Diana Isaacs and Natalie Bellini on Translating the Latest Diabetes Research into Real Life

Natalie Bellini, DNP,  BC-ADM, CDCES and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES join Scott to cut through the noise of the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Scientific Sessions for an hour-long special! For many people living with type 1 diabetes, this annual conference can feel like a dense academic event designed strictly for clinicians and researchers. However, in this episode, Natalie and Diana break down a few highlights and talk about what they mean for daily life with T1D.

They explore some of the most exciting developments presented at the conference, including advancements in islet cell transplants, the promise of Continuous Ketone Monitoring (CKM), and the evolving role of GLP-1s and inhaled insulin in T1D management. It’s a candid, realistic look at what’s on the horizon, what’s still experimental, and how to filter out the headlines to focus on tools that will actually improve your quality of life. And while these are great actionable takeaways, you should always consult with your personal healthcare team before making any changes to your treatment plan.

What You'll Learn

• Translating Research: Why ADA Scientific Sessions matter for people with T1D and how to think about "bench research" versus tools you might actually see in your doctor's office soon.
• Islet Cell Transplants: Updates on the Eledon trial and the use of Tegoprubart to reduce the burden of traditional, harsh immunosuppression.
• Continuous Ketone Monitoring (CKM): How a new sensor (like the Libre Duo) could revolutionize DKA detection and prevention for both adults and children.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors: Understanding the benefits and risks of these medications in type 1 diabetes, specifically regarding euglycemic DKA.
• Inhaled Insulin: How inhaled insulin is expanding to pediatric use, what that means for adults with T1D, and practical ways it can be used for "rescue" dosing or meal management alongside traditional insulin delivery therapy.
• GLP-1s in T1D: Why these hormones are a hot topic, focusing on how they help with hunger cues, glucose fluctuations, and overall cardiovascular/kidney health.

Key Quotes

• "Fortunately, DKA is not super common, but it's a life-threatening emergency. So I think anything we can do to prevent that is a huge, huge win." – Diana Isaacs
• "I'm looking for these pearls. What can I take back? What can we do right now?" – Natalie Bellini
• "Behind every number is a story. It's not just throwing tech at people. It's also listening to their story and really individualizing the care that we provide." – Diana Isaacs

Resources & Links

• Diabetes Dialogue podcast - https://www.hcplive.com/podcasts/diabetes-dialogue
• diaTribe ADA 2026 Articles -
  • https://diatribe.org/diabetes-research/top-diabetes-news-ada-2026
  • https://diatribe.org/diabetes-technology/diabetes-technology-highlights-ada-2026
• Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.