also explores inpatient diabetes care and the increasing presence of diabetes technology in hospital settings. Dhatariya discusses guidance developed by the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care to help clinicians safely manage patients admitted while using CGM, insulin pumps, and AID systems. He emphasizes that devices should not automatically be removed and that patients may be able to continue using technology when they are well enough and capable of managing their systems.

Finally, Dhatariya discusses the importance of structured diabetes education, including the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) program, which teaches carbohydrate counting, insulin adjustment, and self-management skills. He emphasizes that as diabetes technology becomes more advanced, education remains essential for both patients and clinicians. The episode concludes with a discussion of the need for continued advocacy, specialist care, and equitable access to ensure people with diabetes can benefit from ongoing advances in diabetes technology.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others. Dhatariya reports disclosures with AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk.

Ketan Dhatariya, MD, PhD, MS, joins the show to discuss how therapies for diabetes have evolved in the UK in comparison to the US.

Diabetes Dialogue: Omnipod and AID Advancements at Insulet, With Trang Ly, PhD, MBBS

In this special episode recorded live at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, welcome Trang Ly, PhD, MBBS, senior vice president and Chief Medical Officer at Insulet, to discuss the continued evolution of automated insulin delivery (AID) technology and emerging developments across the Omnipod platform.

To begin the episode, Ly first reviews updates to Omnipod 5, focusing on enhancements aimed at increasing time in automated mode and improving glucose management. She explains that user feedback identified opportunities to support lower glucose targets and reduce interruptions related to system alerts. Data from real-world evidence and computer simulations suggest that lowering the glucose target from 110 to 100 mg/dL may lead to meaningful improvements in time in range and time in tight range without increasing hypoglycemia risk.

The group discusses early clinical experience with these enhancements, including findings from users who transitioned to the updated system. Ly highlights that even a highly engaged population already using lower targets experienced additional improvements, including a 2% increase in time in range and a 5% increase in time in tight range over a short period of use. The conversation emphasizes the importance of making these improvements broadly available rather than waiting for routine follow-up visits, particularly given the potential benefits without additional safety concerns.

The discussion then turns to Omnipod 6, with Ly sharing newly presented clinical trial data evaluating the next-generation system. She describes the study design, which enrolled users already achieving strong glycemic control on Omnipod 5 and assessed whether further intensification through algorithm improvements could safely provide additional benefits. The results demonstrated a 4% improvement in time in range and up to a 7% increase in time in tight range, with particularly notable improvements among individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 14 years and older.

Ly explains that Omnipod 6 builds on previous technology through changes to the core algorithm, allowing the system to deliver more insulin when users do not bolus consistently. The panel explores how this approach may reduce the burden of diabetes management by allowing the algorithm to take on more responsibility while maintaining glycemic control. They discuss the potential psychological benefits of reducing the daily demands placed on people with diabetes, especially as sensor accuracy and automation continue to improve.

The conversation also highlights future opportunities for AID in type 2 diabetes. Ly shares early feasibility data from a fully closed-loop system designed specifically for individuals with type 2 diabetes, emphasizing its simplified approach without requiring traditional pump programming or meal bolusing. In this study, participants experienced improvements in time in range, demonstrating the potential for automated insulin delivery to reach broader populations.

Isaacs and Bellini discuss the need to reconsider barriers to insulin pump adoption in type 2 diabetes and recognize AID as an accessible option for patients who may benefit. Ly emphasizes that technology should support people across different levels of engagement, offering both highly customizable systems for those seeking intensive management and simpler automated approaches for those looking to reduce daily treatment demands.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the future of diabetes technology, including improved connectivity, expanded device flexibility, and continued integration with complementary therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ly underscores that innovation should not only improve clinical outcomes but also reduce the burden of care, allowing people with diabetes to spend less time managing their condition and more time living their lives.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others. Ly reports a disclosure with Insulet.

Insulet. Insulet Reveals New Data Supporting Breakthrough Omnipod 6 and Fully Closed-Loop AID Systems Designed to Improve Outcomes, Reduce Effort, and Unlock Barriers to Care. June 6, 2026. Accessed June 7, 2026. 

https://investors.insulet.com/news/news-details/2026/Insulet-Reveals-New-Data-Supporting-Breakthrough-Omnipod-6-and-Fully-Closed-Loop-AID-Systems-Designed-to-Improve-Outcomes-Reduce-Effort-and-Unlock-Barriers-to-Care/default.aspx

Trang Ly, PhD, MBBS, joins the show to discuss Insulet’s recent advancements in automated insulin delivery and the trajectory of the Omnipod platform.

Natalie Bellini, DNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES

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