I try to keep a running pulse on where diabetes tech is headed, not just the headline announcements but what's actually shipping, what's stuck in FDA limbo, and what's still years from mattering to your daily management. Here's what's worth knowing this week.
Pumps & Automated Insulin Delivery
MiniMed Flex is coming. Medtronic's spinoff is launching Flex, a screenless tubed pump about half the size of the current 780G, running the same AID algorithm. It pairs with MiniMed's Simplera Sync or Abbott's Instinct CGM, and it's cleared for people 7+ with T1D and adults with T2D on insulin. Expected by summer 2026, with a $0 upgrade for anyone who bought a 780G after February 18.
Beta Bionics under FDA scrutiny. The iLet Bionic Pancreas maker got a warning letter over how it handled complaints, including leaking insulin cartridges and connector issues that could throw off dosing accuracy. Beta Bionics says it's taking corrective action.
twiist keeps racking up data. Sequel's twiist AID system, paired with Senseonics' Eversense 365, now has real-world data across more than 12,000 open-loop sensor users and 150+ people running closed-loop for 30+ days.
Insulet's next act. Omnipod 6 and a new fully closed-loop system for type 2 diabetes both showed meaningful glucose-control improvements in this year's pivotal trials (STRIVE and EVOLUTION 3). Patch pumps are shaping up as the main competitive battleground of 2026, with Beta Bionics, Tandem, and MiniMed all chasing Insulet's lead.
Tandem expands in Europe. Control-IQ+ is now approved across Europe for use during T1D pregnancy and in adults with type 2 diabetes, backed by two major clinical trials.
CGM
Dexcom G7 15-Day. Extended wear time and an updated algorithm, already integrated with Omnipod 5 and iLet. Tandem integration is expected soon.
Abbott's Libre Duo. A dual glucose and ketone sensor, now CE marked. It tracks both continuously, aimed at catching DKA risk before it becomes an emergency.
Dexcom acquires Nutrisense. The wellness-tracking company joins Dexcom's portfolio, alongside updates to the Stelo over-the-counter CGM app.
Insulin
Weekly basal insulin moves through FDA review. Novo's insulin icodec could replace daily basal injections with a once-a-week shot, if approved.
Afrezza's pediatric expansion. MannKind's inhaled insulin just got FDA approval for kids, with new data showing better treatment satisfaction than injected rapid-acting insulins.
Smart insulin is still years out. An Indiana University team led by Michael Weiss is developing an insulin-glucagon fusion protein designed to prevent severe lows. It's still in animal testing, with human trials not expected until at least 2029. Novo and Lilly both have early candidates in human safety studies, but nothing is close to market.
Cure Research
Vertex's zimislecel enters Phase 3. This stem-cell-derived islet cell therapy has regulatory filings to the FDA, EMA, and UK expected this year. It still requires immunosuppression, but trial participants have reached real insulin independence.
Sana's hypoimmune islets. Sana Biotechnology's gene-edited islets are built to be invisible to the immune system, with no anti-rejection drugs needed. Their first transplant recipient is now past a year out and still producing insulin. Sana is partnering with Mayo Clinic to scale into broader Phase 1 trials.
Kriya's gene therapy trial begins. Kriya Therapeutics starts human trials this year for a one-time gene therapy injected into muscle tissue, designed to make muscle cells produce insulin and glucokinase. The goal: skip both donor cells and immunosuppression.
That's this week's roundup. New pumps, smarter CGMs, and cure research that's inching closer to real. I'll be tracking this weekly, so check back for the next one.