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

In this episode, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, breakdown recent trial news from the 2 most popular incretin therapies: semaglutide and tirzepatide. First, hosts breakdown the November 24, 2025 announcement from Novo Nordisk disclosing their evoke and evoke+ trials of oral semaglutide in early symptomatic Alzheimer Disease failed to slow disease progression. Next, hosts break down the TIRTLE study, which examined use of tirzepatide in patients with type 1 diabetes. Semaglutide Misses Mark in Alzheimer Disease Novo Nordisk announced top-line results from the evoke and evoke+ phase 3 trials showing oral semaglutide 14 mg did not slow disease progression over 2 years in adults with early symptomatic Alzheimerdisease, with no significant difference in CDR-SB change versus placebo. Despite improvements in Alzheimer-related biomarkers across both studies, neither trial demonstrated a slowing of clinical decline. evoke was a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 1,855 participants aged 55–85 with amyloid-positive CDR 0.5 MCI or CDR 1.0 mild dementia, treated 1:1 with semaglutide or placebo for 104 weeks plus a planned 52-week extension. evoke+ mirrored this design, randomizing 1,953 participants with the same eligibility criteria to daily semaglutide 14 mg or placebo for a total planned duration of 156 weeks. Findings from the trials will be presented at the 2025 Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference on December 3, 2025. The lack of efficacy led to discontinuation of the planned 1-year extension period across both trials, though safety and tolerability remained consistent with prior semaglutide experience in diabetes and obesity. TIRTLE: Tirzepatide Shows Benefit in Type 1 Diabetes In a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of 24 adults with type 1 diabetes and BMI >30 kg/m², tirzepatide produced a 10.3-kg mean weight loss versus 0.7 kg on placebo, an −8.7-kg treatment difference (P < 0.0001) corresponding to 8.8% total body weight reduction. All tirzepatide-treated participants achieved ≥5% weight loss, and 45% achieved ≥10%, compared with 9% and 0% in the placebo group. Eligibility criteria required patients to be 18 years of age or older, with confirmed type 1 diabetes, obesity (BMI >30), and stable insulin therapy. Tirzepatide also improved glycemic control, reducing HbA1c by 0.4%, and decreased total daily insulin dose by 35% relative to placebo (−24.2 vs −0.3 units/day). Safety data suggested no significant adverse events occurred, with 22 of the 24 participants completing the study. Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others. References: Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk A/S: Evoke phase 3 trials did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in Alzheimer’s disease progression. Novo Nordisk. November 24, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916462. Snaith JR, Frampton R, Samocha-Bonet D, Greenfield JR. Tirzepatide in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Phase 2 Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Diabetes Care. Published online November 20, 2025. doi:10.2337/dc25-2379

In this episode, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, review two major developments in diabetes care: the forthcoming 15-day Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and significant new price reductions for semaglutide as Ozempic and Wegovy. Key Episode Timestamps 00:00:01 Introduction 00:00:30 Dexcom G7 00:01:55 A 15-Day Sensor With a 12-Hour Grace Period 00:04:27 Seamless transition to the new G7 00:05:23 Looking back at Dexcom's advancements 00:06:34 Dexcom's Smart Basal feature 00:10:34 Price cuts for semaglutide - Wegovy and Ozempic 00:14:54 Cheaper GLP-1s on the pharmacies' end 00:20:33 Outro

In this episode, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, meet in person at the Diabetes Technology Meeting (DTM) in San Francisco to discuss the latest clinical and regulatory advances surrounding semaglutide. Key Episode Timestamps 00:00:01 Introduction 00:00:42 Oral semaglutide's FDA approval 00:02:02 The SOUL trial and Rybelsus's cardiovascular indication 00:03:35 Dosing for Rybelsus 00:06:18 The SELECT trial 00:08:29 Can GLP-1s be cardiovascular treatments? 00:14:08 Outro

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives! In this episode, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, explore 3 significant developments shaping diabetes care: a novel glucose-sensing technology, the return of once-weekly insulin icodec to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and changes to Eli Lilly’s metabolic research pipeline. 00:00:01 Introduction 00:00:18 The Biolinq Shine 00:05:59 The Practicality of Monitoring Glucose 00:06:55 Wishlist for the Biolinq's Future 00:08:38 Insulin Icodec Resubmission 00:10:21 Benefits of Once-Weekly Insulin 00:14:00 International Success Stories 00:15:28 Eli Lilly Cancels Bimagrumab for T2D 00:18:36 Bimagrumab Still in Testing for Obesity 00:22:49 Outro

In this milestone 150th episode of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, and Real-World Perspectives, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, reflect on three and a half years of transformation in diabetes care and the evolution of their podcast since its launch in early 2022. What began as a modest plan for monthly discussions rapidly expanded into a weekly forum driven by an ever-accelerating pace of clinical innovation and the hosts’ shared enthusiasm for translating emerging science into practice.

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives! In this episode, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, sit down with Bob Vigersky, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Medtronic Diabetes, to discuss major developments in diabetes technology, regulatory approvals, and the company’s future direction. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:27 Background of Bob Vigersky, MD 00:02:40 Updates from Medtronic Diabetes 00:08:02 The Instinct Sensor 00:10:20 Calibrating New Devices 00:12:27 Moving to Type 2 00:15:00 Bolusing with New Devices 00:17:39 Looking Down the Pipeline 00:22:07 Prescribing the MiniMed 00:35:45 Outro

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives! In this episode, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospital Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, discuss the recently published results of the ATTAIN-1 and STEP UP clinical trials, both of which were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2025 Conference. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:32 ATTAIN-1 00:04:07 GLP-1s as a Daily Pill 00:08:20 Possible Lower GLP-1 Prices 00:09:03 STEP UP 00:11:41 Cardiovascular Protection with GLP-1s 00:12:48 GI Side Effects of Semaglutide 7.2 00:16:16 3 Times the Dose, 3 Times the Cardiovascular Protection? 00:17:20 Outro

At ESC 2025, a pair of presentations highlighted the ongoing debate over cardiovascular risk reduction with semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), yielding conflicting signals that clinicians will need to interpret carefully. In this special edition episode, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, explore these studies: SURMOUNT-5 and STEER. A post hoc analysis of SURMOUNT-5 compared the 10-year predicted CV risk reduction between the 2 agents. Using the Framingham Risk Calculator in 751 patients with obesity, tirzepatide was associated with greater benefit than semaglutide. From baseline risks of ~9%, tirzepatide was projected to lower absolute 10-year CV risk by 2.4% (23% relative reduction) compared with 1.4% (13% relative reduction) for semaglutide. Investigators attributed the advantage largely to greater weight and glycemic reductions. In contrast, the STEER study, a real-world analysis of more than 21,000 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.5 months, suggested semaglutide was associated with lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than tirzepatide. Semaglutide users had a 29% risk reduction in nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, or CV death compared with tirzepatide. Limitations included short follow-up, relatively few CV events, and the inherent confounding of observational data. Both Isaacs and Bellini emphasized that while weight and glycemic improvements with tirzepatide appear robust, CV benefits may be molecule-specific. The ongoing SURPASS-CVOT, comparing tirzepatide with dulaglutide, should provide more clarity when full data are released at EASD. In the interim, the hosts advised prescribing based on labeled indications supported by randomized outcomes data—semaglutide for CV and kidney risk reduction, tirzepatide for obesity and sleep apnea—while awaiting definitive trial results. Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others. References: Mamas M. SURMOUNT-5: Tirzepatide compared to Semaglutide in obesity for 10-year CVD risk reduction .Presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025. Madrid, Spain. August 29- September 1, 2025. Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® cuts risk of heart attack, stroke or death by 57% compared to tirzepatide in real-world study of people with obesity and cardiovascular disease. Novo Nordisk. Published August 31, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916422

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives! In this episode, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, explore the latest milestone for semaglutide (Wegovy): US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced fibrosis. They frame the decision as a breakthrough in addressing a disease that affects an estimated 6% of the U.S. population, with even higher prevalence among individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. MASH, often underrecognized and asymptomatic in its early stages, carries serious long-term consequences, including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and premature mortality. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:32 Semaglutide (Wegovy) Approval 00:06:31 Novo Nordisk Announces Ozempic Price Change 00:08:21 Compounding Pharmacies 00:10:57 The Future of Semaglutide

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives! In this episode, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, shared highlights on several major insulin delivery updates making waves at recent meetings. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 Pivot by Modular Medical 00:07:13 Medtronic's Partnership with Abbott - the Instinct Sensor 00:09:04 Tandem's One-Handed Insert 00:10:14 Tandem's Mobi Patch Pump

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives! In this episode, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, highlight key advancements in diabetes management, particularly in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during pregnancy and the anticipated future of continuous ketone monitoring, from Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) 2025 annual meeting. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:30 Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Pregnancy 00:04:59 Stello versus Finger Sticks for Insulin Dosing 00:13:43 Innovative Presentations at ADCES 00:14:36 Ketone Monitoring 00:18:15 Product Theaters and Gamification at ADCES

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, share key insights and takeaways from the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) 2025 annual meeting. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:25 Orforglipron and the ATTAIN-1 study 00:01:29 Why orforglipron is exciting 00:04:21 ADCES - Incredible Incretins 00:10:33 ADCES - AI in diabetes management 00:12:59 New AI tools for endocrinology 00:19:01 ADCES - Implicit bias 00:21:30 Closing

On July 31, 2025, Eli Lilly and Company announced topline data from the SURPASS‑CVOT trial comparing tirzepatide (Mounjaro) to dulaglutide (Trulicity) in adults with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). According to the data, tirzepatide met the primary non‑inferiority endpoint for 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95.3% CI, 0.83 to 1.01), while also showing additional benefits in A1C, weight reduction, renal preservation, and a 16% reduction in all‑cause mortality (HR, 0.84; 95.0% CI, 0.75 to 0.94). In the latest episode of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, and Real-World Perspectives, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, unpacked the top-line results of the SURPASS-CVOT trial. Eli Lilly and Company owns both drugs, which belong to the incretin class, but tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, while dulaglutide is a GLP-1 RA. The trial included over 13,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and either established cardiovascular disease or at high risk. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, the primary endpoint, which was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke, was reduced by 8% in the tirzepatide group relative to dulaglutide. However, the result did not reach statistical superiority due to the confidence interval crossing unity. Isaacs and Bellini also highlighted significantly greater A1c (-1.73% vs -0.9%) and weight loss (12% vs 4.95%) with tirzepatide. Additional prespecified analyses comparing data with the placebo-controlled REWIND trial suggest tirzepatide could offer up to 28% MACE and 39% mortality risk reduction compared to theoretical placebo—findings that hint at broader cardiometabolic benefit. Before concluding, hosts speculated about the potential subgroup analyses of interest for the trial, including heart failure and renal outcomes, as well as a brief discussion around Eli Lilly and Company’s intent to submit a regulatory application for a cardiovascular indication before the close of 2025. Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others. References: Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist, demonstrated cardiovascular protection in landmark head-to-head trial, reinforcing its benefit in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. July 31, 2025. Accessed July 31, 2025. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-mounjaro-tirzepatide-gipglp-1-dual-agonist-demonstrated

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, and Real-World Perspectives! In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discuss the newly released Preexisting Diabetes in Pregnancy guidelines from The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, which offer 10 key recommendations to improve outcomes in pregnant individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:25 Recommendations 1 and 2 00:02:27 Recommendation 3 00:07:11 Recommendation 4 00:09:58 Recommendation 5 00:14:51 Recommendations 6 and 7 00:19:05 Recommendation 8 00:23:11 Recommendation 9 00:25:11 Recommendation 10

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, and Real-World Perspectives! In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, recapped highlights from the 2025 Endocrine Society annual meeting. They spotlighted advances, controversies, and ongoing unmet needs in type 1 diabetes care. 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:40 GLP-1 RAs in type 1 diabetes 00:05:50 Tirzepatide in type 1 diabetes 00:08:32 Cardioprotective therapies in type 1 diabetes 00:12:17 Type 1 diabetes Barbie and public education

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, sit down with Carol Levy, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center and Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research, to discuss the upcoming T1D Pregnancy and Me – or PRAM T1D – clinical study. Enrollment for T1D Pregnancy & Me is currently open. Interested listeners can enroll at https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials/t1d-pregnancy-me. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:43 The "why" behind the trial 00:04:24 The structure of the study 00:07:37 Will maternal outcomes be collected? 00:08:12 Can patients enroll themselves in this trial? 00:12:40 No devices will be excluded 00:15:20 Dividing data based on first versus later pregnancies 00:18:14 Will you continue to enroll after the first 500?

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, continue their recap of ADA’s 2025 Scientific Sessions, spotlighting 3 more of the top clinical trials focused on obesity and type 2 diabetes. 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:31 BELIEVE Trial 00:08:11 Phase 2 Maritide Trial 00:17:12 CATALYST-2

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, recap some of the biggest clinical trials presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 conference in Chicago, Illinois. 00:00 Introduction 2:04 The Vertex Trial 6:57 The T1D Trial 15:23 The Achieve 1 Trial

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives, recorded during the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA 2025) in Chicago, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, speak with Rachael Sood, RN, MSN, APRN, NP, CDCES, founder of The Diabetes Collective, about modern approaches to diabetes care, patient engagement, and the role of social media in education and advocacy. The discussion highlights Sood’s innovative use of social media to make diabetes education accessible and engaging. Known for creative and widely shared content—such as her wedding-themed video announcing the Dexcom G7 and Omnipod 5 integration—Sood shares how spontaneous, relatable messaging can improve awareness and patient connection. Her content spans emerging therapeutics like GLP-1 receptor agonists, type 1 diabetes staging and screening, and technology updates such as ketone monitoring and CGM integration. Sood reflects on the emotional impact of recent ADA presentations, including advances in islet cell therapy and the evolving treatment landscape for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers offering clear, empathetic, and tailored care, recounting a patient case where basic interventions—CGM use, education, and therapeutic escalation—had a transformative effect after years of clinical inertia. The episode underscores the value of clinician-led care, continuity, and communication, particularly in independent practices. Sood also points to the importance of collaborative energy within the diabetes community, noting the power of partnerships among healthcare professionals, patients, and advocacy groups to drive progress. Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Sanofi, and others. Sood has no relevant disclosures to report.

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, recorded live at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA 2025), hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, welcome Jay Shubrook, DO, and Conan Tu, MD, to explore the mission and momentum of the American College of Diabetology. The conversation centers on addressing the national shortage of diabetes specialists. Shubrook, a primary care diabetologist and founding figure in diabetology training, details the evolution of fellowship programs dating back to 2004, with the current infrastructure supporting 11 programs and plans for further expansion. Tu, an internist from New York, shares his personal journey into diabetology, emphasizing the increasing demand for diabetes-focused care in primary settings and the transformative impact of timely, expert-level interventions. The guests outline how the American College of Diabetology is building a standardized, certified workforce through board certification, with an emphasis on team-based care. The College is also actively expanding to include pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals in its educational and certification efforts, helping to equip interdisciplinary teams to manage diabetes more effectively. Additional discussion highlights include the importance of continuity of care—particularly during the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes services—the integration of cardiometabolic risk management, and the critical need for scalable models of care. The speakers advocate for diabetologists to serve not only as direct providers but as in-house experts, mentors, and system-level educators capable of elevating care across large networks. Learn more about the American College of Diabetology. Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Sanofi, and others. Relevant dislcures for Tu include AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, and Optum. Relevant disclosures for Shubrook include Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Eli Lilly and Company, and Novo Nordisk.